GUWAHATI, Oct 26 - The 40th annual conference of the North East India History Association (NEIHA) was held at the Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College here from October 24 to 26, according to a press release.
The inaugural function held on October 24, was attended by Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya; additional chief secretaries Manindar Singh and Kumar Sanjay Krishna; former Cabinet Minister and former president of the college governing body Dr Hemoprava Saikia; NEIHA president Prof Rajen Saikia; NEIHA president elect Prof N Lokendra Singh; NEIHA general secretary Prof Amrendra Kr Thakur; Principal of the host college and local secretary of the conference Dr Sikhamoni Konwar; former UPSC chairman David Reid Syiemlieh; Prof JB Bhattacharjee; Prof JN Phukan; academicians, scholars and researchers from India and abroad.
Inaugurating the programme Minister Bhattacharya stressed the need for adopting new approaches to the study of history which is the basis of our present and future life and society. Additional chief secretaries Singh and Krishna also spoke on the occasion.
In his speech NEIHA president elect Prof Singh reflected on the complex processes of social and economic changes in Manipur and Naga Hills during World War II and beyond (1940-1950).
Prof Thakur briefed the gathering on the history and role of NEIHA since its inception in 1979 in organising an adequate platform for studying and exploring the history and culture especially of North East India.
Earlier, host college Principal Dr Konwar welcomed the delegates and paid tributes to the founders of the college former chief minister the late Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia and the late Tholok Gogoi. She also extended gratitude to Dr Hemoprava Saikia for her constant support and guidance towards the all-round development of the college. She also acknowledged the support of the late Umacharan Bania�s son and Additional Chief Secretary Krishna and his family for donating the Umacharan Bania Library.
The inaugural function was marked by the release of four books � Overview North East India, edited by Dr Sikhamoni Konwar; Lohitya, edited by Dr Kashmiree Gogoi Baruah; Conflux, edited by Dr Anup Kumar Deka and the 39th NEIHA conference proceeding book along with the 40th NEIHA souvenir by Minister Bhattacharya.
Indrani Gogoi Paniphukan, Asst Professor, Dept of Economics presented a song at the function anchored by Dr Mrinmoyee Baruah and Dr Marami Choudhury, assistant professors of the college. The vote of thanks was offered by Dr Mowsumee Bordoloi Hazarika, Vice Principal of the college.
A cultural function showcasing the rich cultural heritage of North East India, was held on October 25. On the occasion, Prof Shiela Bora presented a documentary, The Treasures of Dakhinpat Satra.
The NEIHA annual business meeting was held on October 26 where names of the organisation�s new office-bearers were announced. Altogether 159 research papers were presented by about 200 scholars during the three-day conference, the release added.
