Refresher Course On Major Concerns In Social Sciences Commences In PU

Chandigarh, May 31, 2016: UGC Sponsored inter-disciplinary refresher course on the theme, “Major Concerns in Social Sciences” started today at Seminar Hall of Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, P.U., Chandigarh.
As many as 45 participants from various disciplines and from various regions are participating in the three weeks training course, which is being jointly organised
by Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, P.U., Chandigarh and Centre for Human Rights and Duties, P.U., Chandigarh, under the aegis of Human Resource Development Centre, P.U.
In his address, Renowned academician and former Chairperson, Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences J.N.U., New Delhi, Prof. Rakesh Gupta divided his presentation into three parts, i.e., methodology, interpretation and issues. He commenced his discourse by mentioning different methodologies, like, Foucaldian, Weberian and Marxian. Further, he cited the example of study on suicides and analysed that social structure may lead to suicide. He brought forth the lesser known fact that Marx had also studied the phenomenon of suicide. He further elaborated on the different types of hermeneutics but also critiqued hermeneutics by calling it a narrow approach.
Prof. Rakesh Gupta discussed the methods of interpretation by asserting that same religious text may be interpreted in a novel way and can be used to bring a
positive, social change in society. He called forth the need to have multiple methodologies to understand the ever-changing and complex social reality. For instance, the BPOs sector in India may be booming but the contradiction is the divorce rate amongst the BPO workers was rising.
The issues he brought forth for discussion was how a liberal and democratic society can be truly liberal and at the same time democratic? How can a developed/developing society be truly tolerant? The issues of gender, identity, ethnicity, religion and growing inequalities in society were also critically analysed. Growing orthodoxy and lack of liberal, democratic discourse in public space was emphasised. He exhorted the budding social scientists to devise innovative methodologies to understand the changing social reality and a problem needs to be understood threadbare. He concluded by emphasising the need for a collective social movement to take the society forward.
In his presidential remarks, Honorary Director, Human Resource Development Centre, PU, Prof. Karmajeet Singh profusely thanked the key note speaker for the thought-provoking and stimulating address. He hoped that the participants will be deeply enriched by the training programme and will lead to their overall development.
PU Dean Alumni Relations, Prof. Anil Monga also participated in the inaugural session. Chairperson, Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development Dr.Ameer Sultana welcomed the distinguished dignitaries on the dais with a floral welcome. Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Prof. Swarnjit Kaur introduced the distinguished key note speaker, Prof. Gupta and referred to his multi-faceted and versatile personality.
The inaugural session was followed by an ice-breaking session. The noteworthy speaker for concluding session Professor Neelam Grover, focused on environment as a key concern for social sciences.
The lecture was followed by a dialogue and rich deliberations by the participants.
BRIEF
Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor has given the additional charge of the post of Dean College Development Council, Panjab University (PU) to Controller of Examinations, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, Professor Parvinder Singh w.e.f June 1, 2016 till the advertised post of Dean College Development Council is filled in.