Sikkim Studies Programme launched in Jamia Millia Islamia

source:Isikkim

 

The Centre for North East studies, Jamia Millia Islamia launched a “Sikkim Studies Programme” in the varsity.

With this “Sikkim” has become the first state in the country to get the honor of being a specialized subject of studies in any Central University in India.

Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika, Director, Centre for North East Studies welcomed the Chief Minister for the launch of ‘the Sikkim Studies Programme’ in the Third World Academy. In his opening remarks Prof Hazarika acknowledged that “there is a lacuna of serious academic research and scholarship on Sikkim. There for it is important to initiate a focused programme to comprehend the larger issues of Sikkim; the challenge of climate change, causes of social stress, issues related to border and trade and also the issues of governance”.

Sikkim is showing greater result oriented leadership amongst smaller states. It has achieved progress since it became part of India in 1975. It also contributed to the national progress, we as Himalayan state preserve the water for lower land state, provide border security and safeguard the environment.

On the launch of the programme, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling raised some serious concerns and asserted “As a politician we face the consequences as our people suffer from livelihood. We are nationalist people but people in the capital do not appreciate our effort. We need compensation to and recognition for our sacrifice”.

Chief Minister also highlighted serious issue of political power in federal democracy. He said “it is important to have more MPs in the Parliament to make your voice heard. We have only one MP and nobody care for us. We as regional party has proximity and knowledge of local situation but our voice failed to reach the parliament; it is also reflected in the scanty allocation of budget”.

IMG_0296

CM interacting with the Vice Chancellor of JMI, Najeeb Jung

Mr Najeeb Jung, Vice Chancellor of JMI emphasized that it is the duty of media and universities and Indian polity to focus on NE. India is just not limited to cow belt of the North or four better-off state of South. Our resources are limited; therefore we heartily appreciate the intuitive taken by the Chief Minister. We have limited knowledge about Sikkim and think that it is only a tourist place. Therefore it warrants focused research on good governance, how it has sustained peace and harmony, political stability and so on.  All such issues will be debated here and be taken to the Public domain.

Mr. PD Rai, Member of Parliament performed the ceremonial procedure and invited Mr.Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim to launched the Sikkim Studies Programme here in Jamia Millia Islamia by handing over the latter of memorandum and books to the Vice Chancellor. The CM also donated books in 53 volumes on Sikkim to the library. He said that this initiative would bridge the information gap by developing think tank and bringing people closer to the state.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by both the MPs, Shri PD Rai, Shri OT Lepcha, Shri RS Basnet, Principal Secretary to CM and Principal Resident Commissioner.