JU organises a two-day XXIII National conference of North West Indian Sociological Association

The Department of Sociology, University of Jammu organised a  two-day XXIII National conference of North West Indian Sociological Association in collaboration with Reasi and Ramnagar campus, University of Jammu on 18^th and 19^th March, 2024 as one of the events to celebrate its 25th anniversary since its establishment in the year 1999. The programme was inaugurated today with great enthusiasm and anticipation for the insightful discussions and exchange of ideas that lie ahead. The conference, titled “Marginalised communities in north-west India: emerging trends and challenges”, brings together esteemed scholars, researchers, and students from around the nation to engage in thought-provoking deliberations on the evolving landscape of sociology and its impact on society.

In her welcome address Prof. Vishav Raksha, Head of the Department of Sociology and Convener shared the vision of the department and acquainted the delegates with the two-day programme. “We are thrilled to mark this significant milestone in our department's history with a platform that fosters intellectual growth, community collaboration, and teaching innovation," she added while addressing the audience.

Prof. SL Sharma, the keynote speaker for the event elaborated on the multifarious dimensions of marginality ranging from dalits, to women to queer issues while emphasising its systemic and systematic nature. Elucidating the role of state he emphasised that much needs to be done to demarginalize these communities. Prof. Sukhdev Singh, President NWISA, in his presidential address briefed the audience about the working of North West Indian Sociological Association and how the association has been working in the areas of contemporary issues and plans to take out the journal. He dwelled upon the theme of the conference highlighting the works of other sociologists from North West India.

Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development who was the chief guest of the occasion appreciated the efforts of the Department of Sociology in organising the two day national conference and also collaborating with Directors of Ramnagar and Reasi Campus  and making the conference more inclusive with participation of their faculty members and students. Dr Hema Gandotra, Co-convenor and Associate Professor offered the formal vote of thanks for the inaugural session.

The inaugural session was conducted by Ms Kajal Kalsi, Assistant Professor, Dept of Sociology and the follow up symposium was conducted by Ms Diksha Nargotra, Lecturer, Dept of Sociology. The symposium session was chaired by Prof. Paramjit Singh Judge, Former Professor, GNDU Amritsar and the speakers of the session were Prof Satish Sharma Former Professor, HPU Shimla, Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, Former Professor, University of Jammu and Prof. Vijaylakshmi Brara, Royal Global University, Guwahati. Around 200 delegates and students which included delegates from different states and various universities across India. Prominent among those who were present included Prof J.P Singh Joorel, Prof Sangita Gupta, Prof Jasbir Singh, Prof S.K. Pandey, Prof Satnam Kour, Prof Vinod Sharma, Dr. Suresh N Rao, faculty from the Department of Sociology, both Ramnagar and Reasi Campus, Psychology and Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu.