The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, honored the inaugural annual conference of the Sociological Association of Northeast India (SANEI) at Japfu Christian College, Kigwema, on Thursday.
Themed “Sociology in Northeast India: Retrospects and Prospects,” the event brought together academicians, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on pressing social issues affecting the region.
In his keynote address, Governor Ganesan underscored the pivotal role of sociology in understanding and shaping the socio-cultural landscape of Northeast India. He stressed that the discipline is not only essential for documenting the lived experiences of the region’s diverse communities but also for informing policies that promote inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development.
Highlighting the Northeast’s unique blend of traditions, cultures, and ethnic identities, the Governor acknowledged the resilience of its people in navigating historical and contemporary challenges.
He pointed out that the region stands at a crucial crossroads—balancing rapid modernization with the need to preserve indigenous knowledge systems. Achieving this balance, he noted, is fundamental to safeguarding cultural identities while pursuing progress.
Governor Ganesan called for collaboration between sociologists, social scientists, policymakers, and community leaders to tackle critical issues such as gender equality, violence against women, economic disparities, migration, climate change, identity, and environmental sustainability.
He emphasized that interdisciplinary research and academic partnerships are indispensable in crafting well-informed policies that can drive meaningful social transformation.
The Governor also stressed the importance of community engagement in sociological research. He advocated for participatory methodologies that ensure indigenous and marginalized voices shape academic discourse and policy interventions.
Encouraging ethical and impactful scholarship, he expressed hope that the conference would inspire innovative ideas, constructive debates, and actionable solutions for the betterment of the region and beyond.
Delivering the presidential and keynote address, Professor Chandan Kumar Sharma of Tezpur University reflected on the relatively late arrival of sociology as an academic discipline in Northeast India, with the first sociology department established at Dibrugarh University in 1967. Despite this, he noted that sociology has since become the fastest-growing social science in the region.
Prof. Sharma critically examined the conceptualization of Northeast India, cautioning against oversimplified narratives that either exaggerate intra-regional differences or homogenize the area. He pointed out that terms such as ‘tribe,’ ‘inter-community relations,’ ‘commons,’ ‘territory,’ ‘homeland,’ and ‘border’ still carry colonial connotations, influencing both public discourse and academic research.
Sociology, he argued, has the potential to challenge such misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of the region.
The professor also urged sociologists to remain attuned to shifting social realities, fulfilling roles as educators, researchers, and public intellectuals. He emphasized the need for empirical rigor in regional sociological studies while staying connected to broader national and global research trends. Failure to do so, he warned, could result in a narrow and insular approach to sociology in the Northeast.
Earlier in the event, Planning Advisor of the North Eastern Council (NEC) Shillong, Som Kamei, addressed the gathering as the guest of honor. The program was chaired by Japfu Christian College Principal Visakhono Hibo, with the welcome address and secretary’s report delivered by Ajailiu Niumai from the University of Hyderabad. The vote of thanks was extended by RK Mohanty of Mizoram University.
The two-day conference, hosted by Japfu Christian College and sponsored by the Northeast Council in collaboration with the All India Sociological Conference, featured over 50 paper presentations, panel discussions, and special lectures.