Xth Chandigarh Social Science Congress-2025 Commences at Panjab University

Chandigarh, March 6, 2025: The Xth Chandigarh Social Science Congress (CHASSCONG-2025) kicked off today at the English Auditorium, Panjab University. The two-day long flagship event of Panjab University has brought together renowned scholars, researchers, and academicians to deliberate on critical social science issues in North-West India, with a focus on themes such as identity, agrarian economies, gender, and human development. The event is supported by PU and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).  

In her inaugural address, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig emphasised the importance of social science research in addressing contemporary challenges. She highlighted the need for social scientists to engage with the development concerns of the region and drew attention to both the policy and cultural aspects of improving the quality of life in the region.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Surinder Singh Jodhka, Professor of Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, argued for the need to rethink the categories and frames developed by social science academia to understand Indian society and the policy orientations that emerged from these frameworks. He questioned the popular construction of the village and the twin dichotomies of urban-rural and modernity-tradition deployed by social science disciplines. Highlighting that the historically village and city co-evolved, he argued that these frameworks are western colonial constructions which have also become embedded in nationalist discourse of modern India and the social science academia need to move away from the rural and urban binaries. Giving census data from 1901 to 2011, he said while the cities expanded, the rural areas persisted and it was colonial discourse which perpetrated the idea that India was a land of villages only. Rural people and rural society do not conform to the popular stereotypes about them and this necessitates a fresh approach to understanding the relationship between spatial formations and agency, he added.

Earlier, the inaugural session began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, followed by the PU Anthem and a floral welcome for the dignitaries. Prof. Pampa Mukherjee, Coordinator of CHASSCONG-2025, welcomed the attendees and introduced the theme of the congress. She explained the journey of Chandigarh Science Congress and its progress. Prof. Shruti Bedi, Co-Coordinator introduced the key note speaker. The keynote address was followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Upasna Joshi, Co-Coordinator of CHASSCONG-2025.  

The inaugural session was followed by the first plenary on ‘Identity Issues in North West India’ in which Professor Yogesh Snehi and Professor Rekha Chowdhury were the speakers and Professor Bhupinder Brar was the chair.

Professor Rekha Chowdhury highlighted that the partition of Jammu and Kashmir is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality due to its contested borders and unresolved political status. She explained that J&K experienced two partitions first in 1947, when its accession to India led to territorial division, and later through continued conflicts, especially in 1948, which triggered mass migrations. She showed how these partitions had created new identities, including bordered communities who remained backward and neglected, Hindu refugees who were denied full rehabilitation, and divided families who lost direct communication post-1965. As a way forward, she pointed to the idea of soft borders and cross-border connectivity as a means to ease tensions and foster peace between India and Pakistan.

Professor Yogesh Snehi explored the evolution of Punjab's religious identity, particularly focusing on Sufi traditions and their resilience. He emphasised the proliferation of Sufi shrines across Punjab, interpreting them as an organic shift in spiritual practices rather than a response to demographic concerns. Through personal experiences, he recounted observations of Urs celebrations, commemorating the death anniversaries of revered Sufi saints like Baba Farid, Lakhdata, and Khwaja Khijara, highlighting their lasting spiritual and cultural significance. Despite demographic shifts due to partition, Sufi shrines remained culturally vital, and interestingly, their caretakers have historically been both muslim and non-Muslims reflecting Punjab's deep-rooted syncretism. He asserted that religious encounters in Punjab were not driven by force but emerged as a natural part of historical progression. His lecture underscored how Sufi traditions persist as a testament to Punjab's pluralistic heritage, countering rigid communal divisions and illuminating the region's dynamic religious fabric.

Faculty and research scholars also presented their papers in departmental sessions, showcasing cutting-edge research in the field of social sciences.  

The congress will continue on March 7, 2025, with Plenary Sessions II and III, focusing on Agrarian Economies and Human Development and Gender and Human Development in North-West India, respectively. The event will conclude with a valedictory session featuring a keynote address by Prof. Gurpreet Mahajan, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.