Two-Week Online Refresher Course on ‘Themes and Perspectives in Social Sciences’ concludes at University of Jammu

The Department of Sociology, University of Jammu, under the aegis of Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), successfully concluded a two-week national-level online Refresher Course in Social Sciences, titled “Themes and Perspectives in Social Sciences”, the course which was organised by the Department of Sociology, attracting educators from across India. The program aimed to explore contemporary trends and critical developments in the field of social sciences, offering participants a platform for growth, collaboration, and engagement with emerging paradigms.

The inaugural session was addressed by Prof. S.K. Pandita, Director of MMTTC, University of Jammu. In his remarks, Prof. Pandita emphasized the necessity of continuous professional development in social science education, especially in light of the rapidly evolving social and academic dynamics. He highlighted the growing importance of integrating technology, sustainability, and ethical standards into education to meet the demands of the changing academic and industry landscape. He underscored how the course will provide participants with an opportunity to rejuvenate their passion for learning, engage with innovative ideas, and contribute to theoretical and practical advancements in the field. The Course Coordinator, Prof. Vishav Raksha, provided an outline of the program and expressed confidence in the participants’ enriched experience due to the diverse expertise of the renowned resource persons. Dr. Hema Gandotra, course deputy coordinator also welcomed the participants. The course offered a rigorous and immersive curriculum. On the first day, Prof. Rajesh Gill from Panjab University (Chandigarh) presented an insightful lecture on the challenges facing contemporary social science research. This was followed by Prof. Ritu Dewan, former Director of the Mumbai School of Economics & Public Policy, who contextualized gendered socio-economic development and its relation to employment, with a focus on sustainable development goals. Subsequent sessions featured engaging discussions by experts such as Prof. Madhu Nagla, who explored the concept of food studies, and Prof. Shalini Sharma, who addressed the socio-demographic challenges of overseas migration from rural Punjab.

Day two continued with critical discussions. Prof. Anil Kumar from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh analyzed philosophical approaches to social inquiry and their implications for academic practice, while Prof. B.K. Nagla elaborated on the methodologies of social sciences. Prof. Rekha Chaudhary, a former Dean of Research at the University of Jammu, discussed the political underrepresentation of women in her session titled “Missing Half the Sky: Women and Politics in India.” Prof. Prashant Bansode, from the Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics, delved into caste and affirmative action in India, addressing contemporary debates around reservation policies.In the subsequent days, Prof. Abhik Ghosh explored symbolic analysis in social sciences, and Prof. Sarika Manhas discussed the topic of disability stigma and social inclusion. Dr. Joseph M.T. from the University of Mumbai presented on Dalit Bahujan epistemologies, while Dr. Chakraverti Mahajan and Prof. Madhurima Verma discussed methods in social science research. Later sessions by distinguished faculty, including Prof. Maitreyee Chaudhari of JNU, explored the relevance of sociological perspectives, while Dr. Nancy Mengi from the Central University of Jammu addressed the cultural context of child rights in India. Prof. Jagan Karade of Kolhapur University analyzed myths and realities surrounding minorities, and Prof. S.L. Sharma from Panjab University highlighted sustainable development.

The Refresher Course also included sessions by Dr.Shallu Sehgal Dept. of Economics and Dr. Monica Narang Associate Professor, The Law School, Prof. Poonam Chaudhary, Director, Centre for Museology, and Prof. Jasbir Singh, Department of Economics, University of Jammu on employability and human rights, role of museums, contemporary trends in social sciences, respectively.Other sessions were delivered, Prof. Rajiv Gupta, Former Prof. & Head, Dept. of Sociology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and Prof. Arvinder Ansari Dept. of Sociology, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi delivered on contemporary social research and feminist methodology. The course also included thematic discussions by experts like Prof. Pampa Mukherjee, who focused on institutional rights and resources, and Prof. Vibhuti Patel, Former Professor, TISS, Mumbai and Prof. Shadab Bano, Professor in History, Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, who examined gender history and economics. Additionally sessions were conducted by Mx Dhananjay, a transgender activist, advocate Shakeel Sheikh, Dr Dhananjay Tripathi of SAU, and Prof. Neeru Sharma, University of Jammu. Prof. Anil Kumar Singh Jha discussed the sociology of sanitation, and Prof. Gita Chadha explored popular culture and feminist identities.

The program concluded with a valedictory address by Prof. R. Indira, former Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Mysore, who spoke on revisiting social science teaching and research with an emphasis on contemporary priorities and emerging pathways.The course was attended by 23 participants from various academic institutions and disciplines across India, reflecting the University of Jammu’s dedication to advancing education in social sciences. Faculty members, including Dr. Hema Gandotra, Ms Kajal Kalsi, Dr. Diksha Nargotra, and Dr. Gopal Sharma, along with research scholars, actively participated in the program. This comprehensive course combined theoretical insights with practical applications, ensuring a holistic learning experience and contributing significantly to the participants’ academic growth.