Dibrugarh University has taken a significant step in fostering international dialogue by launching a major international conference focused on strengthening the multifaceted relationship between India and Taiwan. The event, which commenced on Wednesday, December 3, is a collaborative effort with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India.
Inaugurating a New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
The three-day conference, titled '100 Years of Tea, Trade and Ties: The Soft Power confluences in India-Taiwan Relations', was formally inaugurated by Dibrugarh University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jiten Hazarika. In his opening address, Prof Hazarika emphasized the event's role as a milestone for deeper understanding. He stated that the conference utilizes the rich shared heritage of tea as a common thread to lay a foundation for more resilient economic and diplomatic partnerships between the two regions.
Academic collaboration stood out as a central theme from the onset. Representatives from JNU, Prof Sandip K Mishra and Dr Aravind Yelery, highlighted the critical importance of such joint initiatives. They pointed out that these collaborations are vital for exploring the nuanced 'soft power' dynamics in East Asian studies, where India and Taiwan share historical and economic interests that extend beyond the political sphere.
Tea: The Brew That Binds Cultures and Economies
The faculty of Dibrugarh University powerfully underlined the centrality of tea to both society and the economy. Prof Surajit Borkotokey, the director of the office of international affairs, and Prof Pankaj Chetia delivered addresses stressing tea's fundamental role. They articulated that tea is not merely an economic commodity but is intrinsically linked to the social and cultural identity of the Assam region. A comprehensive understanding of its role in trade, traditions, and technology is crucial to appreciating the deeper ties with partners like Taiwan.
Building Genuine People-to-People Connections
Concluding the inaugural session, Jill Lai from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India focused on Taiwan's dedication to international academic outreach. She welcomed the opportunity for greater dialogue, stating that Taiwan views academic collaboration as the backbone of its international outreach. Lai expressed that through platforms like this conference, which celebrates shared traditions and technological advancements, genuine people-to-people connections are being built, which truly define the concept of soft power.
The conference, organised in association with JNU's Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), will continue until December 5. It is set to further explore the traditions and technological innovations that are shaping the modern India-Taiwan relationship, promising to open new avenues for academic and cultural exchange.
