Dr Aravind Yelery, Senior Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi, at the Colloquium

The monthly Colloquium for March, 2014 was an insightful presentation by Dr Aravind Yelery, Senior Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi on the topic ‘Indian Perspective over Chinese Style of Federalism: Centre-Province Relationship’ on 28th March 2014 in the Seminar Room of the Centre for Management Studies, Dibrugarh University. Dr Aravind Yelery shared his expertise on Chinese studies with the audience which consisted of the members of the administration, staff and students of Dibrugarh University. Dr Yelery’s oration was highly informative and focussed in nature. The talk traversed historical, political, cultural, economic and social milieu; providing the audience with invaluable insights on the state of Centre-Province Relationship in China. Dr Yelery provided a historical insight into the dynamics of federalism in China with references drawn from the erstwhile empires in China to Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and more contemporary leaders. Comparisons between the federal systems in Russia, India and China were drawn, in order to highlight the unique nature of federalism extant in China. Dr Yelery identified seismic transitions in the social, political, economic, military and external policy avenues, all of which contributed comprehensively to the evolution of federalism in China. The influential role of the provinces in China was highlighted by the speaker, with a view to underline the fact that despite a powerful centre, regionalism was strong in the country. Among other issues, Dr Yelery emphasized the value given to privatization in communist China and the proliferation of shadow banking. Dr Yelery concluded his deliberation by stressing that the system of federalism in China, albeit its unique style, was sound and that it would be further streamlined in the near future. The talk was followed by a lively interaction where the speaker responded to several interesting questions posed by the audience.