RONO HILLS, Mar 16: A two-day National Seminar cum Alumni Meet themed “Northeast India in Transition: Connectivity, Development, and Emerging Issues” was organized by RGU’s Department of Geography in collaboration with the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, GoAP to deliberate on the rapidly changing socio-economic and spatial dynamics of Northeast India on March 13-14 at the RGU premises here.
The seminar brought together academicians, administrators, researchers, alumni, and students from across the country to deliberate on issues related to regional connectivity, development trajectories, and emerging socio-environmental concerns in Northeast India.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session, Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor (acting) Prof S K Nayak underscored the strategic significance of the Northeast in India’s development vision and appreciated the academic initiative of the department in facilitating dialogue among researchers and practitioners.
RGU Registrar (in-charge) Prof Otem Padung lauded the Dept of Geography for initiating an academic platform to examine the transformative processes unfolding in the region.
The keynote address was delivered by noted geographer Prof Atiqur Rahman of Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), who spoke extensively on the evolving patterns of regional connectivity, development corridors, and the need for inclusive water management in India, through a captivating PPT presentation on ‘Sinking Blue Planet in the Age of Globalization, Urbanization & Climate Change’.
Presenting the concept of the seminar, Prof Tage Rupa Sora, Convener of the programme, emphasized that the region is witnessing unprecedented infrastructural expansion and policy attention, making it crucial for scholars and policymakers to reflect on the opportunities and emerging challenges.
Earlier, Prof Sailajananda Saikia, Dean Faculty of Environmental Sciences, highlighted the growing importance of connectivity and regional cooperation in shaping the future of Northeast India.
Nampong MLA Laisam Simai also addressed the geographers as chief guest during the valedictory programme, and appreciated the initiative of the RGU in bringing scholars together to deliberate on the region’s connectivity, development challenges, and emerging opportunities. He emphasized the role of academic institutions in shaping informed policies and sustainable development strategies for the Northeast.
Prof Gibji Nimasow, HoD Geography, highlighted the importance of scholarly dialogue on the changing socio-economic and spatial dynamics of Northeast India.
The seminar report was presented by Prof. Tage Rupa Sora, Convenor, summarizing the key discussions, research presentations, and academic exchanges that took place during the two-day event.
The alumni meet of the Alumni Association of Geography (AAG) recorded 63 members attending it and sharing their feelings and inputs. The president of the Association, Dr David Pertin, who is also RGU Jt Registrar, appealed to the members to enthusiastically participate in activities to make the association vibrant.
The AAG-sponsored Best Paper Award was presented to Navya Kashyap of RGU for her outstanding research paper presentation and the Eklavya Award for 2024-25 (academic session) went to Rotom Ter recognizing his overall academic excellence and dedication.