Imphal, 08 November 2016 (  Evening News ) : The 46th Annual Conference of Indian Anthropological Society and an International Seminar on Anthropological Research in North East India: Retrospect and Prospect were held today at the Court hall of Manipur University. The event was organised by Department of Anthropology Manipur University in collaboration with Indian Anthropology Society Kolkatta, IGRMS, Bhopal and ASM Manipur. Speaking as chief guest on the occasion governor Dr. Najma Haptulla said north east India is often considered a mini India because of its social, cultural and linguistic diversity.  She remarked that the small ethnic communities have undergone drastic changes in respect of their lifestyle both tangible and intangible owing to the deep impact of multidimensional factors. The governor said the various smaller communities of the region are facing the dilemma of ethnic identity. She also mentioned that lack of skills and infrastructure development, unemployment particularly among the educated youth also breed social problems. Dr Najma Heptulla observed that the region can be considered a hospot for understanding human issues and diversity. She hoped that the findings of the deliberations will be of great value to planning and policy making for the region. A souvenir of Indian Anthropological Society was also released on the 46th Annual Conference.  TC Roy Choudhury memorial Award 2016 was presented to senior most Anthropologist of the north east Prof. AC Bhagabati. Henry Konjengbam who topped the physical Anthropology in 2015 was awarded Jyotirmoy Chakraborti Memorial Award 2016.