Naga Scholars Association (NSA) organised a special talk on “At nature’s edge: History, ecology and the Asian century”, at School of International Studies (SIS), JNU, New Delhi on June 1.
A press release from NSA general secretary, Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei stated that, professor Mahesh Rangarajan, author, academician, historian, researcher; professor Rajat Datta, professor of History and chairperson at Centre for Historical Studies, JNU were the speakers.
Prof. Mahesh Rangarajan explained that the two disciplines History and Ecology were similar in nature as both disciplines described the past standing in the present to build a better future.
He pointed out that with the coming of the 20th century the rate of extinction of species had increased manifold. This should alert us, he said, to the magnitude of the environment crisis facing Asia and the world today.
He pointed out that war and conflicts in the 20th century impacted environment in a deadly manner. He cited the examples of Vietnam and Nagasaki where chemicals used went on to pollute water and soil systems in Vietnam and had a debilitating impact on environment in Japan.
Finally, Dr. Rangarajan highlighted the importance of peace and justice for preserving the ecology and environment in the 21st century. The session ended with concluding remarks from the chairperson prof. Rajat Datta followed by vote of thanks by Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei, general secretary of NSA. The rapporteur was Dr. Ngoru Nixon.
Earlier, NSA president Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan gave the welcome note and introduced the speaker and chairperson.