Rono Hills, Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh): The NETRA Foundation, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University), Arunachal Pradesh, successfully organized a 10-day National Orientation Programme on Northeast India Development under the theme “Know Your Northeast” from 15 to 26 June 2026 in 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.
Participation:
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 including Nalanda University, Rajiv Gandhi University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Nagaland University, Tripura University, Sikkim University, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), NIRDPR, Arunachal Pradesh University, Dhanamanjuri University, Girijananda Chowdhury University, The ICFAI University Tripura, Royal Global University, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Purnea University, Sunbird Trust, and several other universities, colleges, and organizations.
The objective of the programme was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic, political, environmental, cultural, and developmental landscape of Northeast India through expert lectures delivered by distinguished scholars and practitioners.
Grand Inaugural Session
The programme commenced with an inaugural session attended by eminent personalities from academia and civil society.
The session began with a Welcome Address by Dr. Kanak Haloi, President of NETRA and former Professor, NIRDPR-North Eastern Regional Centre, who highlighted the importance of building informed perspectives on Northeast India and emphasized NETRA’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development.
The Special Guest, Dr. Bamin Tada, Former Advisor (Health), North East Council, appreciated the initiative and stressed the need for interdisciplinary engagement in addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. N. T. Rikam, Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting research and academic collaborations focusing on Northeast India.
The Chief Guest, Prof. S. K. Nayak, Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, formally inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address, he emphasized 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.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Secretary of NETRA and Professor & Head, Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, who expressed gratitude to Rajiv Gandhi University, all distinguished speakers, participants, and organizing members for making the programme a grand success.
Distinguished Technical Sessions
Over the ten days, experts from leading universities and national institutions delivered lectures on key developmental issues of Northeast India.
Technical Sessions
Prof. Bhagirathi Panda, Director & Professor, ICSSR North Eastern Regional Centre, NEHU, Shillong, delivered the inaugural academic lecture on “Introduction to Northeast India: Land and People.”
Prof. Nameirakpam Surjit Kumar, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Manipur Campus, discussed “Education and Skill Development in Northeast India.”
Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Professor & Head, Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, presented an insightful lecture on “Agriculture and Rural Economy.”
Dr. Kanak Haloi, President, NETRA, delivered a lecture on “Investment Scenario Towards Development of Northeast India’ and also delivered a lecture on “Natural Resource Management.”
Dr. Deigracia Nongkynrih, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, spoke on “Employment and Youth Challenges.”
Dr. Moameren Pongen, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, St. Joseph’s University, Nagaland, discussed “Tourism Potential in Northeast India.”
Prof. Elizabeth Hansing, Dean, Faculty of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University, presented on “Education and Gender.”
Dr. Chaitan Kumar, National Academy of RUDSETI under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, spoke on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Northeast India: Lessons from the RSETI Model.”
Prof. Nawal K. Paswan, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, Sikkim University, delivered two lectures on “Border Conflict and Management in Northeast India” and “Infrastructure and Connectivity Challenges.”
Dr. Baman Tada, Secretary, TB Association of North East India, delivered an important lecture on “Health Issues in Northeast India and Their Economic Impact.”
Prof. Jyotiraj Pathak, Department of Political Science, Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit University, Assam, discussed “Act East Policy and Regional Growth.”
Prof. Sukamal Deb, Professor of Practice, Anant National University, presented on “Handloom and Handicraft Sector in Northeast India.”
Dr. Abhinandan Saikia, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati, delivered a lecture on “Environment and Climate Change Issues.”
Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, IAS (Rtd) Former Director, Prime Minister Office and President, Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development discussed “Human Development in Northeast India.”
Dr. Papiya Dutta, Associate Professor, Rural Development, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, concluded the technical sessions with a lecture on “Sustainable Development Goals in Northeast India.”
The programme was efficiently ccordinated by Dr. Chubaienla Imchen, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Jubilee Memorial College, Nagaland, and Executive Member of NETRA.
Programme Outcome
The programme generated meaningful discussions on regional planning, education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, health, gender, infrastructure, natural resource management, climate change, public policy, and sustainable development. Participants appreciated the multidisciplinary approach adopted by the organizers and acknowledged the programme as a valuable platform for understanding the complexities and opportunities of Northeast India.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Secretary of NETRA, remarked that the initiative reflects NETRA’s vision of promoting knowledge, research, and policy dialogue for the sustainable development of Northeast India. He also expressed hope that the programme would inspire young researchers and development professionals to contribute actively toward building a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Northeast India.
The ten-day orientation programme concluded with an interactive valedictory session, during which participants shared their learning experiences and received e-certificates upon successful completion.
