July 2026

Chumoukedima, September 11 (MExN): The Department of Political Science at St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and NETRA Foundation, hosted the “SJU Conference 2024 on Skill Development and Internship” on September 9 at the university campus. The event brought together educators and experts to discuss strategies for enhancing skill development and internship opportunities within the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Er. Alongse Sangtam, Joint Director, and Menguzelie Suohu, Assistant Project Officer at the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland, served as the key resource persons for the conference. Attendees included Heads of Institutions and members of Skill Development Committees from St. John College, Unity College, C-Edge College, Dimapur Government College, Mount Mary College, Modern College, City College of Arts and Commerce, and Eastern Christian College, as well as Heads of Departments from St. Joseph University. The conference provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and practices related to skill development and internship implementation. Participants were divided into groups to explore effective approaches to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Presentations highlighted various skill development initiatives and internships undertaken by institutions, emphasizing their role in enhancing students’ employability and growth. However, the discussions also revealed several challenges faced by educational institutions, including structural constraints, a lack of industry collaboration, socio-economic factors, limited internship-providing agencies, and insufficient financial resources. A question-and-answer session with the resource persons addressed these challenges, providing valuable insights into government projects aimed at promoting skill development and improving employability for youths. The experts stressed the importance of adopting a growth mindset and continuously seeking opportunities for skill development through formal education, on-the-job training, and self-directed learning. They also encouraged institutions to collaborate in establishing centers for skill development to ensure that educational programs are relevant, industry-aligned, and accessible to a broad range of learners. YT Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDS3ie7DACU

“One Day Financial Literacy Workshop for Self-Employed Women” was organized by the Research Cell, St. John College in collaboration with RIS & NETRA Foundation on the 24th of August, 2024. A group of 25 Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA) members registered for the workshop. The resource person for the programme was Ms Isile Nza, Asst. Area Manager, CRISIL Foundation and a special address was delivered by Dr. Moameren Pongen, NETRA

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 22 (MExN): C-Edge College recently held two events focused on empowering different community segments through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. On August 20, the Research Committee of C-Edge College organized an Awareness Programme on Financial Literacy, specifically designed for homemakers. Sponsored by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the North Eastern Training Research and Advocacy (NETRA) Foundation, the event aimed to educate homemakers on the importance of financial planning. The programme featured two key sessions led by experts in the field. T. Lhingneikim, Manager of Financial Inclusion at SBI Regional Business Office Dimapur, discussed “Financial Literacy for Homemakers.” Her session emphasized setting financial goals and taking advantage of government-sponsored schemes. The second session was conducted by Shiva Prasad Dey, Assistant Professor of Management Studies at C-Edge College, who spoke on “Investment Avenues.” He explored various investment opportunities and explained how small investments could grow alongside market trends. The event was well-attended by 18 participants, all homemakers and members of Self-Help Groups from the Naga United area. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Moameren Pongen, Assistant Professor at St. Joseph University, with support from Yimwapangla and Shiva Prasad Dey of C-Edge College. The event was presided over by Yajennaro, Assistant Professor of Sociology, and opened with a welcome address by Dr. Chubatola Aier, Principal of C-Edge College. The following day, August 21, C-Edge College celebrated World Entrepreneurs Day under the theme “Celebrating Groundbreakers Who Transform Ideas into Reality.” Organized by the Department of Management Studies, the event sought to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students and acknowledge the contributions of entrepreneurs. Held at the GK Auditorium, the day featured a series of sessions and discussions. The programme began with an invocation by. Chaam of BBA 3rd Semester, followed by an opening address from Wapanginla Ao, Head of the Department and Dean of Management Studies. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion with the Kaki Marketing team, led by Managing Director Kakivi Chishi, who discussed current business trends and strategies. The panel was moderated by Thejasikho Vakha of BBA V Semester. One announcement during the event was the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) at C-Edge College, in collaboration with Educentre Business School and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland. Incale Iswarang, the EDC Coordinator and Social Media Manager of Educentre, provided an overview of the EDC and its processes. Additionally, the event featured the conclusion of the business venture competition, “The Entrepreneur,” with Team Hains Enterprise, comprising students from BBA I Semester, being declared the 2024 winner. The day also included the distribution of the University Level Merit Awards, traditionally given during the fresher’s day in July. Dr. Chubatola Aier presided over the awards, recognizing outstanding students and departments. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Seema Debnath, Assistant Professor of Management Studies.

DIMAPUR — Mount Mary College, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the North Eastern Training, Research and Advocacy (NETRA) Foundation, organised a one-day workshop on financial literacy with the theme “Women-led development”. According to an update, Dr. Moameren Pongen, assistant professor at St. Joseph University, provided a brief introduction to the workshop, highlighting the issues and challenges related to self-help groups (SHGs). W Temshiba Ao, senior branch manager at Bank of Baroda, highlighted the numerous opportunities that self-help groups can explore and utilise for their benefit. He outlined five key practices that every self-help group should follow: holding regular meetings, maintaining regular savings, engaging in inter-loaning, ensuring timely repayment of bank loans, and properly maintaining records of income, expenditure, and other related documentation. This was followed by a Q&A session in which participants from various SHGs clarified their questions about the loan process, repayment issues, defaulters, Cibil scores, and other related topics.

Organized by Research Cell, St. John College, in Collaboration with Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries, New Delhi, and NETRA on 27th March 2024 Dr. Amrit Puzari from National Institute of Technology, Nagaland, and Dr. Moameren Pongen, Assistant Professor, St Joseph University, were the resource persons for the programme

The Department of Political Science and Institution’s Innovation Council, St. Joseph University (SJU), Chumukedima in Collaboration with Research and Information systems for developing Countries(RIS) and North Eastern Training Research and Advocacy Foundation(NETRA), hosted a talk on the Theme “Nari Shakti: From women development to women led development” on 30th September 2024 at the University auditorium. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Priyadarshi Dash, an Associate professor at Research and Information System for developing Countries (RIS) New Delhi. Dr. Dash appraised on the history of G20 countries initiatives and collective willingness to address the issues that women experiences in the society and how to put women at the centre of development. He emphasised the importance of addressing gender violence by reducing gender gaps in all spheres while also empowering women to take leadership position and recognizing women as critical stakeholders in decision –making. Professor Polly Vauquline, from the department of Women’s Studies, Guwahati University who delivered the special address spoke on“ Women’s Development to Women Led Development”. She opened her talk by exploring on the broader concept of development by pointing out that development normally covers three aspects of change;  raising people’s living standard, creating conditions that can increase growth in self-esteem that promote human dignity and respect; and increasing people’s freedom to choose to achieve greater participation. Professor Vauquline further underscored the necessity of considering several elements in understanding gender/ women and development that includes equal distribution of resources(access to and control over resources), women active participation, women in decision making, power relations between men and women and division of labour. She argued that if development is not gender neutral, it will result in Mal-development which is non-inclusive or sustainable. By addressing the challenges of Women led-development, she shared on how to overcome the same. The sessions were hosted by Ms. Sungjemmongla and Mr. Benjungnungsang, Asst.Professors. SJU. while Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah delivered the welcome and theme address. Highlighting the significance of the theme, she brought out the objectives of Women Led Development that aims to empower women through education, entrepreneurship and leadership training, by addressing discrimination and prejudices against women and fostering gender equality, and enabling them to take active roles in their communities. The programme also witnessed two more talks on “The Impact of Financial independence on Women lives” by Ms. Nengeithem Henga, Co-Founder of Runway India HM Pvt, Ltd. who spoke on the fundamentals of doing business; financial literacy and Financial discipline and “ The role of Banks, financial institutions and Government in promoting women entrepreneurs” delivered Ms. Isile Nza, Assistant Area Manager, Nagaland Moneywise Centre for financial Literacy, Nagaland. The programme concluded with a vote of gratitude by Limongi, Asst.Prof. The event was a followed up of G20 University connect.