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.