USTM brainstorming to set up Center for Sustainable Development of NER

 “CSD-NER will complement education pursuits of USTM: Dr Varma, National University of Singapore

A brainstorming took place at the IQAC

conference hall of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) today to

conceptualize a Center for Sustainable Development of North East Region (CSD-NER) that

would focus on capacity building for evidence-based policymaking and honest brokerage of

knowledge from science to policy in the region. Internationally renowned professors and

intellectuals joined the meeting both online and offline.

The brainstorming was participated by Prof (Honorary) Asit Biswas, Glasgow University; Dr

Navarun Varma, Senior Lecturer, National University of Singapore; Prof Cecilia Tortajada,

School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Glasgow University; Shri Prem Das Rai, Former MP &

President of the Integrated Mountain Initiative; Shri Sanjoy Hazarika, Managing Trustee,

Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research; Shri Arabinda Mishra, Theme Leader

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development; Mr Saurabh Bharadwaj,

Associate Director CRISIL, apart from USTM members.

Presenting a PPT on “Conceptualization & Proposition of Structure for CSD-NER”, Dr

Navarun Varma said, “We are conceptualizing for establishing the Center for Sustainable

Development of North-East Region (CSD-NER) within the University of Science &

Technology Meghalaya in India.

 It is envisaged that such a Center will be appropriately

situated in USTM as the University has a focus on capacity building of NER as a region

rather than any particular State within it.” It is noteworthy that CSD-NER can build

competencies of the University in inter-and-transdisciplinary research, policy advisory, and

development of content and pedagogies for teaching and learning in ongoing courses as well

as initiate new courses to tackle 21st-century challenges in the region, he said.

USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque expressed his interest in establishing the Centre for

Sustainable Development of North East Region at USTM and assured his full support in this

direction. There was an open discussion on Concept, Funding, and Plausible opportunities

and challenges.

Prof Asit Biswas from Glasgow University spoke on “Need for Centers for impact-driven

Research experiences from Asia and the world for imagining similar Centers in USTM”.

Prof. Cecilia Tortajada, Shri Prem Das Rai, Shri Sanjoy Hazarika, and Shri Arabinda Mishra

offered their valuable and thought-provoking comments during the brainstorming session.

Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Associate Director CRISIL spoke on “Business Opportunities for

Sustainability”.

Earlier, the welcome remarks were made by Shri Arindam Majumder, Project Advisor

USTM. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Debashish Saha, Director

IQAC, USTM.