Dear colleagues,

The North-west region of the Indian society bears some unique characteristics and has some area specific issues to be addressed. Though Jammu & Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh and union territory of Chandigarh are well known across the world for their natural scenic beauty but the issues of unemployment of various types and in various forms, environmental degradation and other socio-economic problems are quite severe in these states besides the terrorism imbroglio in J& K . The states of Punjab and Haryana which primarily are agriculture based societies and nucleus of green revolution in India are now suffering from numerous problems. Stagnation in production of main agricultural crops i.e wheat and rice, costly inputs, depleting ground water, soil degradation and other social and psychological problems have engulfed these, once shining, states. The state of Punjab is also battling with problems of farmers’ suicide and drug abuse.

I do believe that NWISA members would pay their attention towards above serious issues and also the impact of mass media on human life and changes, through their research works. The first issue of NWISA Newsletter highlighting the activities of various academic institutions, individual efforts and future actions is with you. I do hope that after getting the feedback from revered members further improvements shall be made in presentation and content of newsletter. Similarly, a research journal of NWISA shall be started soon, which shall surely be beneficial to the scholars for sharing their research work. The efforts of general secretary of NWISA in this process are appreciable. I hope that NWISA would attain more success in the future.

With Best Wishes.

Prof Sukhdev Singh
President, NWISA

Dear colleagues,

NWISA is a family of teachers, researchers and social activists who are dedicated to enrich sociology in North West India. The regional and discipline specific character of the organisation is in symbiotic relation with the interdisciplinary works done in social sciences at national and international level.

The social fabric in the region has specific historical and cultural context. It has certain unique features in terms of social, economic and political context. In addition the impact of the processes of globalisation and modernisation is obvious.

The various conferences organised by the Association have tried to provide a platform for the discussion on the issues related to the social dynamics, agrarian issues, the population transition, social change and challenges to social development in North West India.

I am sure that the galaxy of scholars and academicians joining the organisation will gain from formal and informal interactions with the members. As Secretary of this prestigious organisation, I will try my best to the match the high standards set by my predecessors.

With warm wishes and best regards.

Dr. Manoj Kumar
Secretary, NWISA