S.K. Nanda

Prof. S.K. Nanda

0364 2307930 - 3382 / 3372

9436702498

sknanda@nehu.ac.in

Faculty members

Prof. S.K. Nanda

Designation: Professor

Department: Cultural and Creative Studies

Qualifications:

M.A., M. Phil., Ph. D. (Sociology)

Teaching Experience:

32 Years

Prof. S. K. Nanda joined the North-Eastern Hill University on 10th December 1988 as Lecturer in Sociology at the erstwhile School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema Campus in Nagaland and subsequently served at different campuses of NEHU in different periods of time. He served in the Dept. of Sociology, at the Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, Mizoram Campus from 1996 to 2001 and worked in the Dept. of Rural Development and Agricultural Production at Tura Campus, Tura from 2001 to 2011. He joined the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies at NEHU, Shillong Campus in August 2011 and ever since has been engaged in the department in teaching and research in folkloristics. He completed his undergraduate studies at Dhenkanal College, Dhenkanal, Odisha and obtained his Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Poona, Pune and M. Phil. and Ph. D. degree in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He was appointed as Lecturer, Senior Scale on 10.12.1995; Lecturer, Selection Grade on 10.12.1998; Reader on 29.10.2002; Associate Professor on 1.1.2006 and Professor on 19.06.2012. He attended and organised various national, regional and international seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences and contributed several research papers and articles to various national, regional and international journals, periodicals and magazines. Besides, he delivered several invited lectures at various forums like UGC sponsored Refresher Courses, Orientation Programmes and Departmental Fortnight Seminar Series, etc.

Areas of Interest and Specialisation:

In the discipline of folkloristics the areas of interest and specialization of Prof. Nanda cover numerous fields and sub-fields such as folklore theories; research methodology in folklore studies; semiotics and folkloristics; social semiotics; visual semiotics, mass media and advertisement semiotics; traditional culinary and food semiotics; semiotics and linguistics; folkloristics and linguistics; sociolinguistics, ethnolinguistics, language, culture and society; sociological and psychological aspects of folklore; morality and folklore; urban folklore; public sector folklore; media and folklore; folk humor; folklore and nature conservation; gender and folklore; folk medicine and traditional healing; folk custom and religion; folk beliefs and practices; recent trends in folklore; cultural studies and folklore; cultural studies methods; ethnicity and folklore; diaspora and folklore; tribal folklore; sociology of folk performing and visual arts; folk theatre, dance and drama; mass culture, popular culture and folk culture; paddy, rice and tribal folk culture; globalisation and folklore, etc. In addition, his areas of interest also include such topics as nationalism and regionalism in multicultural societies; minorities and marginal communities; ethnicity and ethnic conflicts; democracy, cultural pluralism and civil society; gender/women studies; tribal studies; sociology of rural development and change; post-modernism; social, cultural and political aspects of globalisation; post-globalisation, etc. He has written one book titled “Nationalism and Regionalism in India: The Case of Orissa” and his forthcoming volumes are “Nationalism in Northeast India in Global Era” and “Rural Empowerment in Northeast India”. Further, he is currently engaged in the publication of the following seminar volumes in folkloristics: “Changing Dimensions of Folklore in Tribal Diaspora in India”, “Folk Medicine and  Traditional Healing in India” and “ Gender and Folklore in Northeast India: Beliefs and Practices”.

Research Supervision:

  • Ph. D. Degrees Awarded:
    1. Chitrani Sonowal: Thesis on “Haidang De Performance: Text, Context and Cultural Symbolism”, 20th April 2015.
    2. Purabi Barua: Thesis on “A Study of the Deodhani Performance with Special Reference to Oja-Pali Tradition of Assam”, 21st April 2018
  • Ph. D. Theses to be Submitted:
    1. Monica R. Kharmawphlang: Thesis on “Folk Medicine and Traditional Healing Practices: A Case Study of the Khasis of Meghalaya”, 23rd September 2020.
    2. Zung Ting: Thesis on “From Animism to Christianity: A Folkloristic Study of the Religious Life of the Kachins of Myanmar”, 9th November 2020.
    3. Karan Gurung: Thesis on “Orality and Identity: Analysing Construction of Gurung Identity through Oral Tradition”, 11th November 2020.
    4. Freddie Michael Majaw: Thesis on “Media and Folklore: Exploring the Impact of Khasi Folklore on Media with Special Reference to Transnational Media”, 11th November 2020.
    5. Lalit Ch. Bharali: Thesis on “The Bhatheli Festival of Lower Assam: A Social-Semiotic Study”, 19th November 2021.
    6. Finley E. J. Syngai: Thesis on “Folk Religious and Cultural Practices among Khasi-Christians of Meghalaya”, 16th November 2021.
  • Ph. D. Students Enrolled:
    1. Barikupar Paswett: Thesis on “Khasi Folklore and Conservation of Nature: An Analytical Study”, 11th November 2019.
    2. Yemame Lyndem: Thesis on “Traditional Culinary and Food Habits of the Khasis of Meghalaya: A Folkloristic Study”, 25th November 2019.

Administrative Responsibilities Undertaken:

  1. Served as Head, Dept. of Rural Development and Agricultural Production, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya w.e.f. 27th June 2009 to 31st July 2011.
  2. Served as Head, Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya w.e.f. 27th May 2013 to 26th May 2016.
  3. Serving as Head, Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya w.e.f. 27th May 2019 to 26th May 2022.
  4. Served as Chairman and member of Admission Committee, Examination Committee, Tabulation Committee, Academic Committee, Departmental Research Committee, Purchase Committee, etc., at the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya and the Dept. of Rural Development and Agricultural Production, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya in different periods of time.

Research Projects

  1. Nanda, S. K. 2013. “Rice Myths of Northeast India: An Area Study”, Co-Investigator with Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang, Principal Investigator and Dr. Lapynshai Syiem, Co-Investigator, Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, funded by UGC under UPE Scheme.

Publications

Publications and Academic Contributions:

  1. Nanda, S. K. 2007. Nationalism and Regionalism in India: The Case of Orissa, Kalpaz Publications: Delhi, ISBN. 81-7835-549-3, peer reviewed, sole author.
  2. Nanda, S. K. 1986. “National Identity and Language”, Mainstream, 9 August.
  3. Nanda, S. K. 1987. “Ethnic Identity and Linguistic Conflict in India”, Mainstream, 11 April.
  4. Nanda, S. K. 1987. “Gorkhaland: A Quest for Identity”, Mainstream, 12 December.
  5. Nanda, S. K. 1988. “Religion, Language and Sikh Separatism”, Third Concept, February, Vol. 1, Issue 2.
  6. Nanda, S. K. 1988. “Language, Religion and Politics in Punjab”, Mainstream, 9 August.
  7. Nanda, S. K. 1988. “Punjab: Case of a Fractured Nationality”, Mainstream, 19 March.
  8. Nanda, S. K. 2005. “Cultural Identity and Nationalism in Multi-National Context: The Indian Experience”. The NEHU Journal, Vol. III, No. 1, January, pp. 67-88, ISSN. 0972-8406, refereed, single author.
  9. Nanda, S. K. 2006. “Cultural Nationalism in a Multi-National Context: The Case of India”. Sociological Bulletin, Vol. 55, No.1, Jan-Apr Issue, pp. 24-44, ISSN. 0038-0229, refereed, single author.
  10. Nanda, S. K. 2007. “Nationalism and Regionalism: A Case Study of Orissa”. Search: A Journal of Arts, Humanities and Management, Vol. I, No. 1, pp.58-69, Distance and Continuing Education, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, non-refereed, single author.
  11. Nanda, S. K. 2009. “Nationalism in Global Era: A Case Study of Northeast India”. The NEHU Journal, Vol. VII, No, 1, July, pp. 43-66, ISSN. 0972-8406, refereed, single author.
  12. Nanda, S. K. 2011. “Ethnicity, Nationalism and Nation-Building in India: A Reappraisal”. Source, Vol. I, Issue I, August, pp. 126-155, ISSN. 2250-0642, refereed, single author.
  13. Nanda, S. K. 2006. “Democracy, Cultural Identity and Nationalism in Multi-National Context”. In M. N. Karna (ed.) Democracy, Pluralism and Conflict. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, pp. 57-85, ISBN 81-316-0019-X, peer reviewed, sole author.
  14. Nanda, S. K. 2010. “Sociology in Northeast India: A Synoptic View”. In Maitrayee Chaudhuri (ed.), Sociology in India: Intellectual and Institutional Practices. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, pp.139-155, ISBN. 81-316-0350-4, peer reviewed, sole author.
  15. Nanda, S. K. 2010. “Socio-Cultural Factors in Entrepreneurship Development in Northeast India: Some Reflections”. In J. U. Ahmed (ed.) Development Vision of Northeast India, New Delhi: Concept Publications, pp. 75-99, ISBN. 81-8069-644-8,  peer reviewed, sole author.
  16. Nanda, S. K. 2012. “Microfinance for Rural Development: Some Gender and Cultural Issues”. In J. U. Ahmed (ed.) Agriculture and Rural Development: A Foretaste. Guwahati: DVS Publishers, pp. 123-139, ISBN. 978-81-86307-44-1, peer reviewed, sole author.
  17. Nanda, S. K. 2014. “Ethnicity and Nation-Building in India: A Critical Appreciation with Special Reference to Northeast India”. In Sarthak Sengupta (ed.) Ethnicity in Northeast India. New Delhi: Gyan Publishing House, pp.31-58, ISBN. 978-81-212-1216-8 peer reviewed, sole author.
  18. Nanda, S. K. 2016. “Changing Trajectory of Ethnicity and Nationalism in Northeast India: Toward a Conceptual Clarification and an Empirical Explication”. In H. Srikanth and R. Borgohain (eds.) Ethnicity and Political Economy in Northeast India. Guwahati: DVS Publications, pp.86-122, ISBN. 978-81-86307-91-5, peer reviewed, sole author.
  19. Nanda, S. K. 2016. “Nationalism and Ethnicity in Northeast India: An Alternative Perspective”. In B. C. Dash (ed.) Negotiating Subaltern Consciousness: A Northeast Perspective. New Delhi: Abhishek Prakashan, pp.1-29, ISBN. 81-8759-344-7 peer reviewed, sole author.
  20. Nanda, S. K. 2017. “Nationalism and Ethnicity in Northeast India: A Cultural Perspective”. In Sanjib K. Sarma (ed.) Narrating Northeast: A Cultural Perspective. New Delhi: Abhishek Prakashan, pp.44-69, ISBN. 81-8327-285-4 peer reviewed, sole author.

Seminars, Conferences, Symposiums, Workshops, etc., Attended, Participated and Organised:

  1. Presented paper titled “Democracy, Cultural Identity and Nationalism in Multi-National Context” at the national seminar on “Pluralism, Democracy and Conflict” organised by the Dept. of Sociology, NEHU, Shillong Campus, Shillong-793022,  Meghalaya on May 7-8, 2002.
  2. Presented paper titled “Nationalism and Regionalism in Orissa: A Sociological Study” at the national seminar on “Rethinking Sociology: The Indian Context” organised by the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences,  JNU, New Delhi in honour of Prof. T. K. Oommen  on Oct. 21-23, 2002.
  3. Presented paper on “States Reorganisation and National Integration in India: A Reappraisal” at the “Friday Seminar Series Forum” organised by NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya in June 2004.
  4. Paper presented on “Tribe, Culture and National Identity: Some Reflections on the Rise of Garo Nationalism” at the national seminar on “Garo (A’chik) Identity in Meghalaya” organised by the Dept. of Garo, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya during Oct. 7-8, 2004.
  5. Paper presented on “Socio-Cultural Issues and Challenges in Promotion of Entrepreneurship in Northeast India: Some Reflections” at the national seminar on “Promotion of Entrepreneurship in North-East Region: Issues and Challenges” organised by the Dept. of Rural Development and Agricultural Production, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya during March 24-25, 2006.
  6. Paper presented on “Globalisation, Cultural Pluralism and Nationalism in Northeast India” at the national seminar on “Globalisation in North-East India: Problems and Possibilities” organised by the Dept. of Sociology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam on April 26-28, 2006.
  7. Presented paper titled “Mapping Practice of Sociology in Northeast India” at the national workshop on “Mapping Practices of Sociology and Rethinking the Role of Social Sciences in India” organised by the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, JNU, New Delhi-110067 during January 23-24, 2007.
  8. Presented paper titled “Globalisation, Folk Culture and Literature” at the regional seminar on “Folklore Genre Classification” organised by A’chik Literature Society in Tura-794002, Meghalaya on May 19-20, 2009.
  9. Presented paper titled “Microfinance for Rural Development: Gender and Cultural Issues with Special Reference to Northeast India” at the national seminar on “Microfinance Revolution: Understanding its Success and Sustainability” organised by Dept. of Management, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya on June 19-20, 2009.
  10. Paper presented on “Folklore, Literature and Society” at the national seminar on “Folklore and A’chik Literature” organised by the Dept. of Garo, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya on Oct. 29-30, 2009.
  11. Paper presented entitled “Understanding Ethnicity in the Context of Northeast India” at the national seminar on “Cultural and Ethnic Persistence: Towards Understanding Identities” organised by the Dept. of English, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya on Nov. 5-6, 2009.
  12. Paper presented on “Rural Empowerment: Understanding its Theoretical and Practical Dimensions” at the national seminar on “Rural Empowerment in Northeast India” organised by the Dept. of Rural Development and Agricultural Production, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya during Nov. 26-27, 2009.
  13. Presented paper entitled “Livelihood Development in Rural Sector” at the regional seminar on “Opportunities in Food Processing” organised by IICPT and National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management in Tura-794002, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya on June 9, 2011.
  14. Participated in national seminar on “Universalisation of Secondary Education: Prospects and Challenges with Special Reference to Northeast India” organised by the Dept. of Education, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tura-794002, Meghalaya during July 25-26, 2011.
  15. Paper presented on “Folklore, Semiotics and Society: A Preliminary Report” at the national seminar on “Folklore and Semiotics” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on Sept. 26-27, 2011.
  16. Paper presented on “Paddy and Tribal Culture: The Case of Meghalaya” at the national workshop on “Paddy Growing Cultures” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya in association with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi on April 9-10, 2012.
  17. Paper presented on “Genres of Folk Belief: A Multicultural Perspective” at the international workshop on “Genres of Belief from Folkloristic Perspective” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya during February 4-12, 2013.
  18. Presented paper titled “Changing Trajectory of Ethnicity and Nationalism in Northeast India: Towards a Conceptual Clarification and an Empirical Explication” at the national seminar on “Socio-Political Dynamics of North-East India” organised by the Dept. of Political Science, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on March 25-26, 2013.
  19. Paper presented on “Globalisation, Marginalisation and Social Exclusion: Situating India’s Northeast” at the national seminar on “Marginalised Communities, Social Exclusion and Globalisation: North-East Perspective” organised by the Dept. of Sociology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam on April 22-24, 2013.
  20. Paper presented on “Diaspora, Folklore and Identity: Some Conceptual and Theoretical Issues” at the national seminar on “Diaspora and Folklore: Exploring the Changing Dimensions of Folklore in Tribal Diaspora” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya in collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata on March 27-28, 2014.
  21. Organised a one-day symposium on “Northeast Folklore: Challenges and Prospects” at the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on June 2, 2014.
  22. Chaired a session at the national seminar on “Ecology, Progress in Northeast India: Anxiety, Hope and Belonging in the Literary Consciousness” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on Sept. 9-10, 2014.
  23. Chaired a session at the national seminar on “Folk Medicine and Traditional Healing in India: Theory and Practice” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on March 26-27, 2015.
  24. Paper presented on “Bamboo, Culture and Society: A Critical Appreciation of their Interrelationship” at the national symposium-cum-workshop on “Significance of Bamboo in Socio-Cultural and Economic Development of North-East India” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi and Riti Academy of Visual Arts, Shillong on March 10-12, 2016.
  25. Presented paper titled “Gender, Folklore and Society: Some Reflections on Feminist and Non-Feminist Perspectives” at the national seminar on “Gender and Folklore in Northeast India: Beliefs and Practices” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya in association with Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore on March 30-31, 2016.
  26. Chaired a session on “Gender and Narratology” at the national seminar on “Verbal Art: Exploring the Ethnography of Speaking Strategies” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on February 23-24, 2017.
  27. Chaired a session at the national seminar on “Oral Culture: People, Poetics and Performance” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on August 22-23, 2017 on the occasion of World Folklore Day.
  28. Presented paper on “Gender and Visual Media Culture: A Critical Appreciation of their Interrelationship” at the national seminar on “Contesting the Site of Sights: The Discourse of Visual Media Cultures with Special Reference to Northeast India” organised by the English and Foreign Languages University, Shillong Campus in association with ICSSR-NERC, Shillong and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata on June 10-11, 2019.
  29. Chaired a session on “Gender and Urban Folklore” at the national symposium on “Urban Folklore with Special Reference to Northeast India” organised by the Dept. of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya on August 22-23, 2019 on the occasion of World Folklore Day.

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