Sikkim studies launched at Jamia Millia Islamia by Pawan Chamling

NEW DELHI: In an effort to bridge the gap in understanding of the northeast, the Centre for North East Studies of Jamia Millia Islamia launched a research programme in Sikkim Studies on Monday. This is a first-of-its-kind academic programme which aims at a comprehensive study of Sikkim's culture, politics, governance and its contribution to India. The programme was launched by the chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling, who also announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh per annum for three years for running the programme from Jamia campus.

The Centre for North East Studies is the only centre in India that is geared towards carrying out research programmes on the region. At present, research on seven states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh is being carried out. Chamling while launching the programme lamented that despite its rich contribution, Sikkim has not been given its due recognition like the rest of the seven states in the northeast. "Despite the sacrifices made in terms of industrialization, non-grazing and deforestation policies so as to safeguard the Himalayan ecology, there is no recognition of our efforts as a state," said Chamling.

"Despite the sacrifices in terms of industrialization, non-grazing and deforestation policies so as to safeguard the Himalayan ecology there is no recognition of our efforts as a state,'' said Chamling. Fundamentally, the programme involves research, documentation and dissemination of information on Sikkim. But the centre will also facilitate placement and research work on the state. The director of the Centre for North East Studies, professor Sanjoy Hazarika, said, "The programme aims at research on climate change, Himalayan ecology, environment, social stress, critical issues before small states, among other things. We would also like to facilitate placement of research scholars from Sikkim and help them in going to Sikkim and pursuing academic research on the state."

Stating that this is the only centre doing research on the region, vice-chancellor of Jamia, Najeeb Jung, said, "This is an extension of what we are already doing in terms of understanding the region and its contribution. The university through this centre seeks to play the role of a leading research and documentation centre for the region and act as a think tank on the key issues before the northeast for the academic community, scholars and policy makers. It also aims to provide an alternative platform to the region."

Sikkim Studies Programme to be launched in Jamia Millia Islamia by CM Pawan Chamling

New Delhi, 21-11-2011 : The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Pawan Chamling, will launch a unique Sikkim Studies Programme at the Centre for North East Studies in Jamia Millia Islamia on Monday, 25 April at 11 AM.

Mr. Chamling, a four-time Chief Minister of the Himalayan State, will speak on “Regional Parties and their efficacy in advancing Nation Building” at the Dayar-e Mir Taqi Mir, Jamia Millia Islamia.

Mr. Najeeb Jung, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia said, “Sikkim Studies Programme is indeed a welcome addition to the North East Studies Programme at Jamia. It has been our endeavour to strengthen our understanding of the North East and with the inclusion of the Sikkim Studies Programme, I am sure our understanding of the political, social and cultural issues related to the region, will only get further deepened.”

The areas of focus proposed for the next years under the Sikkim Studies Programme include: Green Governance (including Climate Change and its Impact); Critical Issues before Small States; Social Stress and Coping Mechanisms; Borders and international Trade and the Look East Policy as well as Governance, Security and Development. Workshops and seminars, conferences and collaborative research programmes are planned as also a process of placements and collaborations.

Prof Sanjoy Hazarika, Director of the North East Center, said that the new Sikkim Studies programme will go on to highlight the issues which are facing Sikkim in a rigorous and structured manner, through scholarship and research.

The North East Studies Centre at Jamia seeks to play the role of a leading research and documentation centre (Library) for the region and as a “think tank” for the academic community, scholars and policy makers on the key issues before the North East Region. It also aims to provide an alternative platform to the region.

The Centre has been focusing on a range of issues including Challenges to Governance, Refugees and Migration, Conflict and Reconciliation as well as the role of the North East Region in the Independence Movement.

Those who have participated in the programmes of the centre include Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi (Professor at the University of Urbana Champaign, US), Mr. MJ Akbar, editor and author, Prof. David Syiemlieh, Pro Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Mr. BK Handique, Union Minister for Development of the NER, Mr. Lalthanhawla, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Ms. Jayati Chandra, Secretary MDoNER, Mr. Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor of the Imphal Free Press, Mr. Niketu Iralu, civil society leader from Nagaland and Mr. Roberto Mignone, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR.

The Centre’s Advisory Council includes Prof. Atul Sarma, former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh and Member, Thirteenth Finance Commission, Mr. PD Rai, MP from Sikkim, and Dr. Jayanta Madhab, Chairman, Rashtriya Grameen Vikas Nidhi and former Economic Advisor, Chief Minister of Assam.