The School of Social Sciences at Assam Kaziranga University concluded a comprehensive Capacity Building Program for faculty members from July 8th to July 20th 2024,  focusing on "Interdisciplinary Social Science Research towards Self-Reliant India". Hosted in collaboration with the Indian School of Social Sciences (ICSSR), the program aimed to enhance research skills and promote interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty members in social sciences from across the country.

The program began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Vice Chancellor Dr P K Mishra and Registrar Dr. H. Ravishakar Kamath, alongside Deans and faculty representatives from various schools. The inaugural ceremony featured Chief Guest Manish Kumar Verma, Prof. & Dean from B.B. Ambedkar University, who delivered an inspiring speech on the significance of interdisciplinary research in modernizing and globalizing Indian social sciences. The inaugural session was also attended by invited speakers Dr. Jaikanth Tiwary, Former Dean, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Dr. Rama Shankar Tripathi Professor, M.G. Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, and Dr. Sanat Kumar Sharma, Assoc. Professor, Central University of South Bihar.

Throughout the twelve-day program, esteemed speakers including Dr. Pranjal Sarma, Professor in Dept of Sociology, Dibrugarh University, Dr. Saumyajit Ray, Assistant Professor in United States Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, Dr. Archana Bhattacharjee, former Vice Principal and Associate Professor of Dept of English, Kakojan College, Dr. Shymnandan Chaudhary, ex ICSSR, New Delhi, former Professor of Sociology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Dr Upasona Sarmah, Associate Professor, Dept of Sociology, Dibrugarh University, Dr H. Ravishakar Kamath, Registrar, Assam Kaziranga University, Dr. Gyanendra Nath Tiwari, Professor and Head,  Dept of Teacher Education, Nagaland University,  Dr Surendra Yadav, Assistant Professor, Dept of Teacher Education, Nagaland University, Dr. Ashutosh Tripathy,  Professor & HoD of Dept of Environmental Science from Nagaland University, among others, shared insights on topics ranging from philosophical dimensions of social science research to traditional and indigenous research methodologies. The following faculty members of Assam Kaziranga University, Dr Sailendra Mahanta, Prof & HOD, School of Pharmacy, Dr Saurabhi Sarmah, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, Ms Dorothy Buragohain, Deputy Registrar, Assam Kaziranga University, and Dr Anil. K. Bhatia , Assistant Professor, School of Business also delivered sessions on diverse topics including practical sessions on areas like preparation for NAAC accreditation, academic writing, NEP and curriculum development, data mamangemetn and efficient reference management etc.

Dr. Rakesh Rai, former dean of School of Social Sciences, and Dr. Aditya Bhatta, Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences at Assam Kaziranga University, played key roles as director and co-course director of the program. Participants from various institutes such as Mankachar College, D.A.V. PG College, Siwan, Bihar; Women’s College Tinsukia; Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu; Ramesh Jha Mahila College, Bihar, Sriram Chandra Sanskrit College, Odisha;  BOSCO Institute, Jorhat; Cinnamara College Jorhat; Lahowal College, Dibrugarh, and Women’s College, Tinsukia, UMKCollege, Majuli;  Golaghat Commerce College, Golaghat; Jhanji HNS College, Sivasagar  among others, joined the workshop during its duration.

The program concluded with a valedictory session chaired by Dr. Gyanendra Nath Tiwari from Nagaland University followed by a  cultural program showcasing the diversity of the Northeastern region, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Aditya Bhatta. Participants from various institutions across India expressed gratitude for the enriching learning experience and the platform provided by  Assam Kaziranga University  for academic growth and collaboration.