35th All India Sociological Conference concludes at KU

Contact:-ajmeralam2000@gmail.com/Cell:-919906103001

About 320 papers in 23 research committees, highlighting various aspects of Indian society, Kashmir society and other emerging issues in social science with special reference to sociology marked the Day 2nd & 3rd of the 3-day Conference titled “Identity, Development and Nation Building ” which concluded here today.

The conference was organized by the varsity’s Department of Sociology and Social Work in Association with the Indian Sociological Society (ISS ) and was earlier inaugurated by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday last week.

Addressing delegates, academics and students at the valedictory function of the Conference, The KU vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the conference saying that “Apart from the issues of identity, it is essential to debate the role of regional parties vis-à-vis development and nation building.”

The 3-day Conference titled “Identity, Development and Nation Building ” was organized by the varsity’s Department of Sociology and Social Work in association with the Indian Sociological Society (ISS).

The KU vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, said the conference was aimed at strengthening the sociological thought and I hope the outcome of the conference will be of great use to policy makers in the sociological arena.

“I am sure this conference has addressed the important issues pertaining to identity, development and nation building,” he said while presiding the valedictory event at ghandi Bhawan hall of the Kashmir university today .

In her welcome address, the head, Department of Sociology, Dr Aneesa Shafi, highlighted the aims and objectives of the Conference. “We are hopeful that the deliberations of the conference will go a long way in helping our society to tackle different issues pertaining to identity, development and nation building,” she said.

Apart from general issues and themes there were wonderful sessions of some of the mind thrilling and impressive presentations. The 2nd day of the conference has been a unique episode, as in the second session a Symposium on "Composite culture in J&K:-Retrospect and prospects" was conducted. The renowned sociologist Prof. T N Madan Dr.Haseeb Drabu ,Prof. Ishaq Khan and Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University Prof. Riyaz Punjabi were the speakers .AII the speakers discussed the various aspects of Composite culture and responded the series of queries from the audience. Prof Khan's major focus remained the fact that Kashmiri culture is culmination of the processes of the past heritage; processes which emerged up till the present context. Both communities (Muslims and Pandits) as Khan asserted, were conscious of their religious identities.. He also asserted the point that exodus of Kashmiri Pandits need not be eulogized to highlight the fragmentary forces that damaged the very essence of Kashmiryat, instead a holistic view is required ,since both the communities visa-vis Hindus as well the Muslim of the state were equal sufferers

Chairman J&K Bank Dr. Haseeb Drabu praised the theme of the conference while registering his discontentment over the fact that throughout research and participatory activities the scholars across nation did not present the paper on Kashmir itself.. Kashmiyat , asserted Drabu , is a shifted term perceived by different scholars keeping their own perspectives and interests in mind . Emergence of the term with its shifting alliance has been visible since the time when Muslim conference changed its appellation to national conference up to the present , he added . Prof T N Madan an eminent sociologist presented his view on the composite culture with emphasis on internally harmonized and non-conflictive aspects, and described the neutrality, Legitimization of differences as something natural if it comes without losing ones individuality. view. Prof K L Sharma and Prof Utam noted sociologists were present at the valedictory.