Shivnath Sarmah, dean, faculty of arts, Gauhati University, delivers a lecture on Sabda Bharati Hindi Sansadhan Kendra’s Pratham Stapana Barsa Samaroh at Sudmersen Hall, Cotton College, recently. Picture by UB Photos

Students’ science fair

Regional Science Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with Assam Science Society, recently organised a three-day state-level students’ science fair on its Khanapara premises.

The fair was inaugurated by Dhaneswar Das, dean, faculty of veterinary sciences, Khanapara.

A total of 33 models from different districts of Assam were exhibited at the fair, of which 10 were selected to represent the state at the Eastern India Science Fair in North Bengal Science Centre, Siliguri.

The model, titled Brahmaputra Project by Rahul Agarwal and Kapinjal K. Sharma of St Vivekananda English Academy, Guwahati, was adjudged the best model of the fair.

On the concluding day, chief guest H.K. Sharma, director of State Council for Educational Research and Training, Guwahati, gave away the prizes, while S.K. Sharma, president of Assam Science Society, presided over the function.

Seminar on ethnic groups

A two-day UGC-sponsored seminar on Indigenous Knowledge System with Special Reference to Ethnic Groups of North East India was organised by the department of anthropology, Dibrugarh University, recently.

Attended by a number of scholars from various universities, research institutes, colleges and NGOs, the seminar was inaugurated by Kulendu Pathak, vice-chancellor of Dibrugarh University, and presided over by anthropologist K. Sarat Singh of Manipur University.

About 40 people from Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Guwahati, North Bengal University, Gauhati University, Manipur University, Nagaland University, Arunachal University, Dibrugarh University, School of Oriental and African Studies, London University, Anthropology Survey of India, Tribal Research Institute, Assam, Indian Council of Medical Research, DHSK College, Digboi Mohila Mahavidyalaya, DRR College, Government College, Bomdila, DCB Girls’ College, Margherita College, Dhokuakhana College and North Lakhimpur Girls’ College took part in the seminar.

Altogether 25 research papers were presented at four scientific sessions conducted by A.C. Bhagabati, B.K. Medhi, R.K. Kar and Indira Barua. The participants spoke on topics like indigenous knowledge on sustainable and participatory development, bio-diversity preservation, watershed management, agro-forestry, youth dormitory institution and traditional way of training, sericulture, dyeing, textile and weaving, seed and food storage, selection of seeds to varying soil types, ethno-medicines and so on.

College assessment

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has awarded Sivasagar Commerce College Grade B in the assessment made by its peer team in December 2003.

Established in 1969, the college has become a leading institute in commerce education in Upper Assam with distinguished teaching faculties and other infrastructure.

IT course

The Department of Electronics Accredition of Computer Courses (DOEACC) Society of India has asked Handique Girls’ College to introduce the O-level course in information technology for its students.

The scheme was created by a group set up by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the statutory body responsible for the development of technical education in the country. The course will help students of the region develop quality IT professionals.

Compiled by Pranab Kumar Nath