CUPB organized inaugural ceremony of ICSSR-NIHSS sponsored two-day International Workshop-cum-Conference

Bathinda, September 28, 2023: The Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research and the National Institute for the Humanities and the Social Sciences, hosted the inaugural ceremony of the ICSSR-NIHSS sponsored two-day International Workshop-cum-Conference, titled "Women, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Possible Lessons from India and South Africa" on Wednesday. The Department of Economic Studies organized the event under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari on September 27th and 28th, 2023. Over 200 students, research scholars, and faculty members from CU Punjab and various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Bathinda region are participating in this international conference.

During the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tiwari, Dr. Sandeep Kaur (Organizing Secretary, Associate Professor, Department of Economic Studies and Dean, School of Social Sciences), Dr. Archana Singh (Chairperson, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai), Prof. Mohan Lal Chhipa (Former Vice Chancellor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya), and university officials unveiled the Conference Souvenir.

Dr. Archana Singh delivered the keynote address, focusing on Social Entrepreneurship and Women. She emphasized that Social Entrepreneurship employs innovative business models to address societal issues, with women's involvement promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and positive social change. Encouraging and supporting women in social entrepreneurship fosters inclusive growth and harnesses their untapped potential to address global challenges.

Prof. Mohan Lal Chhipa, the Chief Guest, spoke on Social Entrepreneurship and India, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing pressing societal issues in India, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. He discussed innovative models and strategies employed by Indian social entrepreneurs to create positive social impact while sustaining their ventures.

In his presidential address, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari emphasized that ancient Indian civilization and knowledge systems guided us to live in harmony with nature and minimalism. He expressed concern over the overutilization of natural resources and environmental pollution. Prof. Tiwari stressed the need to propagate the concept of social entrepreneurship to sensitize young generations and inspire innovative solutions for society and the nation, commending Dr. Sandeep Kaur for her initiative.

On the first day of the conference, Dr. Tshepang Mosiea (Director, Department of Science and Innovation) delivered an insightful online lecture, sharing experiences of Social Innovators from South Africa. The valedictory session of this programme will be conducted on Thursday.