MDoNER Initiates Fortnightly ‘VICHAAR’ Series: Aiming for High-Quality Dialogues on Developmental Issues in North Eastern States
Eminent Speakers from Institutions/ Organizations from diverse backgrounds would be sharing key ideas for developments in the various fields of infrastructure, livelihoods, access to services, social and community development etc. The learning from these series would be the trigger for developing more focused action for accelerating sustainable development in the NER.
The inaugural lecture in “VICHAAR” was held today on the topic “A sustainable Infrastructure for North East Region”. Professor Sh. Rajiv Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar and officiating Director, IIT Guwahati and Professor Sh. Vimal Katiyar, Dean (R & D), IIT Guwahati were the key speakers. Secretary, MDoNER and Officers of MDoNER, representatives from Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments of NER, NEC attended the lecture.
During the discussions, it was given to understand that NER has immense potential for development and given its vulnerable and fragile eco-system, it would be essential to focus on the overall well-being of the region’s inhabitants while protecting the natural resources. Therefore, conversations with key stakeholders on planning and implementation on sustainable infrastructure projects in the North Eastern Region are timely and require adequate attention from all corners.
Professor Sh. Rajiv Ahuja, Director, IIT Guwahati in formed the participants about the IIT Guwahati interventions in the area of academics, research and technology. He apprised of the major initiatives such as sustainable water research, affordable and clean energy, biofuel cell labs/efficient biofuel production, sustainable infrastructure, R&D programme for promotion of handloom in NER etc. being undertaken by IIT Guwahati. He also informed about the initiative being taken with the State Governments by the IIT Guwahati. It was discussed that innovation in food processing, 3-D printing will go a long way for livelihood of NER. He informed that IIT Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA), a programme under the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan to develop scientific temper among the students of Assam and strengthen their ability to handle challenging environment.
Secretary, MDoNER emphasized that North East Research Conclave would be a good platform for development of NER. He further stated that in the areas of education relating to training of teachers of Assam, IIT Guwahati should also bring teachers of other states into fold. Lastly he added that a bridge between MDoNER and IIT Guwahati needs to be built for the overall development of NER.