RONO HILLS, 28 Jun: The NETRA Foundation, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here organised a 10-day national orientation programme on ‘Northeast India development’ under the theme ‘Know Your Northeast’ from 15 to 26 June 2026 in the online mode.
The programme brought together eminent academicians, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, government officials, faculty members, and students from across the country to deliberate on the diverse dimensions of Northeast India’s development. A total of 105 participants registered for the programme, representing a wide range of central universities, state universities, government and private colleges, research institutions, government departments, trusts, cooperative societies, and civil society organisations from across India.
The objective of the programme was to provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the socioeconomic, political, environmental, cultural, and developmental landscape of Northeast India through expert lectures delivered by distinguished scholars and practitioners.
The programme commenced with an inaugural session attended by eminent personalities from academia and civil society. NETRA president Dr Kanak Haloi highlighted the importance of building informed perspectives on Northeast India, and emphasised the NETRA’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development.
Former Northeast Council adviser (health) Dr Bamin Tada appreciated the initiative and stressed the need for interdisciplinary engagement in addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting research and academic collaborations focusing on Northeast India.
RGU Vice-Chancellor (i/c) Prof SK Nayak, who inaugurated the programme, emphasised that Northeast India possesses “immense potential in natural resources, cultural diversity, strategic importance, and human capital.” He encouraged young scholars to undertake evidence-based research that contributes to sustainable and inclusive development of the region.
Over the 10 days, experts from leading universities and national institutions delivered lectures on key developmental issues of Northeast India.
Shillong-based NEHU’s ICSSR Northeastern Regional Centre Director Prof Bhagirathi Panda delivered the inaugural academic lecture on ‘Introduction to Northeast India: Land and People’.
Prof Nameirakpam Surjit Kumar from Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Manipur campus, dwelt on ‘Education and Skill Development in Northeast India’.
Nagaland University Rural Development and Planning Department Head Prof Jayanta Choudhury presented a lecture on ‘Agriculture and Rural Economy’.
NETRA president Dr Kanak Haloi delivered a lecture on ‘Investment Scenario towards Development of Northeast India’ and also delivered a lecture on ‘Natural Resource Management’.
NEHU Economics Department Associate Professor Dr Deigracia Nongkynrih spoke on ‘Employment and Youth Challenges’, while Nagaland-based St Joseph’s University Political Science Assistant Professor Dr Moameren Pongen spoke on ‘Tourism Potential in Northeast India’.
RGU Education Faculty Dean Prof Elizabeth Hansing presented a lecture on ‘Education and Gender’.
Dr Chaitan Kumar from the National Academy of RUDSETI under the Union Ministry of Rural Development spoke on ‘Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Northeast India: Lessons from the RSETI Model’.
Sikkim University’s Peace and Conflict Studies Management Department Prof Nawal K Paswan delivered two lectures on ‘Border Conflict and Management in Northeast India’ and ‘Infrastructure and Connectivity Challenges’.
TB Association of Northeast India secretary Dr Baman Tada delivered a lecture on ‘Health Issues in Northeast India and Their Economic Impact’.
Prof Jyotiraj Pathak from the political science department of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit University dwelt on ‘Act East Policy and Regional Growth’.
Prof Sukamal Deb, professor of practice at Anant National University, delivered a presentation on ‘Handloom and Handicraft Sector in Northeast India’.
Guwahati-based School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Dean Dr Abhinandan Saikia delivered a lecture on ‘Environment and Climate Change Issues’.
Former prime minister’s office director Dr Shiladitya Chatterjee presented a lecture on ‘Human Development in Northeast India’.
Meghalaya-based University of Science and Technology Associate Professor Dr Papiya Duttaconcluded the technical sessions with a lecture on ‘Sustainable Development Goals in Northeast India’.
The programme generated meaningful discussions on regional planning, education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, health, gender, infrastructure, natural resource management, climate change, public policy, and sustainable development.
The participants appreciated the multidisciplinary approach adopted by the organisers and acknowledged the programme as a valuable platform for understanding the complexities and opportunities of Northeast India.
NETRA secretary Prof Jayanta Choudhury said that the initiative reflected the NETRA’s vision of promoting knowledge, research, and policy dialogue for the sustainable development of Northeast India. He expressed hope that the programme would inspire young researchers and development professionals to contribute actively towards building a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Northeast India.
The 10-day orientation programme concluded with an interactive valedictory session, during which participants shared their learning experiences and received e-certificates upon successful completion.
