Spirit of democracy alive in JK: Vohra

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35th All India Sociological Conference

*CM calls for debate on role of regional parties

* Indian political system recognizes different identities

*Democratic system weaves warp, woof of Indian composite culture

*Indian Parliamentary democratic system heightened people’s expectations

*Identity, national building has been perennial theme of post colonial independent states

*During colonial rule right of assertion of identity were suppressed and subjugated

* The efforts of colonial masters were to confront the identities against each other

*National building is a concept which involves the process of constructing a national identity

*It is important to note that the assertion of identity should not hamper the process of development and national building

*JK represents pluralistic society and multifaceted cultural identities living in harmony.

*Governor calls for ensuring good governance for nation building

The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, has highlighted the need for building a sound synthesis, based on the thousands of years old pluralistic traditions and composite culture, to optimally address the issues of identity, development and nation building so that the country resolutely marches ahead on the path of progress.

The Governor was addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 35th All India Sociological Conference on “Identity, Development and Nation Building,” being organized by the varsity’s Department of Sociology and Social Work in association with the Indian Sociological Society (ISS).

The Governor said that the theme of the Conference is very timely and relevant and hoped that the scholars and the distinguished delegates from within and outside the country, participating in the Conference, will discuss and deal appropriately with all the finer academic and philosophical aspects of the topic. He said that with such a galaxy of Sociologists attending the Conference the discussions will be extremely profitable and complimented the Kashmir University for organizing this important event.

The Governor said that during the past 62 years, the issues of identity, development and nation building have recurringly come up, in one or the other form, in various parts of the country. He said that India is the largest multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-regional, multi-racial and multi-cultural society and all these challenges, which are bound to come up, can be resolved in the light of the imaginative provisions in our Constitution.

Referring to the Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of the State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India, the Governor said that all these provide a sound constitutional basis for evolving harmonious approaches to the challenges of nation building and political empowerment. He said that the Directive Principles of the State Policy clearly lay down the guidelines which the State is required to follow to secure Justice – economic, social and political - to establish a truly welfare state.

The Governor said that sustained good governance has to be ensured at all levels and people provided the basic amenities like literacy, employment, shelter, drinking water, basic sanitation, healthcare etc to move in the direction of social and economic justice.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor said that the spirit of democracy is deeply rooted in the State, as elsewhere in the country, which provides an ideal setting for amicably discussing and meaningfully resolving all existing and emerging problems.

The Governor of J&K and KU Chancellor, NN Vohra, said the issues like identity, nation building and development were crucial to the country in general and the state in particular. “These issues have over the years surfaced in varied forms, but with a significant impact,” he said, adding they often shaped the path of development, and many a time, led to social tension, violence etc.

He said there was need to usher social and economic just order. “There is need to examine as to how the identities or multiple identities affect the nation building,” he said while congratulating the ISS and KU for holding the Conference.

“India today is engrossed in combating serious challenges of development, political empowerment. This is being done in the backdrop of demands of identity, autonomy etc,” he said, adding that the “spirit of democracy is alive in India and Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of the issues we are confronting.”

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for a debate on the role of regional parties, asserting that it was essential to examine what role they can play in nation building and development.

He said, “Apart from the issues of identity, it is essential to debate the role of regional parties vis-à-vis development and nation building.”

“Regional parties can act as both villains and heroes. They can help in strengthening or dividing societies on regional lines for a short-term gain. So there is need to hold a debate on their role and see how they can strengthen the path of nation building,” Omar, who was the guest of honour, said.

Describing the conference theme as “apt and timely,” he said there was need to unite people and engage them in nation building and development. “Our national identity reflects different shades and colours. In the past, the colonizers had little comprehension of the dynamics of identity,” the chief minister, who is also the KU pro-chancellor, said.

He said J&K had distinct cultural, linguistic and religious identity. “Within these areas we see sub-regional identities which we need to protect,” Omar said.

Omar reflected upon the issue of “need for autonomy and sub-regional autonomy.” “We need to explore the pros and cons of the element of autonomy within the system of governance,” he said.

The KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, said the conference was aimed at strengthening the sociological thought. “I am sure this conference will address the important issues pertaining to identity, development and nation building,” he said while welcoming the delegates and academics to the varsity.

Referring to 1951 phenomena which lend “Land to the Tiller”, Prof Punjabi said it was a significant step and marked the transfer of people from feudal to democratic order. “This issue needs a close examination even today,” he said.

The ISS president, Prof Uttam B Bhoite, dwelt at length over the issue of national integration. “Regionalism is the democratic aspiration of people. It is not necessary that it will be anti-national always,” he said while discussing the role of regional parties in nation building and development.

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.

The Registrar, Kashmir University, Prof S Fayyaz Ahmad, presented the vote of thanks on behalf of the university. He specifically thanked the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, ISS officials and delegates from different parts of India for attending the function.

The assistant professor at the Department, Saima Farhad, conducted the proceedings of the function, which was held at the Convocation Complex. Hundreds of papers are expected to be read during the 3-days of the Conference. Prof. Andre Beteille, Prof. Bella Dutt Gupta and Prof. A. M. Shah were awarded with the “Life time achievement award” on the occasion.