Two-day international seminar begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2015 :
A two-day international seminar on the theme "Deprivation, Marginalisation and Social Exclusion in the North Eastern States of India" organized by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University under the sponsorship of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) began today at the Court Hall, Manipur University.
The seminar aims to focus on the problems faced by the Schedule Castes (SC), Schedule Tribes (ST) and minorities of North East India.
According to the organisers, the seminar also seeks to understand, explore, and identify various major issues associated with social inclusion in the region.
The seminar will provide a platform for sharing the latest literature and disseminate knowledge on the concepts, application and methodology of social exclusion among the students, research scholars, teachers, academicians, intellectuals, stakeholders and policy makers.
Stating that social exclusion in any form affects the life of victims and acts as an impediment in achieving one's goal, Prof Vani K Borooah said that policy makers and every individual needs to understand it.
He added that social exclusion, gender inequality, poverty and sector marginalization are the areas which need to be understood.
Education Minister M Okendro stated that the State Government would work to remove such form of deprivation and marginalization in the State.
He added that it is high time to organize such seminars as the Northeastern people have been facing the problems since many years back.
Further, he stated that the State Government has already taken up various projects to establish two new universities in the State to cater students from abroad and promote research works in various fields for human resource development.
Prof L Tombi said that people are divided as superior and inferior classes and every educational institution should take the responsibility to remove such concept of exclusion of backward people.
He added that without removing such concepts from the mindset of Indians, numerous plans for 'inclusive growth would only lead to the benefits of only a few' .
Education Minister M Okendro attended the inaugural session of the seminar as the chief guest while VC of MU, Prof HNK Sarma was the functional president.
Director of Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) Prof L Tombi, Chairman of Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKSDISC) Guwahati Prof Atul Sarma and Prof Vani K Borooah of Ulster University Belfast, Northern Ireland were the guests of honour.