Seminars

Date : March 12, 1993

Subject : Ethnic Movement and National Integration with special reference to North East India

Location : Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Collaboration with

Arunachal University

Mr. Deva Natung, Minister for Culture & Social Welfare

Mr. Virendar Mohan Trehan, President, FANS

Dr. A. C. Talukdar - Dept. of Political Science

Justice G.B. Pattanaik

We must understand ethnicity. It indicates recognizing a group of people on the basis of peculiar characteristics. These parameters are culture, race, language, religion, customs, history and economic experiences etc. Ethnic movement is a collective activity for achievement of certain demands. National integration particularly in North East has suffered because some Groups feel that there aspirations have not been met and are wanting to break away from India and form their own Sovereign State.
Because of lack of communication and attention paid to the North East by the successive governments in Delhi lead to a feeling of alienation from the mainstream.
There was a perceived onslaught on their self-respect, their culture and customs.
For National Integration, we have to integrate the various ethnic groups into mainstream without infringing on their customs, traditions etc.
We have to ensure full access to the opportunities and help in their economic development.
Education will bring a change in their mindset and integrate them with the rest of the country. Special economic packages should be sanctioned for quicker development of infrastructure and encourage tourism. It will help integrate the NE with the rest of the country.