NEHU’s Sociology Dept marks 50 years with national seminar

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 20: The Department of Sociology, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, organised a two-day national seminar to mark 50 years of its academic presence and contribution to social science research in the region.

The seminar, held at the Multi-Use Convention Hall, was themed ‘Sociology and Social Science Research in Northeast India: A 50 Years Retrospection into its Academic Journey’, and was supported by the Chief Minister’s Office and the Indian Council of Social Science Research-North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR-NERC).

During the seminar, eminent sociologist Prof. (Retd.) Virginius Xaxa, while delivering the keynote address, emphasised the necessity of interdisciplinary research.

He described Northeast as a distinct sociological space that requires deeper academic engagement rooted in its specific social and cultural contexts.

During the inaugural session, speakers discussed the role of sociology in addressing contemporary social challenges, preserving cultural heritage such as sacred groves and adapting to rapid global development.

The programme also featured paper presentations on ethnicity, culture, gender, migration and globalisation.

The seminar was coordinated by Prof. Rekha M. Shangpliang, Head of the Department of Sociology, and concluded on Tuesday with a valedictory session chaired by Prof. B. Panda, Director of ICSSR-NERC.