Resource persons with organisers and others during the National Seminar held on November 24 and 25.
Kohima, November 27 (MExN): The Departments of Political Science, Sociology and History of Model Christian College organized a National Seminar on the topic ‘Federal Democracy and Ethnic Identity: Challenges and Prospects’ on November 24 and 25 with Prof R.C.Gupta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, N.U., Meriema Campus, Kohima as the guest of honour. While delivering the keynote address, Dr. NK Das, Social Anthropologist and former Dy. Director, Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata, said that “India needs a clear debate on federation.” Prof. Gupta, in his speech mentioned about India as a diversified country with a long history of invaders which makes the country rich in culture and traditions. He summed up by saying that education is the only solution to mitigate challenges prevailing in the country.
A press note received here stated that the two day seminar was divided into 5 sessions with 14 presenters from different states like Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Nagaland.
Dr. Mondal highlighted various issues and challenges like money power, muscle power, candidates with criminal backgrounds and also illiteracy in India. On the other hand, Mr. Zamir Ahmad Butt shared about the glorious history of Kashmir before Indian Independence. He compared the post-colonial situation of the Nagas and the Kashmiris and an analysis on the political disputes between the center and these states. Dr. Haripriya mentioned about nationalism in the context of North-East as a part of ethnicity and poetry reflecting the identity representing the field of colonial relations. In the following sessions, the topics focused on the issues of women in society and politics. Dr. Esita addressed the issues of Muslim women in democratic politics, while Ms. Swuro talked about Naga Women’s representation in politics. Further Dr. NK Das talked about the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement. The seminar winded up with Dr. Ray, who spoke on the topic “Indian DNA: Genomics and the Making of a Bionation”.
Lastly, the seminar ended with a valedictory session with Dr. Mondal highlighting the presentation of the two day event along with the topics while Dr. Debbarma gave a critique of the seminar. K Meyiesul Chaya, Asst. Professor, Model Christian College concluded with a vote of thanks and expressed his special gratitude to ICSSR (Shillong) and the Governor of Nagaland, P.B. Aacharya for sponsoring the seminar.
