A two-day international seminar titled “Architects of Connectivity: Act East Policy – Strategies and Development Imperatives” was organised by Women’s College, Shillong on November 7 and 9.
The seminar aimed to explore strategies and development imperatives under the Act East Policy.
The inaugural session had Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma as the chief guest.
In his speech, Sangma underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, regional development, and the significance of Meghalaya as a key player in the successful implementation of the Act East Policy.
Mahendra P Lama delivered the keynote address, laying the foundation of the seminar.
As a Senior Professor at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Emeritus Chief Economic Adviser in the Government of Sikkim, his address illuminated the economic and strategic dimensions of the Act East Policy, highlighting the importance of cultural connectivity and regional cooperation.
Prominent experts and academicians who were part of this seminar included newspaper editor Patricia Mukhim, professors from NEHU and other universities including Sanjoy Hazarika, B Panda, B Mishra, Surajit Mazumdar, TT Haokip, Sukalpa Bhattacharjee, Asoke Bhattacharya, among other prominent academicians.
Their insights and discussions emphasised policy alignment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange, focusing on the policy’s potential for regional growth.
The seminar featured four technical sessions in which a total of 13 papers were presented providing a platform for in-depth discussions and diverse perspectives on the Act East Policy.