Shillong, Aug 8: The Indian Council of Social Science Research–North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR-NERC), in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), hosted an Eminent Social Scientist Lecture on Friday on the theme “North East Region: Widening the Vision for 2047” at its conference hall.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, noted academic from Jawaharlal Nehru University and founding Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University. Prof. Lama presented a comprehensive vision document prepared for the Government of India, aimed at positioning the North East Region (NER) as a major growth pole for India and Eastern South Asia—covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and NER—under the framework of the Act East Policy, Viksit Bharat, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat 2047.

He identified seven strategic goals, including: transforming the NER into the Eastern South Asia Power Pool for energy exchange; leveraging borderlands for trade and connectivity; developing a green corridor of biodiversity-based products; making the region a hub for climate studies; promoting medical and adventure tourism; building soft power through sports, culture, and youth engagement; and securing long-term peace to unlock economic potential.

Prof. Lama stressed the need for cutting-edge logistics, robust infrastructure, and coordinated efforts from central ministries, state departments, private sector players, NGOs, and cross-border institutions to achieve this vision.

The programme, chaired by Prof. B. Panda, Honorary Director of ICSSR-NERC, saw participation from faculty, researchers, students, and invited guests in both online and offline modes. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anup Shekhar Chakraborty of NEHU.

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