Northeast sociologists come together
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Kohima, March 23 2025: The Sociological Association of North Eastern India (SANEI) organized its first conference at Japf� Christian College (JCC), Kigwema near Kohima in Nagaland under the theme 'Sociology in Northeast India: Retrospect and Prospects Today' on March 21 and March 22 .

This conference was in collaboration with the Indian Sociological Society (Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2025) and sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India.

On March 21, Prof Visakhon� Hibo, Principal, Japfu Christian College, Kigwema, Nagaland chaired the inaugural function and warmly welcomed the dignitaries, distinguished guests, and participants.

Prof Ajailiu Niumai (University of Hyderabad), founder and Secretary of SANEI made an opening remark that this first conference is not just an event�it is a milestone in their journey to build a robust community of scholars.

She said that sociology was first introduced in Dibrugarh University in 1967, and many other sociologists from outside the region as well as from within the region nurtured sociology.

Prof Niumai highlighted the genesis of the formation of SANEI by like-minded sociologists in 2021 and registered their organization in 2024.She asserts that this initiative filled the vacuum that existed for a long time among the Northeast sociology fraternity.

Prof Chandan Kumar Sharma, President of SANEI delivered the presidential address cum keynote address.

He observed that some tend to homogenize the region as one homogeneous entity.

He remarked how the concepts of 'tribe', 'inter-community relations', 'commons', 'territory', 'homeland', 'border' etc.

are today understood in the region that continue to carry the colonial baggage.

Such flawed understanding or representation, he added, has not only animated the common public discourse but has permeated even academic work and pedagogy.

He stressed the need to keep empirical grounding crucial and added that sociological studies in the region must remain attentive to the broader trends and orientations in sociological research in India.

Som Kamei, IPoS, Planning Advisor, North Eastern Council Secretariat, Shillong, speaking as a 'guest of honour' urged sociologists in the region for deeper engagement with social dynamics in Northeast India and encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to policy discourse.

He stressed the significance of the North East Council (NEC) in the region and the vision of Vikshit Bharat to transform the country by 2047 .

Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, as a chief guest, remarked that the role of sociology in the Northeast region is paramount, not only in documenting the lived experiences of the people but also in shaping policies that promote inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development.

He urged sociologists, social scientists from other disciplines, policymakers, and community leaders to come together to address pressing issues such as gender equality, violence against women, economic disparities, migration, climate change, identity, environmental sustainability, etc.

The Governor highlighted the significance of engaging with local communities in research processes.

Prof RK Mohanty delivered the vote of thanks.

This conference attracted sixty-four papers from eight NE states.

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