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Research Cluster

Research Cluster

Research Cluster on Energy and Environment (RCEE)
Headed by Prof. Vimal Khawas
Objective
Energy is the lifeline of modern civilization, powering our homes, industries, and transportation systems. However, our reliance on traditional fossil fuels has led to a significant environmental crisis characterized by resource conflicts, climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. North East India, with its rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, presents a unique case study in the complex relationship between energy and the environment. The Government of India recognizes the immense potential for renewable energy in North East India and has undertaken several initiatives to develop the sector.The Energy and Environment Cluster within SCSNEI aims to explore the challenges and opportunities in the region, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection strategies.

 

RCEE aims for:
 
  • Raise awareness about the critical link between energy consumption and environmental impacts.
  • Examine the current energy landscape in North East India, including its resource potential, existing infrastructure, and dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Discuss the environmental challenges faced by the region, with a focus on climate change, deforestation, displacement, resource conflict, pollution, livelihood and traditional knowledge systems.
  • Explore sustainable energy solutions like hydropower, solar, biomass, and decentralized renewable energy (DRE) options.
  • Analyse the socio-economic and environmental implications of large-scale development projects in the energy sector.
  • Promote dialogue on policy interventions, technological advancements, and community participation for a sustainable energy future.
 
The RCEE is designed for a diverse audience, including:
 
  • Energy policymakers and regulators
  • Environmental scientists and activists
  • Engineers working in renewable energy technologies
  • Business leaders from the energy sector
  • Academics and researchers
  • Representatives from local communities impacted by energy projects
  • Students interested in energy, environment and development issues

 

The program plans to organise at least one Special Lecture by a prominent figure from within or outside the country in each semester and publish one Policy Paper. It aims to invite a diverse range of speakers and panellists with expertise in the following areas:
 
  • Renewable energy technologies and their applications in North East India.
  • Environmental science and policy with a focus on the region's unique challenges.
  • Socio-economic development and the role of energy in the region's growth.
  • Community engagement and participation in energy projects.
  • Socio-economic and environmental impacts of energy projects.
  • Government officials and policymakers responsible for energy and environment sectors.

 

Eventually, RCEE aims to achieve the following outcomes:
 
  • Increased awareness among stakeholders about the critical relationship between energy consumption and environmental impacts.
  • Enhanced understanding of the renewable energy potential and environmental challenges faced by North East India.
  • A platform for constructive dialogue on sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection strategies.
  • Recommendations for policy interventions and technological advancements to promote a sustainable energy future in the region.
  • Increased collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, industry experts, academics, and communities.
 

A warm welcome to the modified and updated website of the Centre for East Asian Studies. The East Asian region has been at the forefront of several path-breaking changes since 1970s beginning with the redefining the development architecture with its State-led development model besides emerging as a major region in the global politics and a key hub of the sophisticated technologies. The Centre is one of the thirteen Centres of the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi that provides a holistic understanding of the region.

Initially, established as a Centre for Chinese and Japanese Studies, it subsequently grew to include Korean Studies as well. At present there are eight faculty members in the Centre. Several distinguished faculty who have now retired include the late Prof. Gargi Dutt, Prof. P.A.N. Murthy, Prof. G.P. Deshpande, Dr. Nranarayan Das, Prof. R.R. Krishnan and Prof. K.V. Kesavan. Besides, Dr. Madhu Bhalla served at the Centre in Chinese Studies Programme during 1994-2006. In addition, Ms. Kamlesh Jain and Dr. M. M. Kunju served the Centre as the Documentation Officers in Chinese and Japanese Studies respectively.

The academic curriculum covers both modern and contemporary facets of East Asia as each scholar specializes in an area of his/her interest in the region. The integrated course involves two semesters of classes at the M. Phil programme and a dissertation for the M. Phil and a thesis for Ph. D programme respectively. The central objective is to impart an interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of history, foreign policy, government and politics, society and culture and political economy of the respective areas. Students can explore new and emerging themes such as East Asian regionalism, the evolving East Asian Community, the rise of China, resurgence of Japan and the prospects for reunification of the Korean peninsula. Additionally, the Centre lays great emphasis on the building of language skills. The background of scholars includes mostly from the social science disciplines; History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, International Relations and language.

Several students of the centre have been recipients of prestigious research fellowships awarded by Japan Foundation, Mombusho (Ministry of Education, Government of Japan), Saburo Okita Memorial Fellowship, Nippon Foundation, Korea Foundation, Nehru Memorial Fellowship, and Fellowship from the Chinese and Taiwanese Governments. Besides, students from Japan receive fellowship from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.