SCE Hosts Joint International Research Conference 2026
Samtse College of Education (SCE), Royal University of Bhutan, and the Council for Educational Administration and Management (CEAM), India, in partnership with Vidya Sagar College of Education, Balurghat B.Ed College, and Nakshalbari College of Education, West Bengal, India, hosted the Joint International Research Conference 2026 on 4–5 September 2026 under the theme “Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Education: Local and Global Realities.” The two-day conference brought together researchers, academics, educators, and students from Bhutan, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to share research, perspectives, and practices related to gender equality, diversity, equity, and social inclusion in education.
The conference opened at the College Auditorium, Namgay Khangzang, with the lighting of butter lamps, the national anthem, and Zhabten for His Majesty, followed by the formal welcome and conference briefing. Dr. Kinzang Dorji, Conference Coordinator, welcomed the participants, while Dr. Sonam Rinchen, President of SCE, highlighted the importance of research and academic collaboration in responding to contemporary educational challenges.
The Chief Guest, Dr. V. M. Sasikumar, National President of CEAM, India, spoke on educational leadership, inclusive classroom environments, and the role of technology in creating equitable learning spaces. The first keynote address was delivered by Prof. Daisy Bora Talukdar, Dibrugarh University, Assam on “Cultivating an Inclusive Teaching Environment through Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: A Critical Assessment of CBSE Social Science Textbooks.” Her presentation examined how gender-responsive pedagogy and educational materials can challenge existing gender assumptions and promote more inclusive learning environments. She also situated gender equality and social inclusion within international conventions, compared the experiences of India and Bhutan with broader global benchmarks, and highlighted challenges and policy directions for strengthening gender-responsive education.
A panel discussion on “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion through Leadership, Partnerships, and System Reform” provided an opportunity to examine how policies and principles of inclusion can be translated into practice. Moderated by Dr. Kiran Arora, the panel brought together scholars and practitioners from India and Bhutan, including Prof. Ajay Sareen of Lovely Professional University, Dr. Naresh Kumar Dhiman of Doaba College, Dr. Pratiksha Dixit of Springfields, Moradabad, Mr. Karma Gayphel, and Dr. Dechen Doma of SCE.
The first day also featured a series of online and in-person research presentations. The papers explored a wide range of issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion in Bangladeshi universities; women’s perceptions of gender discrimination; barriers to gender equality and social inclusion in conflict-affected areas of Manipur; education and gender equality in Afghanistan; legal literacy; and the role of institutional policies and frameworks in advancing inclusive education. Each presentation was followed by question-and-answer sessions, encouraging critical discussion and scholarly exchange.
Day Two began with the second keynote address by Prof. Savita Mishra, Principal of Nakshalbari College, West Bengal, India, and Co-convenor of the conference. Her keynote, “Relevance of Educational Thought and Scientific Literature in Bridging the Gaps of Gender Inequality,” highlighted the contribution of educational thought and scientific literature to addressing persistent gaps in gender equality. She emphasised the importance of recognising women as active agents of social transformation rather than merely as recipients of support.
The second day continued with parallel paper presentations focusing on inclusive pedagogy, teacher education, and classroom practices. The sessions, moderated by Ms. Sonam Wangmo in the auditorium and Dr. Yangdon in the Rigpa Hall, explored a range of contemporary educational issues, including student well-being, learning outcomes, psychological development, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in inclusive education.
The conference concluded with the awarding of certificates to presenters in recognition of their contributions and participation. Across the two days, the conference provided a platform for researchers and educators to share evidence, question existing practices, and explore innovative approaches to advancing gender equality and social inclusion in education.
For students of Samtse College of Education, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, engage directly with researchers and scholars, and gain broader perspectives on contemporary educational issues. Their participation exposed them to diverse research findings and experiences from different contexts while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, reflection, and meaningful academic engagement.
The two-day conference thus served not only as a forum for scholarly exchange but also as an important learning experience for the College community, strengthening academic collaboration and contributing to the continuing dialogue on building equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive education systems.
