NESRC: Fostering Intellectual Pursuits and Social Change in Northeast India

The MANDATE of NESRC is to be a centre combining serious intellectual pursuits with involvement with persons and groups active in social change in the region. In the context of ethnic and political conflict, it is to provide a platform for groups in conflict to meet and search for solutions and not itself find solutions for them.

Given the size of the Northeast with its seven States, NESRC is to be a node for encouraging intellectual and activist pursuits in the whole region. Instead of centralising work in Guwahati, it is to help smaller units to evolve in the rest of the region.

Founded on 1st March, 2000.

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Our Approach to Change

At NESRC, our approach to fostering social change is deeply rooted in a commitment to intellectual rigor and meaningful community engagement. As we navigate the intricate landscape of ethnic and political conflict in Northeast India, our primary mandate is to serve as a facilitative center. We believe in providing a platform that empowers groups in conflict to come together, facilitating dialogues and the search for solutions.

Acknowledging the vastness of Northeast India with its seven states, NESRC functions as a crucial node, encouraging intellectual and activist pursuits across the entire region. Rather than centralizing our efforts in Guwahati, we actively work towards nurturing smaller units throughout the region. Our vision extends beyond a singular location, aiming to empower and evolve communities in diverse corners of Northeast India.

Since our establishment on 1st March 2000, NESRC has been driven by a dedication to fostering positive change through collaboration, understanding, and the pursuit of shared solutions. Join us in this transformative journey as we continue to be a catalyst for intellectual and activist pursuits, contributing to the harmonious growth of Northeast India.

Our Vision Statement

North Eastern Social Research Centre is to be a center working closely with other researchers and social activists involved with the cause Of the marginalized communities in Northeast India. It will attempt to combine serious intellectual pursuits with networking with researchers taking up similar issues and with civil society groups active among the marginalized communities in the region. Through networking with researchers, people active among the marginalized communities and on peace issues, it will strive to support advocacy for policy changes in favor Of the marginalized communities and Of peace with justice.

The focus of its research and action will be the indigenous, especially tribal communities, gender, livelihood issues, conflicts and peace and tribal culture and folklore. It is to be a meeting point for dialogue and confidence-building among the ethnic communities in conflict.

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Our Mission Statement

* The mission of North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) is to encourage the youth of Northeast India for the service of the tribal, indigenous, Adivasi and other marginalised communities of the Northeast, particularly women among them.

* NESRC will attempt to live up to this mission by itself doing research and networking with civil society groups, researchers and decision-makers for advocacy for change of policies in favour of the marginalised communities.

* A tool of accomplishing is to combine good quality professional research with concerted action to accompany these communities in their search for peace and reconciliation based on justice and equality.

* Conflict and peace studies, tribal, gender, ecology and livelihood issues will get priority in the research and field action of NESRC.

* In these efforts NESRC will inspire the youth of the Region to undertake research and action in favour of these and other communities on the margins of society.

* These activities are undertaken in order to move towards a just society in Northeast India, based on peace and justice, equality and reconciliation.

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From the Director’s Desk

Founded on 1 March 2000, for two decades and more North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) has attempted to live up to its vision of combining serious professional research with networking and advocacy in favour of the communities of Northeast India, particularly those living on the margins of society. In a region striving for a just society whose communities are aspiring for peace with equality and justice, NESRC has tried to encourage the youth of the Northeast to get involved in research and action for a social change grounded on democratic values.

Thanks to the young researchers who have worked at NESRC since its inception, we have been able to make some contribution to research and action for social change in Northeast India. NESRC has tried to become a meeting place for groups and communities in conflict especially the youth wanting to serve the region particularly through research. Through its well-stocked library, seminars and networking with civil society groups and researchers it strives to create an atmosphere of creative discussion and intellectual discourse on issues of relevance to the people of the region.

NESRC is aware that its contribution has been limited and that we have not been able to achieve all that the vision and mission statements mandate us to do. As we move forward, we accept those limitations and commit ourselves once again to strive to live up to this mandate in the service of the people of Northeast India.

26 January 2024 (Republic Day) 

Walter Fernandes (Director)

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Our Library

NESRC has a well-equipped library which has been growing in number of books and journals. These resources are being used by a growing number of students, scholars and researchers. It has books on specific topics in the social sciences and on the Northeast India. Some journals are preserved as bound volumes for future reference. No membership fee is required to visit the library. Free access to the library ensures its wide usage. We hope to make the library catalogue available online soon.