Daily Briefs & Updates – Sujit Chatterjee

Seminar

International Seminar on Iran–Israel Conflict and the Changing Geopolitics of the Middle East Held at Bidhan Chandra College

Rishra, March 14: Bidhan Chandra College, Rishra organised a one-day International Seminar on “Iran–Israel Conflict and the Changing Geopolitics of the Middle East” on Saturday, March 14, 2026. It was the second international seminar hosted by the college within a week, reflecting the institution’s active engagement with contemporary global issues.

The seminar focused on the evolving geopolitical and economic situation in the Middle East arising from the ongoing tensions between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The discussion highlighted how the conflict has significant implications for regional stability and global politics.

The speaker for the seminar was Mr. Muniam Alfaker, former Advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, who is currently based in Denmark. In his lecture, Mr. Alfaker analysed the complex dynamics of the conflict and discussed the reasons why several Muslim-majority countries have not openly supported Iran. He also elaborated on what he described as the strategic interests of the United States in the region and examined the possible role of India in navigating the changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Principal of the college, Dr. Ramesh Kar, who emphasised the importance of organising academic discussions on pressing global issues. He highlighted the role of higher education institutions in encouraging critical thinking and informed dialogue on international developments.

The seminar was convened by Dr. Samindra Mohan Biswas, Head of the Department of History.

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and staff members of the college, making it a stimulating platform for intellectual exchange on contemporary international politics.

Seminar

International Seminar on Inequality in South Asia Held at Bidhan Chandra College, Rishra

A one-day International Seminar titled “Inequality in South Asia: Issues and Perspectives from Sri Lanka” was held at Bidhan Chandra College, Rishra on 9th March 2026. The seminar focused on the growing challenges of inequality in the South Asian region and the experiences of Sri Lanka in addressing socio-economic disparities.

Dr. Siri Hettige, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Colombo, was the speaker at the seminar. In his lecture, he discussed the trajectory of South Asian development in the post-colonial period, with particular reference to Sri Lanka. He highlighted the persistent challenges of inequality in the region and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing socio-economic disparities. He also referred to Sri Lanka’s efforts at internal development despite facing multiple economic and political crises in recent years.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Principal of the college, Dr. Ramesh Kar, who underscored the importance of organising academic discussions on pressing regional issues and stressed the role of higher education institutions in fostering critical dialogue on socio-economic challenges.

The seminar was convened by Dr. Debtanu Majee, Head of the Department of Political Science. A large number of students attended the seminar and actively participated in the discussion session.