Two PhD scholars from Rajiv Gandhi University have been nominated for the Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship, focusing on peace and sustainability, supported by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Itanagar, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: RONO HILLS, 24 Jul: Two PhD scholars from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) have been nominated for the prestigious Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship Summer Course on Peace and Sustainability-2026, supported by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Japan. This fellowship is a significant opportunity for young researchers to engage in critical discussions surrounding peace and sustainability, themes that are increasingly relevant in today’s global landscape.
The scholars selected for this esteemed programme are Nillo Yedi from the department of horticulture and Gebina Tatak from the department of sociology. Their nominations highlight not only their academic achievements but also the university’s commitment to fostering research that addresses pressing global issues.
The Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship is a collaborative initiative organized by Hiroshima University, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Columbia University. The programme is set to take place from 28 July to 6 August at the Higashi-Hiroshima campus of Hiroshima University, Japan. This summer course is designed to bring together young researchers from various academic backgrounds to explore interdisciplinary approaches to conflict resolution and sustainable development.
The 10-day course, themed ‘Clinic on Conflict and Collaboration in Natural Resource Management – Advancing Positive Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, aims to deepen participants’ understanding of environmental conflicts and the role of peacebuilding in sustainable resource management. The SDGs, established by the United Nations in 2015, provide a global framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. The course will focus on how collaboration and conflict resolution can advance these goals.
During the programme, Yedi and Tatak will engage in a variety of activities including workshops, expert lectures, field visits, and collaborative research projects. These experiences are designed to enhance their skills in analyzing complex environmental issues and developing practical solutions that can be applied in their home regions. The emphasis on field-based research will allow them to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in natural resource management.
The university held a send-off ceremony for the scholars, extending best wishes for their upcoming journey. RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof Shivaraj expressed optimism about the potential benefits the scholars would gain from this international exposure. He emphasized the importance of translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations that can benefit various stakeholders, including local communities, policymakers, and academic institutions. Prof Shivaraj also encouraged Yedi and Tatak to represent RGU and India as goodwill ambassadors, highlighting the significance of their roles in promoting academic excellence and international collaboration.
Finance Officer and Registrar (i/c) Prof Otem Padung remarked that the nomination of these scholars reflects RGU’s growing commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. This commitment is crucial as universities worldwide increasingly seek to address global challenges through collaborative research and international partnerships.
Joint Registrar Dr David Pertin elaborated on the rigorous training the scholars will undergo during the fellowship. He noted that the programme includes intensive workshops, classroom sessions, field studies, and independent research, all aimed at equipping participants with the tools necessary to analyze environmental conflicts and sustainable natural resource management effectively. The integration of quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial data will enable the scholars to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues they are studying. Dr Pertin expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the fellowship would enhance research capabilities at RGU and contribute to future international collaborations.
This year marks the second consecutive occasion that RGU scholars have been selected for the prestigious Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship, underscoring the university’s growing reputation in the field of peace and sustainability research. The selection of Yedi and Tatak not only highlights their individual achievements but also reflects the university's strategic focus on fostering a research environment that prioritizes global engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Yedi expressed his pride in representing RGU on this international platform, stating, "It is a matter of immense pride to represent RGU on an international platform. I look forward to learning from global experts and bringing back ideas that can contribute to sustainable agricultural and environmental research in our region." His research in horticulture is particularly relevant given the increasing importance of sustainable agricultural practices in addressing food security and environmental sustainability.
Tatak also shared her enthusiasm for the fellowship, stating, "This fellowship is a unique opportunity to understand peacebuilding and sustainable development from a global perspective. I am honoured to represent RGU and hope to contribute meaningfully to international academic collaborations." Her work in sociology will allow her to explore the social dimensions of peace and sustainability, examining how community engagement and social structures influence environmental management.
Both scholars are supported by esteemed faculty members who recognize the value of this international experience. Dr Bikash Bage, who is Tatak’s research guide, noted that participation in globally acclaimed programmes nurtures critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and research excellence. He emphasized that such experiences are invaluable for the development of future leaders in academia and research.
Similarly, Dr Arindam Barman, Yedi’s research guide, highlighted the importance of international exposure in broadening academic vision and strengthening research capabilities. He expressed confidence that Yedi would return with insights that would not only enrich his own research but also contribute to the academic community at RGU.
The Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship represents an important step in the careers of these young scholars, providing them with a platform to engage with a global network of researchers and practitioners dedicated to peace and sustainability. The knowledge and experiences gained during this fellowship will likely have lasting impacts on their academic pursuits and professional trajectories, equipping them with the tools to address complex global challenges in their future careers.
As RGU continues to promote international collaboration and academic excellence, the participation of its scholars in prestigious programmes such as the Hiroshima Orizuru Fellowship serves to enhance the university's reputation as a center for innovative research and thought leadership in the fields of peace and sustainability.
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