Namrup, September 1, 2026: A two-day National Seminar on “Biodiversity Conservation for Environmental Sustainability in Northeast India: A Multidisciplinary Approach”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), was successfully organised at Namrup College on August 31 and September 1, 2026.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Botany and Department of Sociology, Namrup College, in collaboration with the Institutional Biotech Hub, Namrup College Teachers’ Unit and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). The programme brought together academicians, researchers, scholars, students and experts from different parts of the country to deliberate on the pressing issues of biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and the ecological challenges confronting Northeast India.
Inaugural Session (31-08-2026)
The inaugural session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Principal of Namrup College, invited resource persons, the Convener and the Co-Convener of the seminar. The ceremony symbolised the beginning of a significant academic endeavour dedicated to knowledge, research and environmental awareness.
The Welcome and Inaugural Address was delivered by the Principal of Namrup College, who welcomed the distinguished guests, resource persons, researchers, scholars, students and participants and highlighted the relevance of the seminar in the context of Northeast India's extraordinary biodiversity and emerging environmental challenges.
The keynote address, titled “Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability in Northeast India: Challenges, Community Stewardship, and Strategic Priorities,” was delivered by Prof. Sailajananda Saikia. He elaborated on the ecological richness of Northeast India, the challenges threatening its biodiversity and the importance of community participation, stewardship and strategic interventions for sustainable environmental management.
This was followed by an invited talk on “River Systems of Northeast India: The Unexplored Paradise,” delivered by Dr. Ranjit Dutta, who highlighted the ecological significance, diversity and unexplored potential of the river systems of Northeast India.
Invited talk (01-09-2026)
Prof. Chandan Kumar Sharma delivered another significant invited lecture on “Contemporary Development Discourse and Biodiversity Conservation in Northeast India.” His address focused on the complex relationship between contemporary development processes and biodiversity conservation, emphasising the need to strike a balance between developmental aspirations and ecological sustainability.
Seven Technical Sessions
The inaugural session was followed by seven technical sessions, which constituted the major academic component of the seminar. The sessions provided a platform for researchers, academicians and students to present their research findings and engage in meaningful academic discussions on various dimensions of biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
The invited resource persons who contributed to the technical sessions included Prof. Chandan Kumar Sharma, Prof. Sailajananda Saikia, Dr. Ranjit Dutta, Dr. Chabi Gogoi, Dr. Ashifa Sobhan, Ms. Mouchumi Konwar and Mr. Rupak Borgohain.
The technical sessions were moderated by Dr. Asima Gogoi, Ms. Rijumoni Das, Ms. Daisy Rani Doley, Dr. Urmika Phangchopi, Ms. Kakoli Baruah, Dr. Susmita Thakur, Dr. Ankur Nath and Ms. Antara Hazarika. The smooth conduct of the sessions was further supported by Ms. Khushboo Agarwal, who provided technical assistance and served as the session manager.
The seminar received an overwhelming response from the academic community. The organising committee received 78 research papers from academicians, researchers and students from different parts of the country, of which 74 research papers were presented during the technical sessions. The presentations covered diverse and multidisciplinary perspectives relating to biodiversity, ecology, environmental sustainability, society, development and conservation.
The technical sessions provided an important platform for the exchange of research findings, ideas and experiences. Participants deliberated on the need for community stewardship, sustainable development practices, scientific research and multidisciplinary approaches to address the growing environmental challenges of Northeast India.
Valedictory Session
The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, which brought together the organisers, resource persons, researchers, scholars and participants to reflect on the academic outcomes of the two-day programme.
Dr. Ashim Jyoti Baruah served as the resource person for the valedictory session. The objectives of the session were presented by Mr. Rupak Kr. Borgohain, outlining the major objectives and academic outcomes of the seminar.
A special address was delivered by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, who reflected on the significance of biodiversity conservation and emphasised the need to translate academic discussions and research findings into meaningful action for environmental sustainability.
The valedictory programme also included certificate distribution to participants and paper presenters. Participant feedback was incorporated into the session, providing an opportunity to assess the overall academic experience and gather suggestions for organising similar programmes in the future.
The valedictory session was conducted by Dr. Susmita Thakur.
Acknowledgement
The organising committee expressed its sincere gratitude to all the distinguished resource persons, invited speakers, moderators, researchers, paper presenters, students, faculty members and participants for their valuable contributions and enthusiastic participation in making the seminar successful.
The committee also placed on record its special appreciation and gratitude to Gourab Drug House for extending valuable support to the seminar by providing 100 writing pads and 100 pens for the participants. The generous contribution greatly supported the smooth conduct of the academic programme and was sincerely appreciated by the organisers.
The successful completion of the seminar marked an important academic initiative of Namrup College, creating a meaningful platform for dialogue, research dissemination and knowledge exchange on one of the most critical contemporary issues facing Northeast India.
The organisers expressed hope that the discussions, research findings and recommendations emerging from the seminar would contribute to future academic discourse, policy considerations and practical conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the region's rich biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future.
