The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-sponsored National Conference on "Transforming North East India Towards Viksit Bharat 2047: Opportunities and Challenges" commenced on October 24, 2025, at Assam down town University.

The inaugural session, skillfully moderated by Ms. Lucie Boro, Assistant Professor, commenced with the formal felicitation of distinguished guests, led by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Narayan Chandra Talukdar. In the Welcome Address, Dr. Prateeti Barman (she/her), Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, passionately emphasized the necessity of moving forward with pride, confidence, and resilience to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Inaugural Address by Prof. Narayan Chandra Talukdar highlighted the unique and distinctive ways the North East region can significantly contribute to the nation's development. Following this, Prof. Bhagirathi Panda, Director of ICSSR North East Region Shillong and Guest of Honour, laid out compelling facts and data, focusing on the improvement of institutional innovation and excellence. 

The Chief Guest, Shri Hiren Chandra Nath, cautioned the audience about the challenges ahead, underscoring the vital need for a proper vision within North Eastern institutions. Prof. Sukamal Deb, Chairperson and Nodal Officer of Viksit Bharat AdtU, asserted that transforming rural lives is key to national transformation, stressing the importance of outreach to rural villages. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Manimugdha Medhi, Conference Co-convener.

The first technical session, chaired by Dr. Sukamal Deb and moderated by Dr. Manjusha Saikia, focused on "Overcoming challenges towards Viksit Bharat: in the context of North East India." Five research papers were presented, collectively addressing the region's complex social dynamics, from systemic educational gaps and women's well-being and resistance against structural violence, to comparative mental health outcomes and youth employment precarity.

Ms. Asifa Simran Siddiqui was awarded the Best Paper Presenter for her paper, "Between responsibilities and resilience: midlife women's voices of well-being in Assam."

This two-day conference will continue through October 25, 2025, providing valuable insights for policymakers working toward inclusive development and Viksit Bharat 2047