RONO HILLS, 24 Jul: Two PhD scholars from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) have been nominated for the prestigious Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship Summer Course on Peace and Sustainability-2026, supported by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Japan.
They are Nillo Yedi from the department of horticulture, and Gebina Tatak from the department of sociology, the RGU said in a release.
The international programme, organised jointly by Hiroshima University, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), and Columbia University (USA), will be held from 28 July to 6 August at the Higashi-Hiroshima campus of Hiroshima University, Japan under the Hiroshima Orizuru Fellow Initiative.
The 10-day summer course, themed ‘Clinic on Conflict and Collaboration in Natural Resource Management – Advancing Positive Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, will bring together young researchers from across the world to engage in interdisciplinary learning, policy dialogue, field-based research, and collaborative academic exchanges.
During the programme, the scholars will participate in workshops, expert lectures, field visits, and collaborative research activities aimed at deepening their understanding of environmental conflicts, peacebuilding, and sustainable resource management.
The university on Friday saw them off and extended best wishes for the programme.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony, RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof Shivaraj expressed confidence that the scholars would benefit immensely from exposure to evidence-based research and policy-oriented learning.
He noted that the programme would equip participants with the skills to translate research findings into practical policy recommendations for diverse stakeholders. He urged the scholars to serve as goodwill ambassadors of RGU, Arunachal Pradesh, and India. He expressed hope that they would successfully earn the prestigious title of ‘Hiroshima Orizuru Fellow’ upon completion of the programme.
Finance Officer and Registrar (i/c) Prof Otem Padung said that the nomination reflects RGU’s growing commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and international collaboration.
Joint Registrar Dr David Pertin said that the scholars would undergo intensive training through workshops, classroom sessions, field studies, and independent research, enabling them to integrate quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial data for analysing environmental conflicts and sustainable natural resource management. He expressed confidence that the scholars would return with valuable knowledge and innovative perspectives that would further strengthen research and international collaborations at Rajiv Gandhi University.
Dr Pertin informed that this is the second consecutive year that RGU scholars have been selected for the prestigious fellowship.
Yedi said, “It is a matter of immense pride to represent RGU and Arunachal Pradesh on an international platform. I look forward to learning from global experts and bringing back ideas that can contribute to sustainable agricultural and environmental research in our region.”
Sharing her excitement, Tatak said, “This fellowship is a unique opportunity to understand peacebuilding and sustainable development from a global perspective. I am honoured to represent RGU and hope to contribute meaningfully to international academic collaborations.”
Gebina Tatak’s research guide Dr Bikash Bage observed: “Participation in such globally acclaimed programmes nurtures critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and research excellence.”
Nillo Yedi’s research guide Dr Arindam Barman said, “International exposure of this nature broadens academic vision and strengthens research capabilities. I am confident that Nillo will return with valuable insights that will enrich both his research and the academic community at RGU.”
