University of Jammu organises a Special lecture on the topic “India-South Africa Relations: The Global South in times of Geo-Political Crises”

Jammu, March 16:  A Special Lecture on the topic “India-South Africa Relations: The Global South in times of Geo-Political Crises” delivered by Professor Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, was organized by the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, Jammu. 

At the outset of the event Prof. Baljit Singh Mann, Head, Department of Political Science, formally welcomed the distinguished guests Professor Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Dr. Nelistra Sookhlal Singh spouse of the High Commissioner and Mr. Cedrick Charles Crowley, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Professor Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and Founder Director, Indian Institute of Management, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh and the participants in this special lecture. While introducing the theme of the lecture to the audience Professor Mann shed light on the evolution of the India-South Africa relations by stating that both countries have civilizational linkages. He said that their relationships can be understood in three broad phases mainly; colonial period, post -colonial period and contemporary period. Both have been colonies of Great Britain, and experienced institutionalized discrimination. He said that Mahatma Gandhi acted as the main link between these two civilizations apart from the Indian diaspora in South Africa. While discussing the trajectory of India and South Africa relations, he analyzed that how the mechanism of these relations have matured with passage of time from bilateral to trilateral and multilateral overtimes due to the evolving convergence on the interests  on the global commons such as international political economy, fair trade, security of sea lanes and climate change. He highlighted, in contemporary times, how the diplomatic relations between India and South Africa were formally established in 1993 and progressed from formal diplomatic relations to strategic partnership. Both these emerging powers are being influenced and are influencing the world, especially the Global South in the times of evolving geopolitical turmoil. 

Professor Anil Sookhlal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India while delivering his lecture started with a historical perspective, mentioning the Berlin Conference of 1844, which determined how Africa would be shared amongst Europe, US and the Ottoman, without involvement of African nations. He said that when slavery got abolished in 1834, the policy of indentured labour started which resulted in the first wave of migration from India especially from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, UP, Bihar and later from Gujrat as well. He discussed the formation of Natal Indian Congress by Mahatma Gandhi in 1894, and on similar lines the formation of African National Congress (ANC) by Nelson Mandella in 1912. He articulated that Gandhi influenced African politics and his methods got influenced by his stay in Africa. He stated that ‘Gandhi transformed South Africa and South Africa transformed Gandhi’.  He said that India was the first to take apartheid struggle to the United Nations Organization (UNO). He also stated that the seeds of Global South were sown in the Bandung conference of 1955 which eventually culminated into the formation of NAM in 1961. Contemplating on contemporary times about the devastations happening all over the world he articulated that it is time for both India and South Africa to work together because now it is the most relevant time wherein the voices of the Global South are being heard. He summed up his lecture by stating that just like India’s ‘ Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is a family) South Africa is having ‘ Ubuntu’ (I am because of you). He further stated that our collective responsibility is to protect the interest of the Global South in the New Global Order.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu presided over the event. While delivering her presidential remarks she stated that Professor Anil Sooklal spoke from his heart as he is emotionally connected with India and South Africa. She saluted him for connecting both diplomatically and academically with India. She thanked the speaker and also proposed to explore the possibilities of future collaborations at the university level.

This special lecture was attended by faculty members of the different departments of the University including Prof. Lalit Sen from Department of Computer Science. Apart from this, faculty members Professor Suneel Kumar, Dr. Ellora Puri, Dr. Mool Raj and Mr. Vishabjit Singh Chib along with the research scholars and students of department were also present. Dr. Harjit Singh presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the keynote speaker, the presiding chairperson, University administration, the police administration for providing security to the High Commissioner of South Africa, teaching and non- teaching staff, research scholars and students of the Political Science Department for making this event successful. The proceedings of the events were successfully conducted by Khushi Verma, student of MA Semester IV of the Department.