Sociologists from Nagaland University have produced a significant academic volume titled ‘Sociology of Infrastructure: Perspectives from Northeast India’, edited by Dr. Sandeep Gupta and Dr. Suraj Beri. Published by Rawat Publications in 2026, the book investigates the interplay between infrastructure development and social dynamics in Northeast India, arguing that infrastructure is intrinsically linked to the social systems it operates within and is not a neutral entity.
The volume encapsulates extensive empirical research reflecting on various infrastructure forms, including roads, dams, digital networks, and health systems, presenting them as social institutions that influence mobility, identity, governance, and community cohesion. The authors contend that infrastructure planning should align with social and cultural realities, viewing it as a social investment that fundamentally shapes social relationships and access to resources.
Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, commended this work, denoting it a critical scholarly contribution to understanding the socio-political context of development in the region. He underscores the notion that infrastructure reflects underlying social inequities and governance practices, often highlighting patterns of inclusion and exclusion.
Dr. Sandeep Gupta emphasizes the contemporary relevance of the book amidst India’s push for infrastructure-led development in Northeast India, advocating for a perspective that recognizes infrastructure not merely as physical assets but as social artifacts that negotiate identities and reproduce social dynamics. This perspective positions infrastructure as pivotal sites of interaction between communities and state mechanisms.
Co-Editor Dr. Suraj Beri elucidates that everyday interactions with infrastructure unveil embedded social realities, revealing governance priorities and long-standing patterns of inclusion and exclusion. The essays challenge conventional policy evaluations that rely exclusively on quantitative metrics, urging a recognition of the “sociological life” of infrastructure.
The book also delves into the intricate relationship between infrastructure, ecology, citizenship, and governance, illustrating how development results from an ongoing negotiation among communities, state, and environmental factors. It stresses that communities play active roles in interpreting and shaping infrastructural projects to suit their social and ecological needs.
In summary, this volume advocates for a redefined infrastructure policy in Northeast India that transcends mere economic calculations, considering its vital role in fostering democratic governance, social stability, and fulfilling the everyday needs of citizens.
