National Workshop on Academic Writing commences at Rhenock SGC

PAKYONG, (IPR): Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Indra Hang Subba attended the inaugural session of one-week National Workshop on Academic Writing, organised by Research Cell, Sikkim Government College, Rhenock, and supported by Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) at the seminar hall, SGC Rhenock on Monday.

The workshop, aims to strengthen academic writing skills and foster critical inquiry and facilitate scholarly engagement among students, researchers, and resource persons from diverse academic disciplines.

During the event, the Lok Sabha MP lauded Sikkim Government College, Rhenock for organising the workshop and described it as a proactive initiative aimed at strengthening academic culture in the state.

Addressing the students, he encouraged them to pursue their dreams and to participate actively in the workshop. He stated that confusion is a natural part of life, and the decisions taken during such phases reflect what one has learned. He advised students to be careful while choosing a career, to explore and experiment, and to seek personal happiness so that they may contribute positively to others. He further remarked that the academic field offers intellectual freedom and urged students to develop the habit of reading and continuous learning.

He informed that he has been nominated as a Member of the Joint Committee on the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, constituted by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and noted that the proposed legislation seeks to grant autonomy to institutions.

He remarked that institutions often reflect the policies of the government and highlighted the role of public intellectuals in bringing balance to public discussions. Explaining social justice in simple terms, he said it means empowering those who are at the lowest levels of society. He stressed that the rule of law is essential to ensure justice, as without it only the strongest tend to dominate, and called for collective efforts to uphold it.

He also urged faculty members to adopt a more empathetic and understanding approach in their teaching.

Principal, SGC Rhenock, Dr Shobha Sharma Basistha expressed gratitude to the chief guest for his presence. She highlighted the institution’s continued efforts to provide platforms for learning and societal engagement through seminars and workshops. She informed that the workshop would be particularly beneficial for students working on dissertations and research papers. She noted that academic writing involves asking meaningful questions, seeking evidence-based answers and presenting arguments with integrity. She added that academic writing nurtures critical thinking, curiosity and ethical scholarship. She further encouraged students to explore diverse and unconventional career paths beyond traditional academic and civil service options.

In his keynote address, Professor, Department of Geography, Sikkim University, Dr Sohel Firdos emphasised the linkage between teaching and research. He advocated for research based teaching and integration of research into the curriculum.

He also highlighted the growing importance of evidence-based policy and stressed the need for collaboration among policymakers, society and scientists to formulate effective public policies. He elaborated on the evolution from traditional teaching methods to research-led and research-oriented approaches, each having distinct implications for student engagement. He further underlined the societal relevance of research, stating that research need not be confined to grand theories but may also emerge from practical experiences leading to meaningful publications. He noted that evidence-based policymaking, enhances public trust and confidence.

Workshop Convenor, Research Cell SGC Rhenock, Dr Chunnu Giri expressed appretiation to the chief guest for his commitment to educational development, youth empowerment, and research in the State.

She briefed the gathering on the objectives of the workshop, which include equipping participants with essential academic writing skills such as structuring research papers, citation practices, plagiarism awareness and publication ethics. She urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and maximise the benefits of the workshop, expressing hope that it would strengthen writing skills and open avenues for academic excellence.

A series of technical sessions followed under the theme ‘Introduction to Academic Writing and Literature Review’.

The session on Introduction to Academic Writing and its Importance was delivered by Professor (Retd.), Department of Sociology, University of North Bengal, Sanjay Kumar Roy.

Likewise, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Dr Abigail Lalnuneng conducted a session focusing on style, tone, clarity and critical approaches to reviewing literature.

Over the course of the programme, participants will engage in structured lectures, methodological discussions and guided writing sessions aimed at enhancing research competencies and academic rigour.

The programme concluded with the felicitation of the chief guest and speakers with mementoes, and the distribution of certificates to the resource persons.

The session was attended by the Vice Principal, Dean, Administrative Officer, faculty members, SRC members and students of Sikkim Government College, Rhenock.