The Department of International Studies and History held a guest lecture on the Northeast India’s economic development at the Sky view, Central Block on March 11 and 13. The guest of honour was Dr. Paul Hong, a full bright scholar. The function was presided over by Dr. Fr. Jose CC, Director of International Studies and History and Dr. Venugopal Menon, HoD, Department of International Studies and History. Post the invocation song, the lecture started with a brief introduction to India and its neighbours, which covered aspects such as the neighbours of Northeast Asia and the relation that it enjoys with its neighbours. The first lecture emphasized on the rapid industrialization and economic progress of the Northeast Asia. This was regarded as a model for development of other countries, the challenges to the development of the region was also discussed. The first part of the two day lecture focused from the view of India of how the model can be implemented was for catalyzing the development of India.

 The second and the last part of lecture focused on the impact of recent presidential elections in America and how it could have an impact on Northeast Asia in terms of -- external orientation based on enormous resources capabilities vs. inward looking in view of growing competing and conflicting interests. The lecture also focused on the five components of American Democracy and a comparison was drawn on between America and Northeast Asia and the common challenges posed to both America and Northeast Asia in terms of International Terrorism. This was later followed a question and answer session which was moderated by Dr. Madhumati Deshpande which was followed by a vote of thanks by Saagar Kote from 2 MAIS. This an enriching and fruitful two day lecture finally came to a close.