NONGPOH:
The foundation for the Anwar Jahanara Saikia Centre for Peace Studies was laid at the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on May 22, allowing the university to intensively working on peace research and studies through the dedicated centre.
Prof. Yasmin Saikia laid the foundation for the AJ Saikia Centre for Peace Studies, and also extended support of Rs 1 crore to USTM to develop the educational research centre.
Named after the parents of Prof Yasmin Saikia, the Peace Centre will mainly focus on the Northeastern region of India and the diverse communities of the region.
The occasion was graced by USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, vice chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma, Dr. N.P. Chaubey, general secretary of the Indian Social Science Academy, apart from deans of various schools, HODs of various departments, directors, senior professors and students.
Speaking on this occasion, Prof Yasmin Saikia said, “Peace is not a constant in our lives. It is something wished for but unrealised. Research on related fields of labour and social issues, social justice, gender and minority rights, refugee study and so on produce new scholarships on peace history. We want to develop a Centre for Peace Studies at USTM, particularly focusing on the North East and its diverse communities.”
She also appreciated the entire USTM family for taking a step to set up a peace research centre at the University.