The Sociological Association of North Eastern India (SANEI) successfully organized its first conference, themed “Sociology in Northeast India: Retrospect and Prospects,” on March 21-22, 2025, at Japfü Christian College, Kigwema, Nagaland.
Prof. Ajailiu Niumai, Professor in the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH), Founder and Secretary of SANEI, made an opening remark stating that this first conference is not merely an event—it is a milestone in their journey towards building a robust community of scholars. She noted that sociology was first introduced at Dibrugarh University in 1967 and that many sociologists from both outside and within the region have nurtured the discipline. Prof. Niumai highlighted the genesis of SANEI’s formation by like-minded sociologists in 2021 and its registration as an organisation in 2024. She asserted that this initiative has filled a long-standing vacuum within the Northeast sociology fraternity.
The conference was held in collaboration with the Indian Sociological Society (Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2025) and sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India.
– Prof. Visakhonü Hibo, Principal of Japfu Christian College, chaired the inaugural function.
– Prof. Chandan Kumar Sharma, President of SANEI, delivered the Presidential Address cum Keynote Address, emphasizing the need for empirical grounding and attention to broader trends in sociological research.
– Shri Som Kamei, IPoS, Planning Advisor at the North Eastern Council Secretariat, urged sociologists to engage deeply with the region’s social dynamics and contribute to policy discussions.
Honourable Governor of Nagaland Shri. La Ganesan, as a Chief Guest, remarked that the role of sociology in the Northeast region is paramount, not only in documenting the lived experiences of the people but also in shaping policies that promote inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development. He urged sociologists, social scientists from other disciplines, policymakers, and community leaders to come together to address pressing issues such as gender equality, violence against women, economic disparities, migration, climate change, identity, environmental sustainability, etc. The Governor highlighted the significance of engaging with local communities in research processes.
Prof. R.K. Mohanty delivered the vote of thanks.
The valedictory function took place on 22 March, chaired by Prof. M. Amarjeet Singh, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. Prof. Maitrayee Chaudhuri, the President of the Indian Sociological Society (ISS), delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. She congratulated SANEI on organizing its first conference and highlighted important issues related to identity and migration. Drawing from her own experiences—having been born and raised in Shillong despite her parents not being from the Northeast—she discussed the “insider and outsider” perspective and how she often feels seen as an “outsider.” Chaudhuri emphasized that Northeast India has emerged as a knowledge hub and noted that the research coming from the region is at the forefront of innovation. She raised critical questions about the insights that can be gained from the region’s material culture, literature, poetry, and other areas. She stressed the importance of how scholars perceive Northeast India and urged the organizers to publish a volume based on the conference. Prof. Ajailiu Niumai then delivered the vote of thanks.
– The conference attracted 64 papers, including a panel discussion and four special lectures, from eight states of Northeast India.
– Approximately 200 participants from various universities and colleges across Northeast India attended the conference.
The conference marked a significant milestone in SANEI’s journey, providing a platform for scholars to engage with pressing issues in the region and fostering a robust community of sociologists.