PCM SD College for Women holds ICHR Sponsored National Seminar on "Sardar Valllabhbhai Patel- Vision for the Bright Future of India”

Jalandhar, March 3, 2024: Department of History of PCM S.D. College for Women, Jalandhar organized an ICHR sponsored National Seminar on the topic "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- Vision for the Future of India”.

The Chief Guest of the seminar was C.S. Talwar, Former IAS Officer and Secretary, Red Cross, Punjab.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and invoking the blessings of the Almighty. 

After which floral welcome was offered to the dignitaries by Vinod Dada, Senior Vice- President of the Governing Body, Principal and Patron Prof(Dr.) Pooja Prashar, Coordinator, Kawaljit Kaur, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Co-coordinator Dr Renu Bala, Assistant Professor, Department of History.

The Principal gave a formal welcome to the guests and gave a brief description about the Institution. 

Kawaljit Kaur delivered the Inaugural Address wherein she briefed on the objective of the seminar.

It was followed by an address by C.S. Talwar, Former IAS Officer and Secretary, Red Cross, Punjab. He delivered his discourse on the origins of Sanatan Dharma, its ever-inclusivity and the subsequent spiritual flexibility and coexistence it offers.

After which, Prof.(Dr.) M. Rajiv Lochan, Professor, Department of History, Panjab University, Chandigarh delivered the Keynote address and enlightened the audience with his remarkable views on India’s rich, diverse and harmonious canopy. The core of Indianness embodies tolerance and vision to carve a future better for our society through equity and prosperity than today. 

During the first Technical Session, the first Resource Person was Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Central University of Himachal Pradesh. His concerns were that apart from learning history, we ought to unlearn it in order to exhume new perspectives to the world of academics. He also maintained that Patel wanted to unify neighbouring countries to materialise the idea of progress and that policies must be formulated in the national interests.

The second Resource Person of the first Technical Session was Prof.(Dr.) Seema Arora, Principal, DAV College, Ferozepur Cantt. She elaborated on those contributions of Patel which remained unrecognised in the formation of our nation’s social and political fabric.

It was followed by the Second Technical Session. Dr Charanjit Kaur Maan, Associate Professor, Department of History, A.S.S.M. GNDU College, Mukandpur was the first resource person of this session. She delivered her discourse on ‘Bardoli Satyagraha’. She mentioned that there is an urgency to understand Patel’s role as a far-sighted statesman.

Dr Nidhi Lakhotra, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College, University of Delhi was the second resource person of this session. She put considerable light on Patel’s lifestyle and vision vested in simplicity and steadfastness, even though historical records do not accord him his due.

Prof.Dr. Bhuvan Kumar Jha, Associate Professor, Department of History, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi was the Valedictory Speaker of the day. He discussed about the view of Patel of the unstable character of Indian unity and that ought to be reinforced through constructive measures. His take on partition was stimulating.

A book comprising about seventy research papers of distinguished scholars was also released on this auspicious occasion.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Renu Bala. The stage was successfully handled by Gurjit Kaur, Assistant Professor, Department of English.

The programme concluded with the National Anthem. The Seminar got an overwhelming response from the participants.  It served as a learning experience and a resourceful exchange of ideas for all. 
 
President Naresh Kumar Budhia, Senior Vice President Vinod Dada, other  members of the Management Committee and the Principal Dr.Prof. Pooja Prashar congratulated the Department of History for successfully organizing the event.