New Delhi February 27: Her Excellency the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla inaugurated the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Miranda House Centre for North East Studies on 27 February, 2017. IBSD, Manipur is a premier institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Miranda House is a distinguished women’s college of University of Delhi.
This Centre plans to focus on scientific research and education outreach on all aspects of biodiversity and sustainable development in the North-Eastern states of India. The Centre aims to conduct research projects with special emphasis on knowledge production in the form of multimedia documentation and publications, thus impacting policy and development of the North East.
During the inauguration the Governor stressed that “The Centre will create a better research-based understanding of the ethos, challenges and opportunities in the North Eastern states in a culturally sensitive manner.” She recalled that “she would have been a Miranda House student, but as destiny would have it, she has taken several years to come.” She announced that the collaboration between Miranda House, a distinguished institution for women and IBSD was just the right step towards a two-way process of education and engagement with the North East.
Dr Heptulla invited all to visit the North East and realise the need to appreciate and utilize its resources in a judicious manner aiming for inclusive growth for the people in the region. She concluded saying, “Look East, Go East, Study East”.
Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director, IBSD, who was the Guest of Honour spoke about the establishment of this Centre as a historic moment for the institution. He reiterated that ‘the main mandate of this Institute is conservation and sustainable utilisation of bioresources for the socio-economic development of the region’. He said that North East is amongst the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world and in this age of globalisation and knowledge economy, the Centre will offer the opportunity not only to explore the region but also train the students of North East who can bring economic prosperity to the region.
Dr Pratibha Jolly, the Principal of Miranda House felicitated both the Guests and emphasised that as a college with more than 300 women students from the North East, the Centre will be a research centre that will look at the North East through the prism of various academic disciplines. She added that ‘the Centre will provide experiential learning through field visits and exchange programs. It is not limited to students of North East or just Miranda House. We hope that students from other Colleges, both women and men will join the activities.’
The Inauguration ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by the Honourable Chief Guest, a welcome song by the mellifluous Geetanjali, the College Student Choir for Indian Music and an attractive exhibition consisting of vivid displays on the rich bio- diversity, literary cultures, geographies and social fabric of the North Eastern States.
The inauguration was followed by Leirang, the North East Society Annual Festival of Miranda House to celebrate the unique culture and diversity of the North East. The Festival saw beautiful renditions of folk, fusion traditional music and dance such as Manipuri Leima and the traditional Ras Leela and Mizo Bamboo Dance. Large numbers of students and faculty from colleges across Delhi were part of the audience, who seemed mesmerised by the talented performances by Miranda House North East Students. The food stalls specializing in regional cuisine and photo booths with traditional costumes were extremely popular.
