The Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJW School), Vairengte, conducted a two-day seminar on “Cultural Diplomacy, Ecosystem of Tribals and Indigenous People, Population-Centric Engagement and Way Ahead for Northeast India” on 23–24 September 2026.
The seminar brought together eminent moderators and speakers from NIT Silchar, Assam University, Central University of Jharkhand, Mizoram University, North-Eastern Hill University, Tripura University, Indian Institute of Public Administration, DIPR and DRDO, along with Army officers, academicians and students. The three thematic sessions provided a common platform for academic research, professional experience and local perspectives on the region.
The first thematic session, “Cultural Diplomacy & Ecosystem of Tribals and Indigenous People,” explored the cultural strengths of Northeast India and their potential to deepen people-to-people linkages. Discussions highlighted the role of food, hospitality, tourism, festivals, tea, textiles, languages and indigenous traditions as instruments of cultural diplomacy, as well as the potential of the Northeast to serve as a cultural bridge with India’s eastern neighbourhood. The session also examined tribal customs and indigenous practices across communities and states, including the practical and scientific rationale underlying several traditional practices. The meaningful participation of women in institutional and organisational initiatives emerged as an important theme. Cross-border cultural and ethnic linkages arising from kinship, language, traditions, movement and historical relationships were also discussed.
The second thematic session, “Population-Centric Engagement,” placed trust at the heart of meaningful engagement with local communities. Deliberations emphasised the importance of understanding existing community structures and engaging with local populations through community organisations, associations and their leadership. The session highlighted the significance of cultural intelligence, strong kinship networks and attachment to roots, with Mizoram offering an example of a closely connected and relatively non-hierarchical society. Contemporary challenges, particularly drug abuse, were also discussed, alongside changing aspirations among the youth and the need to involve digitally educated young people more effectively in governmental, institutional and community mechanisms.
The final thematic session, “Economic & Technological Pathways & Way Ahead,” focused on development opportunities and future pathways for the region. Comparative economic data was analysed to identify avenues for strengthening the economic development of Northeast India. Discussions on technology highlighted existing Government initiatives while also exploring new technology-enabled solutions for improving governance, accessibility, service delivery and development outcomes.
A thought that resonated throughout the seminar was the Vedic invocation “आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः” — “Let noble thoughts come to us from every direction.” Emphasised by several speakers, the invocation aptly captured the spirit of the seminar: bringing together diverse disciplines, experiences and perspectives while remaining receptive to ideas and insights from every direction.
An interesting progression of ideas emerged over the two days. The discourse began with the 3 Cs — Connectivity, Culture and Community, underscoring that regional engagement must extend beyond physical connectivity. As discussions broadened to cross-border linkages and cooperation, the framework evolved into the 5 Cs — Culture, Community, Connectivity, Cooperation and Confidence.
In his closing remarks, Maj Gen Kulvir Singh, SM, PhD, Commandant, CIJW School, carried this progression further into a comprehensive 7 Cs framework — Culture, Community, Connectivity, Capacity, Commerce, Confidence and Convergence. He emphasised that inclusive growth and meaningful participation of women must remain integral to the future development and engagement strategy for Northeast India.
The 3–5–7 progression thus captured the broader journey of the seminar—from cultural understanding and community engagement, through cooperation and confidence, towards capacity building, economic opportunity and convergence of efforts.
The seminar further strengthened Army–academia interaction and generated practical perspectives aimed at fostering an inclusive, people-centric and progressive future for Northeast India.
