International Workshop on Sustainability and Social Inclusion held at MU

A one-day international workshop on the theme “Sustainability, Inequality and Social Inclusion” was held on August 7, 2025, at the Court Hall of Manipur University, Imphal. The event was jointly organised by the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, Manipur University, and Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Imphal.
Organisers stated that the workshop aimed to deliberate on sustainability from a comparative perspective, address the challenges posed by emerging inequalities, and explore effective measures and frameworks for promoting sustainability and social inclusion.
During the inaugural session, Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Manipur University, attended as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour were Prof. Shasi Nandeibam from the University of Bath, United Kingdom, and Dr. Bhabananda, Principal of Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Imphal. Prof. H. Sudhirkumar, Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, Manipur University, presided over the session.
Speakers during the session reportedly elaborated on the key themes of the workshop and discussed various approaches to achieve the goals outlined. Dr. N. Somorendro, while introducing the themes, was said to have reflected on the origins and shifting nature of concepts such as development, underdevelopment, and backwardness. He also drew attention to the ironies and contradictions present in contemporary development discourse, particularly in relation to inequality and exclusion.
The first plenary session was chaired by Prof. Ksh. Jhaljit Singh of the Department of Economics, Manipur University. Resource persons included Dr. Lucy O’Shea from the University of Bath, Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei of Manipur University, and Dr. N. Sarita Devi from Dhanamanjuri University.
The second session was chaired by Prof. E. Bijoykumar Singh, former Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Manipur University. Presentations were made by Prof. Shasi Nandeibam, Prof. M. Hemanta Meitei of Manipur University, and Dr. H. Nilkant from Y.K. College, Wangjing.
Organisers noted that the international workshop was attended by approximately 120 participants, including scholars, researchers, and students, who actively engaged in the discussions.