About Us
NECARF is a non-profit independent body of lay Catholics of the northeast region, a forum of excellence in pursuit of knowledge and knowledge dissemination, which continually responds to changing social realities through publications and discourses. It is a forum engaging in socio-economic-cultural domains that promotes and protects human dignity and mutual sharing, a platform through which different worldviews are synchronized. NECARF aims to encourage
- NECARF aims to encourage a scientific mindset and promote scholarly work among Catholic scholars as they explore secular and spiritually related topics that may have direct or indirect implications for the functioning of the Church in the region.
- Take up research activities on social, economic, and cultural topics, with special emphasis on the lives of people in the Northeast region.
- Publication of a newsletter/magazine/journal for public reading and to encourage young and budding writers to express opinions through writing.
- To Serve as a Think Tank for the Catholic Church in the region, sharing of knowledge and providing guidance to young Catholic researchers of the region,
- To conduct Workshops, Seminars and Symposiums on contemporary issues to encourage free and fair expression of views/opinions
- NECARF shall respond to requests for suggestions from the Church, whenever sought, on issues that may require opinions from laypeople.
Current Articles
Current Updates | Culture | Luke Sangkima
(Chungleng Leh Hnuaileng Indo)
Once upon a time, a tortoise kept watch over the nest of a serpent. One day a barking deer came and challenged the tortoise to compete for jumping over the nest. The tortoise declined the offer saying he cannot risk destroy.....
Opinion | Articles | Isaac Harold Gomes
At a time when the country is facing several tenacious problems namely volatile geopolitics in our neighbouring countries, very high US Tariff and Special Intensive Revision (SIR), it’s ironic that the shifting of stray dogs to safe shelters has made the .....
Opinion | People's Edit | Joseph M Thohrii
Introduction
Since early human civilisations, there has always been feeling of awe towards the supernatural being, and human beings had always been curious and interested to understand this phenomenon and wanted to relate life to this reality or being. I.....
Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep
With the approval of the St Xavier’s University Bill, 2020 by the Cabinet of Meghalaya Government on November 5, 2020, the Jesuits are all set to establish a University in the state of Meghalaya. The St. Xavier’s University, which would be managed by the .....
Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang
There are three major reasons that helped me grow in Faith after coming to Shillong. All Souls Day is one of them. In the past, I always found it odd to see people love having their photos taken on the tombs and in the graveyard. Stories and talks related.....
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai
This paper has an audacious title, considering the oft repeated experience of St Augustine on the seashore, and bearing in mind that our present Pope Leo is a follower of that same spirituality.
To refresh one’s memory, St Augustine of Hippo was walkin.....
Current Updates | Editorial Pick | Editorial team
Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave’s open letter to Prime Minister Modi
Dear Prime Minister,
These path-breaking messages have rightly been described by you, Sir, as inspirations and not merely slogans. You have described this broadly as Secularism in action.....
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai
Last night (30th October) my wife and I sat to watch the last two hours of the semi-final match between India and Australia in the ICC Women’s One Day World Cup. It is headlines today. Australia was defeated after 7 years, that too despite piling on a mas.....
Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang
“Well done, good and faithful servants… enter into the joy of your Master.” – (Mt. 25:23)
The Diocese of Kohima mourns the passing of Rev. Sr. Toms Maria SABS, who was called to her eternal reward on 15th August 2025, at the age of 78. A member of the .....
Opinion | Articles | Myron J Pereira
Will the Catholic Church ever consider a place for women?
The most significant event for the Indian Church in 2021 was the “judicial murder” of Jesuit Father Stan Swamy. It changed the way in which Catholics, hitherto timid and apologetic, saw the real.....
Opinion | Articles | Isaac Harold Gomes
According to Anandabazar.com (24.10.2025), the Election Commission of India (ECI) is on the verge of finalising its preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Voters’ List of West Bengal which goes to polls (Assembly Elections) in 2026......