Kohima/Nagaland: The Highland Institute, an esteemed independent research institute based in Kohima, Nagaland marked its momentous 10-year anniversary on June 10th.
Founded in 2013 by Dr Michael Heneise, an American anthropologist, and Dr Kekhrie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, the institute has emerged as a pioneering force in addressing socio-political, cultural, historical, environmental, and developmental challenges faced by communities in highland Asia.
Acknowledging the institutes remarkable growth, Dr Vizovol Mekro, a board member and former Principal of Phek Government College, praised the leadership and tireless efforts of Dr Michael Heneise, who served as Director until early this year.
Dr Mekro commended the institutes courageous initiatives, considering the limited research facilities available in Nagaland.
Boasting a global network of collaborating scholars and academic institutions, the Highland Institute has forged partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Oxford Policy Management, UK universities in Leeds, Edinburgh, and Cambridge, RV University Bangalore, Centre for Karbi Studies, India-wide Doctors for You, the International Development Research Centre of Canada, the Danish Institute for International Studies, and the Nagaland Government.
The institute also boasts a vibrant community of renowned research Fellows from distinguished universities worldwide.
Highlighting the institutes community engagement, Catriona Child, Acting Director, emphasized the successful integration of global and local efforts. Through internship programs and support from international Fellows, the institute nurtures local scholars to become world-class researchers.
Additionally, the Highland Institute actively collaborates with Kohima schools, organizing events such as an ethnographic film club and themed activity days to foster knowledge exchange.
Over the past decade, the Highland Institute has undertaken diverse projects, including research on the Karbi epic Kecharhe Alun, studying surgical care across four states, documenting post-conflict youth-related issues, exploring nutrition determinants in North-East India, and hosting exhibitions like Ancestral Voices, which showcased Nagalands evolving soundscapes.
Presently, ongoing projects include extensive studies on indigenous environmental knowledge, climate change, and a review of Kohimas tourism infrastructure. Furthermore, the institute is spearheading Ekologos, a global environmental humanities initiative led by UiT the Arctic University of Norway.
The prestigious Highland Institute Fellowship aims to attract world-class scholars actively involved in research and teaching, collaborating with partner institutions and granting agencies.
These distinguished scholars contribute to both short- and long-term research projects in South and Southeast Asia, working closely with postgraduate and early career researchers at the institute.
Fellows partake in fieldwork, seminars, and meetings while occasionally delivering research training workshops in local partner colleges and universities.
Reflecting on the institutes first decade, co-founder Dr Michael Heneise highlighted the significance of research collaboration and the transformative power of data and unbiased analysis in Asia.
He emphasized the need for self-examination and future planning as the institute enters its next decade, safeguarding against profit-driven influences and the erosion of intellectualism pervasive in higher education worldwide.
As the Highland Institute celebrates this milestone, it cements its commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering global connections, and spearheading independent research initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of highland communities in Asia.
(Inputs: Nagaland Tribue)
