SENAPATI: A two-day international conference on “Reconciliation, Transformation and Peacebuilding: Intractable Conflict to Reconciliation” was organised by the Departments of Psychology and Social Work of Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram in collaboration with the Assam Rifles from Thursday to Friday in hybrid mode.
The conference brought together 41 paper presenters, including research scholars, academicians, PhD scholars and students from institutions across the country, witnessing participation from 171 student. Experts deliberated on pathways from conflict to healing through dialogue, inclusion and resilience.
The inaugural session began with an invocation by Fr. Devassy Palatty, Rector of the college, followed by a welcome address by Evergreat Wanglar, Convener of the conference, who emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary engagement in addressing conflict situations.
Principal Rev. Fr. K.O. Sebastian highlighted the dynamics of conflict and stressed the role of youth in promoting values of peace, dialogue and social responsibility.
Guest of Honour Col. Sandeep Sharma, representing the 16th Battalion of the Assam Rifles, underscored the force’s role in maintaining peace and called for stronger synergy between civil society and security agencies to ensure lasting stability.
Delivering the keynote address, Poujenlung Gonmei, Principal of Highland National College, examined the historical and structural roots of ethnic conflicts in Manipur, linking them to colonial legacies and contemporary misinformation. He also called for structured dialogue and the establishment of a truth and reconciliation framework for sustainable peace.
During the sessions, Kiran Modi, Founder and Managing Trustee of Udayan Care, New Delhi, spoke on “From Trauma to Resilience”, highlighting psychological healing and community-based social work for conflict-affected populations.
In an online session, Christopher Walsh, Research Associate at the University of Manchester, discussed resilience and organisational change in the context of social transformation.
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On the second day, Sasiwimon Khongmueang, Lecturer at Payap University, Thailand, spoke on cultural identity and community-based tourism, while Nitya Prakash, Associate Professor at O. P. Jindal Global University, examined the psychological roots of violence, emphasising compassion as a key capacity to overcome fear and anger.
The conference also featured thematic sessions on media narratives, gender and youth inclusion, peacebuilding and mental health. Scholars from institutions including Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, St. Joseph University, Nagaland, Dhanamanjuri University and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University participated in the discussions.
