SHILLONG: In line with the UGC directives, the Department of Political Science, NEHU, observed ‘Constitution Day’ for the first time on Thursday. The programme began with a reading of the Preamble of the Constitution followed by a video presentation of the Constitution-making journey from Prof Suparna Bhattacharjee.
Prof. S K Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor, NEHU in his introductory remarks said that although he comes from a pure Science background yet he takes keen interest in the social sciences.
After hearing of the gender disparities that continue to haunt academic institutions and universities and how research scholars have suffered sexual advances and discriminations from their male guides, Prof Srivastava made a firm commitment that there would be zero tolerance towards any gender biases in NEHU.
“We will ensure that girl scholars and faculty do not suffer discrimination and have access to maternity leave and other such constitutionally mandated welfare programmes for women. I will also make sure that the Women’s Cell meets regularly and briefs the University of grievances, if any,” Prof Srivastava said.
Earlier Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times deliberated on ‘Constitution and Women’s Empowerment’ while Prof. R K Satpathy made a presentation on the ‘Background to Constitution Making’ followed by Prof. L S Gassah who spoke on ‘Constitution and the North-East’.
Later the NEHU VC made a formal announcement that NEHU has been selected to be the Centre for ASEAN Studies as announced by the Prime Minister recently at the Asean-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prof Prof. R Borgohain chaired the session.
