SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: REDEFINING OUR FUTURE
Dr. (Mrs.) E. Kharkongor
Abstract
The concern that the environment is a critical input in the process
of development seems to have permeated the decision making process
of almost all nations of the world. Nevertheless, there has been an
increased depletion of the earth’s basic life-support systems and these
are still under severe stress both in developed and in developing
countries. Hence, it is imperative to find sustainable development
paths which recognize that environmental conservation is, in fact,
the very essence of development.
Page:1 – 6
A CRITIQUE OF SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD FROM A
TOURISM PERSPECTIVE
Piarlincy Khonglah
Aibansienglang Thabah
Abstract
This paper reviews the different uses of natural resources to
promote sustainable means of livelihood in the state of Meghalaya. The
ideas or the proposal for intervention is based on the understanding that,
in the rural context, livelihood is always influenced by the natural
resources of the area. We know that the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo
community have a deep connection with their land. Their cultural
practices echo their sense of conservation and love for their land. In the
context of resource management culture reflects this deep understanding
of the significance of the environment. Thus, their forefathers with
their intrinsic knowledge and understanding endorsed the creation
of Sacred Groves (Lawkyntang), Community Forests, Protected
Forests and Catchment areas; there is the profound understanding
of coexistence which has enabled the community to thrive hereafter.
Furthermore, one cannot ignore the ingenious knowledge of using
Ficus tree (Ficus Elastica) to create living root architectures which
help resolve difficulties in connectivity and create long term solution
to simultaneously build bridges and conserve the environment.
Page:7 – 19
MANAGING WASTE AS A RESOURCE WITH SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO MEGHALAYA
Karisa Shisha Kharkongor
Abstract
It is a common practice to dispose waste materials, but to simply
dispose waste out of our sight does not solve the problem. Health hazards,
soil, water and air pollution, unpleasant surroundings are consequences
of badly managed waste disposal practices. This necessitates the
adoption of efficient and sustainable waste management process that
include a wide range of activities from collection, transport, processing,
treatment to disposal. The process designed should not only suit the
needs but has to be economically and environmentally sustainable to
that particular region. For successful waste management practices,
the combined efforts of the public, the authorities and the private
sector is required. The public plays an important role in following
the principles of waste management that is Refuse, Reduce, Reuse
And Recycle also known as the 4R’s which constitutes an important
part for efficient waste management. The authorities are responsible
for imposing laws, which will lead to sustainable waste management
while the role of private sectors cannot be overlooked. The gaps that
exist in common practices can be covered or be seen as opportunities
for the private enterprises who seek to acquire an economic gain from
defaults of current system.
Page:20 – 25
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
COLLEGES IN EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT OF MEGHALAYA
Dr. H. Iangrai
Abstract
Earthquake is one of the common natural disasters especially
in a state like Meghalaya, by itself the consequences may be less fatal,
but, coupled with manmade buildings the after-effects can be very
detrimental to human lives. This paper is written with the objective to
observe and analyze the existing level of awareness and preparedness in
educational institutions, whether they are financially and professionally
equipped to manage such disaster. And, also suggests certain actions
which can be adopted by institutions to minimize the cost in case of
an earthquake.
Page:26 – 43
GENDER STUDIES AND RESEARCH: SOME REFLECTIONS
ON ITS RELEVANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Dr. Rekha M. Shangpliang
Abstract
We live in a deeply gendered society where work ,family and
other major areas of life are organised by categorizing people into
‘men’and ‘women’,’boys’ and ‘girls’,’males’ and ‘females’,assigning
them to well defined roles and attributes. However, it is only through
human perception that we construct such a gendered social order,
leading one to believe that such gendered attributes and differences
are but ‘natural’. The educational system through a well defined
curriculum, can be a useful means of sensitizing our young minds
on the problems of gender disparity.In a larger context,it is time the
Indian academic curriculum makes space for incorporating courses
on gender which will help both teachers and students to engage on
gender issues in a more effective manner.
This paper examines the challenges of teaching courses on
gender as part of a Social Science curriculum in Indian colleges and
Universities. Taking a Sociological stance, it stresses on the importance
of introducing the feminist pedagogy in social sciences, while teaching
gender related courses in this present environment. “Gender”can be
incorporated as one of the variables of study addressing key issues
such as violence against women,gender disparity at work,intersections
of caste and gender, women’s liberation, women’smovements, Human
rights,etc. Such specialised courses can encourage both male and
female students as active learners and the classroom as an interactive
environment to promote gender sensitization.At length, the paper
aims to explore the possibilities of eliminating marginalization of
women,lack of gender sensitivity at the rudimentary level to young
scholars, thereby extending the horizon of human knowledge into
parameters of social justice.
Page:44 – 53
THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN IN KHASI
MATRILINEAL SYSTEM
Donna Clarissa Syiem
Abstract
Different societies follow different principles of descent and
consequently have different system of kinship. Studies on system of
kinship have shown that one needs to understand the interpersonal
social relationship in actual interactional situations. This paper
will therefore highlight the Khasi Matrilineal system and the role of
women in the Khasi social structure. The paper will also examine
and depict the traditional role of men at the level of the Iing(family),
clan and society.
Changes have been coming in the Khasi society over a period
of time. Social change which is an ever present phenomenon in a society
becomes all the more important. In view of the above, this paper will
also make an attempt to understand the changing role of women in
the present day context. Therefore, this paper aims to promote an
academic platform for discourse to understand the empirical reality
of the role of women in the present day context.
Page:54 – 61
‘NATURAL’ CRISIS IN AMITAV GHOSH’S THE HUNGRY TIDES
Dr. Persara Lyngdoh
Abstract
With the black cloud of global warming looming large, people,
in general, have become increasingly environmentally conscious and there
is a strong movement to protect and conserve certain areas and species
before they disappear into oblivion. Environmental conservation has
always had positive connotations but what happens if the conservation
efforts do not sustain the less privileged of the society who depend
on the natural environment for their survival. This paper attempts to
investigate this provocative question by analysing the man-animal/
man-nature dynamics in Amitav Ghosh’s 2004 novel, The Hungry
Tides. In the peculiar geography of India’s Sunderbans, The Hungry
Tides explore the problematic and limited idea of conservation in
post-colonial societies that gives rise to a modern and natural crisis
where the individual has to compete against a broad spectrum of
forces that include social, political, historical and economic ones and
often results in the disenfranchisement of the individual. Indigenous
delegates to the Fifth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa
in 2003 voiced the same concern when they stated “first we were
dispossessed in the name of kings and emperors, later in the name of
state development, and now in the name of conservation”.
Page:62 – 71
STUDY OF BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY AND ITS IMPLICATION
ON THE ENVIRONMENT FOUND IN THE NORTH EASTERN
HILL UNIVERSITY, SHILLONG CAMPUS.
Bankerdonbor Kharbisnop
Dr. Lucy Mary Jyrwa
Abstract
The North Eastern Hill University is the only central university in
the state of Meghalaya and there are two campuses, the main campus
in Shillong and the other in Tura. The university’s campus in Shillong
is situated in the outskirts of the city at Mawlai Umshing Mawkynroh.
The University is densely covered by forest mostly dominated by the
pine trees with 1225 acres in area and hence provides microhabitats for
various fauna. The present work was undertaken to study the diversity
of butterflies found inside the Shillong campus of the university.
An attempt has been made through this study that the presence of
certain species of butterflies like Junonia orithiya, Danaus genutia,
Neptis jumbah Moore and Papilio bianor gladiator in the campus
may perhaps indicate destruction of forest cover due to construction
of buildings around the campus. Thus, an understanding of how to
balance co-existence of both concrete forest as well as green forest
is the need of the hour.
Page:72 – 84
BACTERIOLOGICAL OF POND WATER LOCATED IN
MAWTHADRAISHAN VILLAGE WEST KHASI HILLS
DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA
Mary Diengdoh
Banridor Kharbyngar
Abstract
Mawthadraishan village is situated in Nongstoin, West Khasi
Hills District of the state of Meghalaya. Recently, Mawthadraishan
has become one of the tourist destinations due to its mesmerizing
view and because of the ponds present in the depression of the hills.
There are about 7 to 8 ponds of considerable size that are visible
from a distant view. The water from these ponds is frequently used
by the locals for many domestic purposes such as cooking, bathing,
washing, bathing animals and for drinking as there is no other source
in the entire surrounding for water consumption. A bacteriological
study was done on such ponds located in Mawthadraishan village and
found to be contaminated by many enteric bacteria both pathogenic
and non- pathogenic. Contamination ofwater bodies such as rivers,
lakes, ponds etc. due to various human activities has led to many
undesirable changes in water bodies such as its quality, colour, odour
and has affected many water living animals and the whole food web
chain including humans. Study was made to test the quality of water,
its sources, and what are the preventive measures that the village
and the administration can take to prevent the contamination of the
pond water.
Page:85- 94
REDEFINING ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN THE EMERGING
ICT ERA: AN OVERVIEW
Dr. Jacqueline. J. Thabah
Betbhalin Lyngdoh
Abstract
This paper discusses an overview of how academic libraries
are redefining to adapt to the revolutionary changes brought about by
the application of technologies in the overall functioning of library
operations. It also highlight the trends in which Academic libraries are
constantly in a transitional mode and have evolved from traditional
library to digital library, library 2.0 to library 3.0 etc. and efficiently
adopting the new means of technology tools for effective delivery of
quality services and for sustainability in the emerging ICT era.
Page:95 – 105
A Review On Community Participation
And Quality Drinking Water Supply
Sumarlang Oracle Lyngskor
Abstract
The Article Community Participation and quality Drinking
Water was written by Dr. Tripathy, an Associate with the Department
of Science and Technology, Government of India in one of reputed
journal on rural development, Kurukshetra, issue No. 8 of June 2019
Page:106 – 113