Center for North East Studies Gets Rs. 14 Crores From UGC

(Following is a Jamia press release dated Aug. 30, 2012)

The Centre for North East Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, the only such centre of its kind in a Central University, has received a grant of Rs. 14 crore from the University Grant Commission for building a permanent building to house the Centre, funding for staff appointments and recurring expenses.

“This is recognition of our commitment to one of the least studied regions of the country, to help build bridges and better, nuanced understanding,” said Mr. Najeeb Jung, Jamia Millia Islamia’s Vice Chancellor, acknowledging the hard work that has gone into making the project a reality.  “In the process, the deeper problems which are hidden by the headlines, would be addressed.”

The Centre has been developed by Sanjoy Hazarika, who also holds the Dr. Saifuddin Kitchelew Chair. Prof. Hazarika said that the funds would be used for creating a “North-East House” with conference rooms, class rooms, cultural programmes, a major research and documentation space as well as offices.

“This is a great encouragement and our vision is to create dedicated space for all eight states, support new scholars and to take up issues of critical concern to the region and its people,” said Hazarika, who is also a columnist and author. “We look forward to collaborating with institutions and scholars from the region and abroad, for critical examination of problems with sharper focus. Policy makers would benefit from such rigorous research, which would be informed by field work and realities.”