National Seminar organised by Department of Sociology, University of Jammu

JAMMU: The Department of Sociology, University of Jammu organised one day National seminar in the memory of Late Prof. Jaya Ram Panda (Founding head of the Department) on the theme  “Mapping Social Issues in Contemporary  India: trends and transitions”. The seminar was organised in collaboration with Ramnagar and Reasi Campuses and North West Indian Sociological Association (NWISA) sponsored by RUSA 2.0

The Inaugural session began with floral tribute to Late Prof Jaya Ram Panda after which a two minutes silence was observed to condole the sad demise of renowned Indian sociologist Andre Beteille in New Delhi on Tuesday. Prof. Vishav Raksha, Convenor and Head, Department of Sociology in her welcome address spoke about the contribution of Prof Panda and highlighted the contemporary relevance of the theme of the seminar.

Prof. Paramjit Singh Judge, Former Professor of Sociology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar who was the keynote speaker, deliberated in detail on various contemporary issues and the need for sociology to take them up both in teaching and research. Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, the Chief Guest of the session appreciated the department for organising the seminar and suggested various research areas to be taken up by the young scholars. The session concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Hema Gandotra, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology.

The inaugural Session was followed by symposium on the theme “Reframing Social Issues in Contemporary India: Continuities, Disruptions and Sociological Futures” which was chaired by Prof.  B. K. Nagla, Former Professor of Sociology, MD University Rohtak, Haryana.  The speakers for the symposium were Prof. Satish K. Sharma, Former Professor of Sociology, HPU, Shimla, Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, Former Professor of Political Science and former DRS, University of Jammu, Prof. Anil Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, CUHP. The panellists discussed various issues such as digital divide, regional identity, conflict, migration and other trends being witnessed in today’s times.

The parallel five technical sessions of the seminar featured a variety of scholarly presentations in which academicians and Research Scholars presented papers on diverse themes and issues.

Prof B. K. Nagla delivered valedictory address in which he talked about continuities and disruptions in Sociology. Prof Jasbir Singh, Chief Coordinator Campuses was the Guest of honour for the valedictory session while Prof Suman Jamwal, Dean Social Sciences was the chief guest for the occasion. Some of the Alumni of the department including Dr. Kuljit Singh, Dr. Rajni Bala, Dr. Sheetal Manhas, Prof Meenakshi Thakur shared their memories associated with Prof Panda. The proceedings of the seminar were conducted by Dr. Diksha Nargotra and Ms Shevali Raina. Among others present in the seminar were Ms. Kajal Kalsi. Dr. Gopal K. Sharma, Prof Jeevan Jyoti, Dr Monica Narang, Dr Ellora Puri, Dr Sonia Aneja, Dr Shabnam Ara, Dr Rakesh Thakur, Dr. Saranjit Kour, Faculty from Ramnagar and Reasi Campuses, Research Scholars and Students from all three campuses.