Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the Discourse of the North-East : Seminar Report
Date - 11th April 2017

Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the Discourse of the North-East : Seminar at Motilal Nehru College, DU

In a first of its kind, North East Student Society (NESS) Motilal Nehru College (Evening), DU, organized a seminar on "Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the discourse of the North-East". The seminar was attended by students from different colleges and institutes. Welcoming the participants and students in the seminar Veingaolou Abraham, President of the Society called upon greater co-operation amongst students living in the city.

Thanking everyone in joining hands to organize the event, Abraham assured that the evening college students will continue to organize such discussions and interactions regularly for better understanding of ourselves and the society.

Dr. SK Sharma, principal of Motilal College also addressed the gathering and thanked the students for organizing such a constructive program. Stating that such interactions will help students, activists, and intellectuals to discuss different issues facing the society, help students feel at home, and also create more awareness about issues facing the NE regions.

Dr. Alana Golmei, prominent human rights activist and General Secretary of North East Support Centre and Helpline (NESCH) opened the discussion by highlighting the important issues concerning people from the NE region, who are living in Delhi-NCR. While encouraging the students to mingle with friends and people from outside the region, Alana Golmei also entrusted the students with the task of creating more awareness and a strong narrative of the region's.

Dr Alana advised the young students, especially girl students to be alert always and should not be afraid of speaking up the truth in the evening of any misfortune. In her discussions, Dr Alana also touched upon the different types of criminal cases and exploitation meted out to people of the region in Delhi/NCR region.

Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the Discourse of the North-East : Seminar at Motilal Nehru College, DU

Dr. Robert Haokip, faculty from Jawaharlal Nehru University emphasized on the need for more understanding and study of ethnic relation in the region. Citing examples of ethnic relations between different communities living in the region, Mr Haokip stressed upon the need to Empathize with one another's problems. He stated that most ethnic tensions in the region arise when one group feels threatened by another, and a deeper understanding of the underlying issues are important for any co-operation.

Dinesh Sharma, social activist and representative for Delhi Police for North-East spoke on issues concerning the region. While opportunities are huge, there is still a long way to go in terms of strengthening our local laws and ensuring that local communities and culture will continue to thrive. Dinesh spoke in detail on how each students and individual can contribute towards a positive transformation of the society - NE Identity and perception, Skills Development, and Importance of building up knowledge repositories and community stories, using internet as a tool.

Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the Discourse of the North-East : Seminar at Motilal Nehru College, DU

Dr. Ramananda Singh, faculty at Kirorimal College and Executive society of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) emphasized on the need for more understanding between communities and the need to respect one another's ethnic identity.

Dr Singh said the need to assert ethnicity and fight for one's right is a situation that arises only when there is a disparity in development and economic opportunities for each community. It is therefore important that we create equal opportunities and facilities for everyone, so that the feeling of discrimination and apathy is eliminated.

Citing examples in the number of Hospitals in the valley and the hill districts of Manipur, Dr Singh, "one simply has to ask for the simple facts like the number of hospitals. You will see the divide in development right there. If we need to resolve issues, we need to start from the basics."

At the closing of the seminar, the students aptly performed a melodious song "Let it Shine" as a reflection of the region's need for shining brighter. A special shout-out to Ma'am Michelle Brahma, Nodal Office for North East (Motilal Nehru College) for facilitating the discussions. The students' executive body for their coordination and helping to organize such a smooth discussion. And all participants in the discussion who found a better way to spend their after-class evening time.

Ethnic Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in the Discourse of the North-East : Seminar at Motilal Nehru College, DU

Report By Adarsh Chhetry (GYASA)