Shillong, Apr 28: The National Law University of Meghalaya (NLUM) hosted a comprehensive special lecture on April 27 titled “From Himalayan Exploration to Comparative Mountain Research,” featuring Prof. Emeritus Dr. Hermann Kreutzmann, Chair of Human Geography at Freie Universität Berlin. The event was held at the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium, National Law University of Meghalaya (NLUM).
The session was inaugurated by Dr. Lavinia Mawlong, Assistant Professor, National Law University of Meghalaya who laid the context of Prof. Dr. Kreutzmann’s research and linked his work to the University’s current courses on Comparative Development Perspectives and Migration. The distinguished panel for the discussion included the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (in-charge) Smt. K. M. Lyngdoh Nongbri, MHJS, Hon’ble Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Baharul Islam, Dr. S. Ellika Assumi, Assistant Professor, National Law University of Meghalaya and Mrs. Sabine Felmy.
Prof. Dr. Kreutzmann recounted the historical foundation of mountain studies. His comparative framework sought to understand the genesis of the Himalayas and how human beings utilized diverse ecological zones. He highlighted the 1850s expeditions of the Schlagintweit brothers who successfully mapped the region by collaborating with native explorers like Nain Singh.
The presentation also showcased rare visuals, including a view from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Professor outlined several frameworks for modern research and analyzed mountain regions through two critical lenses of marginality and fragility. The concluding discussion addressed issues of isolation and how modern law should reconcile static legal borders with the legal geographies of tribal communities.
The event concluded with an acknowledgement of the participation of students and faculty from five other academic institutions from Shillong.
