NEHU Celebrates Constitution Day

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Date: Nov 26, 2015

The Department of Political Science, NEHU wore a festive look on November 26, 2015 with colourful wall posters and pictures placed in and around the Dean's Conference Hall to celebrate the Constitution Day to mark the 66th year of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constitutional Assembly.

The programme presided by Prof. R. Borgohain, Head of the Department, was graced by Prof. S.K. Srivatsava, the Vice-Chancellor as the Chief Guest of the function. Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Padmashri Awardee and the Chief Editor of The Shillong Times was invited as the Key-Note speaker.

The programme started with the collective reading of the Preamble of the Constitution and was followed by a beautiful video presentation of the Indian Constitution, by Dr. Suparna Bhattacharjee and the Research Scholars of the Department.

Prof. R.K. Satapathy explained the historical background of the Indian Constitution and the role played by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Prof. L.S. Gassah spoke about the constitutional status of North-East India and the role played by different members of the Constitution Assembly in giving shape to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

In her Key-note address, Patricia Mukhim showed how despite having so many constitutional provisions and laws protecting the women, India is still far behind the goal of achieving gender equality. She pointed out that patriarchy exists even in tribal societies and many women themselves are not conscious of their rights.

Responding to Patricia Mukhim's take on gender rights, Prof. S.K. Srivatsava promised that there would be zero tolerance in NEHU, when it comes to issues of sexual harassment. He appreciated the initiative taken by the department in organising the Constitution Day and expressed his happiness for becoming a part of this important occasion. In the meeting he shared the news about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement regarding the ASEAN Centre in NEHU and wanted the department to play its role in giving shape to the Centre. The Chairperson in her remarks stated that reiteration of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution is necessary for strengthening of Indian democracy.