Kohima: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan graced the first annual conference of the Sociological Association of Northeast India (SANEI) at Japfu Christian College on Friday, highlighting the importance of sociology in shaping inclusive policies and addressing pressing societal challenges.
In his address, Governor La Ganesan highlighted the Northeast’s rich cultural diversity, historical heritage, and ongoing social transformations. He emphasised the need to balance modernization with the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
“The Northeast stands at the crossroads of rapid modernization and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems. Striking a balance between progress and cultural identity is imperative,” he said, calling for collaboration among sociologists, policymakers, and community leaders on issues such as gender equality, violence against women, economic disparities, migration, and environmental sustainability.
The Governor also stressed the significance of interdisciplinary research and academic collaborations in tackling social challenges. He lauded institutions like SANEI for fostering dialogue and research that contribute to meaningful societal transformation.
Urging scholars to adopt inclusive research methodologies, he emphasised the need to engage with local communities and ensure that the voices of indigenous and marginalized groups are integral to academic and policy discussions. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to ethical and impactful scholarship rooted in the realities of the people of this region,” he added.
The event, held in collaboration with the Indian Sociological Society, also marked the Golden Jubilee Year of the All India Sociological Conference. Sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, the conference brought together scholars, policymakers, and students to discuss key social issues in the region.
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