University of Jammu Concludes Two-Day 23rd National Conference of NWISA

The Department of Sociology, University of Jammu successfully concluded the two-day 23rd National Conference of NWISA on the theme “Marginalised communities in North-West India: Emerging Trends  and Challenges”. The valedictory session of the conference was marked by insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities for all participants. Prof. Vishav Raksha, Head, Department of Sociology, expressed her gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and organisers who contributed to the success of the conference. She highlighted the importance of such academic gatherings in fostering intellectual growth. Dr Hema Gandotra presented the complete report, summarizing the two days of conference which included eight technical sessions and one symposium covering extensive areas of marginalization in the North West Indian region.
 
The valedictory session featured keynote address from prominent sociologist Prof. Paramjit Singh Judge, former Professor, Dept of GNDU, Amritsar and former President ISS. While delivering the valedictory address, he emphasised the significance of the theme of the conference, addressing the emerging challenges of the marginalised in North-West India. He extended the discussion from conceptual premises to empirical examples from the region. He emphasized the emergence of ‘exclusion’ in the context of labour referring the idea of ‘marginal man’ which has been reduced to marginalisaion of communities.
 
Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jammu was the Guest of Honour. She congratulated the department on the successful organisation of this conference and pressed on the role of social sciences. Prof. Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu presided over the session and enlightened the audience with the academic pertinence of organising such events and congratulated the Department of Sociology. Dr Manoj Kumar, secretary NWISA offered the formal vote of thanks. The conference held on 18th and 19th March, 2024, brought together esteemed scholars, researchers, and students from across the country to explore and discuss a wide range of topics related to sociology. Attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share research findings, and collaborate on innovative projects that aim to address pressing social issues. 
 
The proceedings of the valedictory session were conducted by Dr Saranjit Kaur, Lecturer, Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu. Around 200 delegates and students, including delegates from different states and universities across India participated. Prominent among those who were present included Prof Satish Sharma, Prof Sukhdev Singh, Prof. Neetu Andotra, Prof Kavita Suri, Dr Monica Narang, Dr Monika Bharadwaj, Dr Kuljit Singh, Dr Vandita Sharma and faculty from the Department of Sociology, both Ramnagar and Reasi Campus, Psychology and Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu. The Department of Sociology extends its appreciation to all those who made the conference a resounding success and looks forward to hosting more such events in the future.