3-day National Conclave organised by Assam Univ; ‘Atmanirbharata’ stressed upon

March 17: Three-day National Conclave was organised by the Centre for Studies in Human Development, Assam University in association with Gandhi King Foundation and Swadeshi Jagaran Mancha from March 15-17, 2021 at Bipin Paul Auditorium at Assam University, Silchar.

The inaugural session of the Conclave was presided over by Prof. Gopalji Mishra, Chairperson, Centre for Studies in Human Development, Assam University. He has mainly highlighted the relevance of this programme in the present context. Sunita Heldekar, All India Sakha Promuk, Rashtriya Sevika Samiti delivered speech as Guest of Honour. She has emphasized on the notion of Atmanirbharata from the ancient period and its relevance today. She has elaborated how the British colonial rule destroyed India’s rich cultural heritage. She pointed out that time has come for its revival.

Prof. G. Ram, Director, Centre for Studies in Human Development introduced the three days programme details before the audience. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Niranjan Roy, Coordinator of the three days conclave. He highlighted on the concept of Atmanirbharta in India’s ethos and cultural perspective. Dr. Dhanpat Ram Agarwal, keynote speaker of the programme highlighted mainly on India road-map for development on the path of Atmanirbharata mission and how India can move ahead with India’s industries.

Prof. GVVSDS Prasad from Gandhi King Foundation, Hyderabad was the Chief Guest in the programme. He has highlighted India’s traditional knowledge system for achieving the success of Atmanirbharata. Each and every village need to be Atmanirbhar in all aspects of life as enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Annada Shankar Panigrahi, All India Promuk, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch highlighted success stories of different regions in India on the basis of localised factor. Atmanirbharata is important paradigm for transforming a local area on the path of development. He has also highlighted different problems associated with India’s mission towards Atmanirbharata. Prof. Prasad is a Gandhian thinker and dedicated his entire life for cause of peace and non-violence. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Debotosh Chakraborty and the programme was moderated by Dr. Soma Roy Dey Choudhury

The inaugural session was followed by Technical Session I which was presided over by Prof. Joyati Bhattacharya and there were two deliberations by Suparna Dey of Rashtriya Sevika Samiti and Prof. E. Bijoy Singh from Manipur University. In the second technical session, five papers were presented by Gaurav Chakraborty from Mumbai, Prasenjit Roychoudhuri, Dr. Golab ch Nandy, Dr. Jaggeswar Das, Dr.Biswabijoy Bhattacharjee and Dr. Debtosh Chakraborty. The session was presided over by I. B. Ubadia.

The second day of the Conclave was attended by the members of various SHGs and NGOs along with the scholars, students and faculties. There were three technical sessions presided over by Prof. GVVSDS Prasad, Dr. Dhanpat Ram Agarwal and Prof. E. Bijoy Singh and Sri Gaurav Chakraborty. 13 research papers were presented during all the sessions. The main thrust of all the papers was to highlight the issues pertaining to self-reliance, empowerment of women, arts and crafts of Barak Valley.

In the third day (17th March), a workshop on the problems and Prospects of indigenous arts and crafts of Barak valley was organised . The session was presided by Prof. Niranjan Roy and Prof. G. Ram. Tridev Choudhury former Manager of UBI and also in charge of Rural Self Employment Training Institute, Silchar, Biplov Nath, District Project Manager, National Rural Livelihood Mission and Santanu Sutradhar leading exporter of cane and bamboo products from Barak Valley delivered lectures and interacted with the participants who are mostly from the SHG. Participants raised their queries which were answered by the experts.

In the session, Dr. Biswabijoy Bhattacharjee narrated success stories of two deaf and dumb women Bulu Rani Banik and Nupur Banik from Silchar. Their real life story motivated the women participants to overcome even in adverse circumstances.They were felicitated by Tridev Choudhury and Biplov Nath with memento.

The valedictory session was presided by Prof. Gopalji Mishra, Chairperson of CSHD. Prof. G.Ram, Prof Niranjan Roy and Santanu Sutradhar graced the valedictory session. Some participants shared their experiences in this session. The conclave was concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Santanu Sutradhar.