With the aim of encouraging research and study on various aspects of North East India, the University of Delhi is planning on introducing a North East India Studies Programme (NEISP). This fully funded research programme is likely to start from the next academic session. NEISP has been approved by the Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, but is yet to be placed before the varsity’s academic council following which it will be officially approved. According to Dr. Kamei Aphun, Convener of NEISP, “There is just not enough understanding about the North Eastern areas and its people, not just among laymen but also intellectuals.” On 12th March, 2015 the Department of Sociology, DSE held a national workshop on the theme “North East India Today: Some Reflections.” The inauguration was chaired by Prof. Abhijit Dasgupta, Head of Department of Sociology, DSE with Dr. Aphun introducing the programme to the guests present. DU has formed a five member committee for the development of NEISP, it is currently working on a vision document which will be presented to the UGC for its support in the matter.
Efforts by the University have not been lacking in this matter and the Dharohar-Gyanodaya Express is a befitting example of this. In 1970 a module called “Area Study Programme” was introduced by DU under which North East was offered as one of the areas. The programme was discontinued after 7-8 years. Dr. Aphun had placed a proposal to revive the programme in 2011 and has taken a new initiative in the form of NEISP. The programme is likely to include topics such as tribes and ethnicity, movements, education, insurgency, drug addiction and government policies and programmes. With the promise of a structurally sound programme and effective implementation, the NEISP might very well succeed in bringing about a favourable social consensus. The university-formed committee includes representatives from institutions and bodies like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and North East Council (NEW) among others to focus on issues relating to the region.
Featured image credits: Monica Tiwari, The Hindu
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