Seminar on India's Act East policy begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 28 2016:
A two-day National Seminar on India's Act East Policy: Problems and Prospects in North East India was inaugurated today at the Conference Hall of Tribal Research Institute, Imphal, according to a statement.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University � Regional Campus, Manipur (IGNTU-RCM) under the sponsorship of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi.
Dr Ng Ngalengnam, coordinator of the seminar and Assistant Professor of Political Science, IGNTU-RCM in his welcome cum key note speech recalled the historical development of the policy and its present development under the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with the principles of a stronger ties in trade and commerce, culture and connectivity commonly known as 3Cs and various other areas with the South East Asian Countries.
He stated that the policy which was originally conceived as an economic initiative has gained even political strategic and cultural dimensions.
While delivering the lecture, he shared his apprehension that the small State like Manipur located at the bordering areas of South East Asian countries will be easily dominated by the system of Act East Policy.
In this juncture, Manipur has a great role to play for both successful of the vision as well as to defend herself from its possible anti welfare wave.
Further, Bangladesh, Manipur, Myanmar, etc are the parties to stand together directly in every step towards fulfilling this vision.
The cordial relationship among the people of the bordering areas of these countries is essential for developing both surface and air connectivity.
The Inaugural function of the seminar was attended by Ajaneesh Kumar, Deputy Director General, ICWA, New Delhi.
He gave a brief outline of the Indian Council of World Affairs and its activities.
In regards to the seminar, he shared the necessity of organising such events in this crucial period of India's Act East Policy.
This will help in understanding the region and also the intervention of the Government of India to strengthen the policy.
Prof S Mangi Singh, Department of Political Science, Manipur University was the guest of honour.
While delivering his speech, he shared his concern with the policy even though the name has change from 'Look East to Act East'.
His concern was mainly in relation to the role of North East Region in the process of the Policy.
He emphasised that the region needs to be capacitated in order to benefit the fruits of Act East, else it will merely be a transit route with no opportunity.
The inaugural session was followed by technical session.
The first session was chaired by Prof S Mangi Singh, Department of Political Science, Manipur University.
The papers were presented by Dr N Somorendro, Department of Political Science, Manipur College, Dr Rinkahao Horam, Department of Political Science, Modern College, Imphal, and Dr Shimreingnam Hungyo, Pettigrew College, Ukhrul, according to the statement.