The Department of Sociology as part of the DOT Talks Student Webinar Series held a discourse on social dynamics with special reference to the Covid-19 pandemic on 22nd August 2020. With the pandemic bringing unprecedented challenges both for individuals and the society, the aim of this webinar was to contribute to the society with this discourse on different current social phenomena and its impact on society.
Altogether, five Sociology Honours students from the 5th Semester in the degree level presented their researches and findings on the said topic while the session was moderated by Phoibiliu Newmai, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology.
Speaking on the importance of mental health during this pandemic, Nourhechulie Rulho defined mental health as “referring to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being” and stated that mental health existed as early as 6500 BC. Reporting that over 264 million people were suffering from depression worldwide as on 30th January 2020according to the World Health Organization, Nourhechulie spoke mainly on three major problems faced by the masses resulting in mental illnesses such as the fear of getting infected by Covid-19, financial problems, and relationships.
T Lumchu presented on unemployment in the country after the nationwide lockdown forced by the pandemic. She focused her research on the different types of unemployment and sought to uncover the reasons for the situation. While examining the long term consequences of unemployment and its effect on the economy, Lumchu also suggested certain measures and solutions in an attempt to alleviate the economic condition.
Meanwhile, Niloli Swu spoke on the issue of immigration caused by the pandemic with special focus on migrant workers who are dealing with loss of income, food shortage, and uncertainty about their future, among other untold hardships. While also highlighting certain relief work and schemes extended by the government, she was of the opinion that circular migration must be given the recognition that has long been overdue both in understanding the patterns and the role it plays in the country’s development.
In conclusion, Tiakumba Lemtur presented on the positive and negative impacts of social media on students and the huge role it has in shaping the mindset of the younger generation while Asen A Phom provided her standpoint on man as a social animal, the effects of isolation, and how to prevent social isolation.