Captain Williamson Sangma State University

Sociology as a discipline has seen phenomenal success since its introduction in various colleges across Meghalaya, establishing itself as an essential tool to understand the complexities of contemporary social life. Since its introduction in the state, the discipline has expanded and diversified to address the evolving needs of society and respond to its dynamic realities.

The Department of Sociology at Captain Williamson Sangma State University envisions itself as a centre of academic excellence where every student we teach, and every community we work with, is inspired by the transformative power of knowledge. Our aim extends beyond simply imparting information: we strive to nurture critical thinkers who are socially aware, ethically grounded, and intellectually capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Guided by the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Department embraces a multidisciplinary and inclusive educational framework. We recognise that quality higher education is vital not only for the personal development of students but also for equipping them to engage with broader social challenges. Our approach blends theoretical and practical learning, preparing students for research, policy contribution, teaching, and development work.

The Department’s Postgraduate Programme in Sociology is designed to provide rigorous and comprehensive study of sociological perspectives, research methods, and practical applications. It blends foundational theories with critical perspectives, covering both classical and contemporary issues. The curriculum places special emphasis on Indian society and the North-East Indian region, engaging students with topics such as social inequality, caste, class, tribe, ethnicity, family and kinship, religion, polity, economy, culture, development, organisation, and social change. Through research-focused courses and field-based learning, the programme equips students with analytical skills to understand and engage with complex social realities.

Our Academic Vision and Roadmap:
• A combination of theoretical and practical approaches is adopted to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.
• Prioritising research and field-based learning, with a focus on North-East India’s rich cultural and social diversity.
• Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to sociological study, which foreground indigenous knowledge systems alongside classical perspectives.
• Expanding technical capacities through digital tools and platforms such as MOOCs and other digital resources.
• Actively engaging local communities in the learning process, fostering mutual learning between academia and society.

The North-Eastern region of India, home to diverse ethnic communities, presents unique opportunities for sociological inquiry. Each community possesses its own distinct socio-political and economic identity, meriting careful and sensitive academic study. The Department recognises the need to challenge outdated, stereotypical narratives of backwardness, advocating instead for research that highlights indigenous knowledge systems, resilience, and agency. Our commitment lies in fostering an in-depth, nuanced understanding of these societies to contribute towards more inclusive and grounded policy-making.

Faculty Strength: The Department is supported by a team of dedicated, research-oriented, and qualified faculty members committed to advancing both teaching and scholarship in Sociology.

We believe that education must transcend the boundaries of classrooms and curricula. By grounding our work in the lived experiences of communities, especially those of indigenous and marginalised populations, we aim to uphold the principle that knowledge serves as a vehicle for social transformation. Through research, teaching, dialogue, mentorship and collaboration, the Department of Sociology aspires to nurture responsible citizens and scholars committed to building a more equitable and inclusive society.