Research Visit to Rajiv Gandhi University

24–27 January 2026

Between 24 and 27 January 2026, Tim was graciously hosted by Dr. Lisa Lomdak, Assistant Professor at the Arunachal Institute for Tribal Studies (AITS) at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.

Despite 26 January being India’s Republic Day, the Vice Chancellor-in-charge, Prof. S.K. Nayak, took time to attend a short presentation delivered by Tim on possibilities for future research cooperation between AITS and the Trinity Centre for Asian Studies. Recognising the potential mutual benefits of such collaboration, the Vice Chancellor expressed his support for developing institutional cooperation.

Tim delivering his introduction to Trinity College Dublin. — Tim delivering his introduction to Trinity College Dublin at Rajiv Gandhi University (January 2026).

The Vice Chancellor-in-charge presenting a token of appreciation to Tim in the presence of Dr. Lisa Lomdak. — The Vice Chancellor-in-charge presenting a token of appreciation to Tim in the presence of Dr. Lisa Lomdak (January 2026).

On 27 January, Tim delivered two talks to graduate and postgraduate students and staff of RGU. He summarised the ethnolinguistic situation in Western Arunachal Pradesh, outlined the present state of research, and identified gaps in current knowledge as opportunities for future research, ideally to be undertaken by scholars and students from Arunachal Pradesh.

He also introduced Trinity College Dublin, the School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences, and the Trinity Centre for Asian Studies. Copies of his publications, Reconstruction of Proto-Western Kho-Bwa and Ethnography of the Costumes of the Brokpa and Monpa People, were presented to the Institute’s library.

Tim delivering his talk on the ethnolinguistic diversity of Western Arunachal Pradesh. — Tim delivering his talk on the ethnolinguistic diversity of Western Arunachal Pradesh (January 2026).

Tim with staff, scholars and students of the Arunachal Institute for Tribal Studies. — Tim with staff, scholars and students of the Arunachal Institute for Tribal Studies (January 2026).

Following the lectures, a frank and open discussion took place with attending students and staff. The exchange continued informally during a subsequent lunch in a local restaurant.

Sharing lunch with students and scholars of RGU AITS. — Sharing lunch with students and scholars of RGU AITS (January 2026).

The event received coverage in local media, including a report in The Arunachal Times.

Local media coverage of the event at AITS. — Local media coverage of the event at AITS (January 2026).