The Department of Commerce, Sarupathar College, in association with IQAC and in collaboration with the South Development Block, successfully organized a Two-Day ICSSR Sponsored National Seminar on “Empowering Rural Women through SHGs: A Pathway to Economic Independence for Viksit Bharat 2047” on August 22–23, 2025, at the Muhikanta Tamuli Auditorium, Sarupathar College.
The seminar began with a warm welcome address by Principal Dr. Prapti Thakur, who extended her greetings to all the dignitaries, teachers, SHG members, and students present.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Pranjal Bezborah, Retired Professor, Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University — popularly known as the “Management Guru of North East India” — who delivered the Keynote Address. Ms. Tamasha Das, BDO, South Development Block, Sarupathar, was also present as a distinguished guest.
A unique highlight of the seminar was the inclusion of SHG members, who were given the first seats in the auditorium. This not only honored the beneficiaries for whom the seminar was designed but also ensured that the discussions remained grounded in lived realities, making the event both meaningful and practical.
The seminar featured eminent resource persons including Prof. Pranjal Bezborah, Prof. Ranjit Singh (IIIT, Allahabad), Dr. Bipasha Chetiya Barua (Head, Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University), and Dr. Himadri Dutta (Head, Department of Assamese, Govt. Model Degree College, Diblong, Dima Hasao). Online sessions were enriched by Prof. Shanti Gopal Majhi (Tezpur University) and Dr. Sarat Borah (CKB Commerce College).
The seminar received more than 90 abstracts, of which 50 research papers were presented in blended mode, covering themes such as women’s entrepreneurship, SHGs as catalysts for development, climate change and gender, and sustainable socio-economic models.
The event concluded with a Valedictory Session presided over by Dr. Himadri Dutta, Vice Principal Jayanta Borah, and Nabajyoti Goswami, who commended the organizing team and underlined the seminar’s social and policy relevance.
Convenor Dr. Sanjay Rizal expressed gratitude to ICSSR, the resource persons, and participants, while Co-Convenors Dr. Pritom Sutradhar and Ms. Anjali Yadav acknowledged the contribution of faculty and students, whose teamwork ensured the grand success of the seminar.
The seminar has been hailed as a landmark in the academic journey of Sarupathar College, reaffirming its commitment to community-oriented research and inclusive academic dialogue.
