DBC Maram hosts International conference on 'Reconciliation and Peacebuilding'
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, March 27 2026: Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, successfully hosted a two-day International Conference on "Reconciliation, Transformation and Peacebuilding: Intractable Conflict to Reconciliation" on March 26-27 in hybrid mode, bringing together scholars, students and practitioners from across the country and abroad.

Organised by the Departments of Psychology and Social Work in collaboration with the 16th Battalion, Assam Rifles, the conference witnessed participation of 41 paper presenters and 171 students, reflecting strong academic engagement on issues of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

DBC Maram hosts International conference on 'Reconciliation and Peacebuilding'

The inaugural session began with an invocation by Fr Devassy Palatty, SDB, Rector, followed by a welcome address from Convener Dr Evergreat Wanglar, who emphasised the need for interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex conflicts.

College Principal Rev Fr (Dr) KO Sebastian highlighted the role of youth in promoting dialogue, peace and social responsibility.

Guest of honour Col Sandeep Sharma of the Assam Rifles underlined the importance of civil-security cooperation in maintaining stability.

In his keynote address, Dr Poujenlung Gonmei, Principal of Highland National College, examined the roots of ethnic conflict in Manipur and advocated for structured dialogue and a Truth and Reconciliation framework.

Other notable speakers included Dr Kiran Modi of Udayan Care, New Delhi, who spoke on trauma healing and resilience, and Dr Christopher Walsh from the University of Manchester, who joined virtually to discuss resilience and organisational change in the context of social transformation.

Sessions on the second day featured international and national experts addressing themes such as cultural identity, psychological causes of violence, and compassion in peacebuilding.

The conference also included thematic discussions on media narratives, gender and youth inclusion, and mental health, with participation from institutions including Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, St Joseph University (Nagaland), Dhanamanjuri University and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (RC Manipur).

The event concluded with a valedictory session and certificate distribution, marking a significant step towards fostering dialogue and collaborative strategies for sustainable peace in conflict-affected regions.