STUDENTS ELATED WITH JNU’S CENTRE FOR STUDY OF NORTHEAST

It is not uncommon to see the rest of India confuse one north-eastern state for another, and finding itself at sea when faced with questions about the culture and languages of the Seven Sisters.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is coming up with a special centre for the study of the country’s north east region. The modalities of the course are yet to be worked out, but it will cut across disciplines, giving special focus to research related to the northeast. The centre will have special courses on offer, including MPhil and PhD.

The news has elated students from the region in Delhi. Dabolina Barua, a DU alumnus from Assam, says, “It’s good that JNU is introducing students to the beautiful world that north-east India is. Most people only have limited knowledge about this part of the country, and getting to know it better will just help them open their minds towards our culture and people.”

Magdalene Shongshir from Manipur, a student of DU’s Daulat Ram College agrees. “I would love to see our history, culture and more being taught to students here. I might not be part of this initiative, but I support it fully and hope it does well in spreading the love for north-east,” Shongshir says.

The initiative, in tune with India’s Look East policy, will involve various schools in the varsity, and capitalise on the available talent in the country.

PHOTO: SAUMYA KHANDELWAL/HT The centre will have special courses, including research degress on offer