SANEI Hosts First Sociology Conference in Nagaland, Explores NE’s Social Dynamics

Kohima, Mar 23: The Sociological Association of North Eastern India (SANEI) organized its first conference at Japfü 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. Visakhonü 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.

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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. R.K. Mohanty delivered the vote of thanks.

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The valedictory function was held on March 22 and Prof. M. Amarjeet Singh chaired it. Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri, president of the Indian Sociological Society (ISS) delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. She congratulated SANEI for organising its first conference. She highlighted the issues of identity and migration. She brought up the question of the “insider and outsider” perspective, using her own experience, having been born and brought up in Shillong, despite her parents not being from the Northeast, and frequently being seen as an “outsider.” She emphasized that Northeast India has emerged as a knowledge hub. She raised critical questions and said that the research emerging from the Northeast region is at the forefront of innovation. She also asked what insights can be gleaned from the region’s material culture, literature, poetry, and other areas. She said that how scholars perceive Northeast India is of paramount importance. She urged the organisers to bring out a volume based on this conference. Prof. Ajailiu Niumai delivered the ‘vote of thanks.’

This conference attracted sixty-four papers (including a panel discussion and four special lectures) from eight states of Northeast India. The papers focused on areas such as ethnic identity, conflict and reconfiguration in Northeast India, the system of governance in the region, the indigenous knowledge system, women’s engagement in the economy and politics, gender issues, trafficking, livelihood and sustainable development, climate change, and the like. Around two hundred people from various universities and colleges across the Northeast region attended this conference.

(Newmai News Network)