New Delhi: Department of Political Science Delhi University To celebrate its 75th anniversary, a commemorative event was held at the Vande Mataram Hall of the Faculty of Arts to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee. The event brings together university officials, faculty, alumni, scholars and invited guests for academic conferences, journal launches and cultural events.The ceremony kicked off with the lighting ceremony and the performance of the university song “Kuljit”. Professor Rekha Saxena, Head and Convener of the Department, welcomed the gathering and recalled the journey of the Department from its inception to now becoming a leading political science research center in the country.The department traces its academic historySpeaking at the event, Professor Rekha Saxena described the department as “my intellectual home” while recalling her journey from being a student to serving as the head of the department. She said the department has grown from a small group in 1952 to the largest political science research center in the country, now with more than a hundred thousand learners annually. She also spoke of its academic culture of critical inquiry, intellectual humility and respect for diverse viewpoints.The department also launched a new academic journal during its inaugural meeting.Speakers discuss higher education and knowledge systemsThe guest of honour, Professor Rakesh Sinha, a former member of the Indian Rajya Sabha, mentioned the academy’s academic legacy of several generations and welcomed the launch of the journal. He talked about the “decolonization of knowledge”, the role of “Indian knowledge systems” and the need to develop “critical thinking that can contribute to the new India in the coming decades”.Professor Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, who was present as the chief guest, congratulated the department on its “glorious 75 years” and said that the department has produced more than 1,200 PhD graduates. He added that the department had helped “prove skeptics wrong about the future of India’s democracy” and highlighted the role of the country’s cultural traditions in promoting unity. Co-convenor Bipin K. gave a speech of thanks. Tiwari.Academic conferences and cultural programsThe second meeting was chaired by Professor MP Singh, and the dean of the college, Professor Balaram Pani, Professor Rajni Abbi and Professor Sushma Yadav delivered speeches respectively. Professor Charles Hankla from Georgia State University in the United States delivered a keynote speech based on his long-term cooperation with the department.Former faculty members, university principals and alumni including Professor Neera Chandhoke and Professor MP Singh were felicitated during the programme. The closing cultural session by Sh. Anup Lather included a performance by a delegation from the Ministry of Culture, Government of NCT, Delhi. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sitaram Kumbhar and Dr. Nihar R. Nayak.
