Faculty and students of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) during the study tour in Kolkata.
Chümoukedima, February 7 (MExN): The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, organised a series of academic study tours for Master of Social Work (MSW) fourth semester trainees of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies (PCTS), Community Development (CD), Youth Development (YD) and Social Entrepreneurship Development (SED specialisations during January–February 2026.
The study tours formed an integral component of the MSW curriculum and aimed to strengthen experiential learning, professional exposure and field-based competencies through direct engagement with development institutions and communities.
The PCTS study tour was conducted from January 26 to February 3 under the theme “Peace Through Experience,” covering Guwahati, Shillong and Bhutan. Guided by Barnic Gangmei, Assistant Professor, NEISSR and Faculty In-Charge, the tour focused on linking classroom learning with real-world practice in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, governance and rights-based approaches.
Trainees visited institutions including the North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), North East Network (NEN), Caritas India–Guwahati Region, Women Development Centre and Shantivan Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre. Cultural exposure in Meghalaya and Bhutan, including Mawlynnong village, enhanced understanding of sustainable community practices and peaceful coexistence.
The MSW trainees specialising in Community Development undertook a study tour to Kolkata from January 24 to February 4. Students rendered services at Shanti Dan, Prem Dan and Nirmal Hriday, working with the destitute, orphans and persons with disabilities. Institutional visits to the Child in Need Institute (CINI), Calcutta Rescue and the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC) provided exposure to child protection, health, education, women’s empowerment and livelihoods.
An interaction with IIMC founder and director Dr Sujit Kumar Brahmochary was also held. The trainees visited Mother Teresa’s House, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Science City and Eco Park.
The Youth Development specialisation trainees completed a study tour to Kolkata and Sikkim from January 24 to February 6. They interacted with organisations including Mother’s House, House of Hope, SEVA Kendra, CINI, ADORE, Destiny Reflection, Prayasam and the All Bengal Men’s Forum, and engaged with urban slum communities. Visits were also made to Changu Lake and Nathula Pass in Sikkim.
The SED trainees undertook a study tour to Kolkata, visiting organisations such as Udayani Social Action Forum, Udayan Shalini Fellowship, Lifeline Foundation, Jayiyo Kristiyo Prochar Samity, Prayasam, ADORE, Destiny Foundation, House of Hope and Mother Teresa’s House. The tour provided insights into organisational structures, funding models, leadership, ethics and sustainability.
NEISSR stated that the study tours strengthened trainees’ understanding of peacebuilding, community development, youth engagement and social entrepreneurship, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to practice-based social work education.
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