2024-25
- Panel Discussion on China in the World Order: Implications for Indian Security: The Department of Political Science, SBSC panel discussion on 20th September 2024, featuring Major Namrata Dhasmana (Retd.), a geopolitical analyst, moderated by Dr. Rityusha Mani Tiwary. Major Dhasmana provided key insights into China’s global role, India’s security strategies, and Indo-Pacific concerns.
- Special Lecture on Gandhi’s Concept of Satyagraha: Relevance in Today’s Times: An enlightening seminar on the relevance of Satyagraha was held on 1 October, 2024, led by Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty. He elucidated how non-violent resistance continues to shape justice and democracy. Drawing on the philosophies of Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, he encouraged participants to explore seminal texts like Hind Swaraj and My Experiments with Truth.
- Workshop on The Gender Lens: Approaches And Praxis: With the vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable society, the Departments of Political Science and Economics organized a transformative workshop October 7, 2024. Keynote speaker Dr. Nupur Ray engaged participants in thought-provoking discussions on gender roles, societal expectations, and inclusivity.
- Interview Session with AIR 462 – Rituraj Sarma: The Magazine Committee of the Department hosted an insightful session with Mr. Rituraj Sarma, AIR 462 in UPSC CSE 2023 on October 8th, 2024 through online mode. A 2022 graduate of the college, he cleared UPSC in his first attempt. He emphasized determination, strategic planning, self-discipline, early answer writing, current affairs, and CSAT practice.
- Interview Session on Civil Services Preparation and Life as an IPS Officer: The Magazine Committee of the Department organized an insightful online session on 25th October 2024 with IPS Aashna Chaudhary. Ms. Chaudhary elaborated on key strategies, including selecting the right optional subjects, and maintaining a structured study schedule. Additionally, she provided insights into the responsibilities of an IPS officer, discussing leadership, integrity, and decision-making.
- Interview Session on Preparation Strategy and Life as an IAS Officer: The Magazine Committee of the Department organized an online interview session with IAS officer Mr. Anubhav Singh (AIR 34 in CSE 2022) on October 27, 2024. He shared challenges of balancing UPSC preparation with teaching at Lucknow University, highlighting resilience and continuous improvement.
- Interview Session on The Current Trajectory of India’s Foreign Policy: The Magazine Committee of the Department organized an online interview to understand India’s foreign policy on 28th October 2024. The meeting featured the distinguished Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary and National Security Advisor, who shared his profound expertise on India’s evolving diplomatic landscape. It was an enriching experience that inspired students and scholars alike, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s role in shaping international affairs.
- Book Review & Guest Lecture: The Book Discussion Committee of the Department organized an event on 8th November 2024, featuring a review of the book Hobbes Against Friendship by Prof. Gabriella Slomp, shedding light on Thomas Hobbes’ views regarding human relationships and political structures. Following this, a lecture on “Hobbes and the Modern Political Community” was delivered by Prof. Ashok Acharya, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi, and a visiting professor at Yale University.
- Session on Writing Research Articles: Tracing The Steps: The Department organized an online workshop on November 12, 2024, featuring Dr. Rupak Kumar, Assistant Professor at VIT Vellore. The session aimed to guide students through academic writing and publication, starting with identifying research gaps and formulating significant research questions. The interactive workshop addressed common challenges, including overcoming writer’s block, using citation tools, and improving manuscript quality.
- Workshop on Masters and Ph.D. Applications Abroad: The Department, in collaboration with Project EduAccess, organized a live workshop on 16th November 2024, featuring the distinguished Khushi Anupriya Dudi, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Global Development Policy, Europe and Pooja Singh, PhD in Political Science, Boston University, USA. The speakers shared their personal experiences, highlighting challenges and strategies for securing admissions to top international universities.
- Session on Indian Judiciary and Impending Reforms, with Special Evaluation of DY Chandrachud’s Term: The Department organized an online session on 23rd November 2024 featuring Saurav Das, a renowned investigative journalist. Key issues such as judicial transparency, pendency of cases, access to justice, and the need for technology-driven reforms to enhance efficiency in the legal system were addressed.
- Roundtable Discussion on “गांधी: बहुसमयत और सतत्सांवद“: The Gandhi Study Circle, in collaboration with the Department organized on 1st February an event that hosted a delegation from Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion on the relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy in contemporary times.
- Workshop on Policy Research: The Department, in collaboration with the Career Counselling and Guidance Cell, organized a workshop on 3rd February 2025. Mr. Ritwik Mehta, political strategist and founder of NitiTantra, was the keynote speaker. The event explored policy research, its role in governance, and data-driven decision-making.
- Faculty-led Session on The Role of Blockchain in Financial Services: The Department, in collaboration with Mahindra University, organized a session on February 13, 2025, led by Prof. Sanjay Mansabdar, Professor of Practice at Mahindra University, who provided an in-depth analysis of blockchain technology and its growing significance in the financial sector. He discussed its potential to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions.
- Chanakya – The Annual Cultural Fest: The Department successfully organized its annual fest on 1st March 2025. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various universities, making it a grand celebration of intellect, debate, and cultural vibrancy. The day was graced by Prof. Bijayalaxmi Nanda, who delivered an insightful address on Women at the helm of India’s growth story in 2047 contemporary political discourse. The highlight was the official launch of the department’s Annual Magazine – “चक्रviewह”, a compilation of thought-provoking articles, research, and student contributions. The fest featured शास्त्रार्थ, a riveting semi-parliamentary debate, along with Policraft, a policy-making challenge that tested analytical acumen. The day concluded with Shaam Shandaar, a mesmerizing cultural evening filled with music, dance, and artistic expressions. With an overwhelming response, CHANAKYA 2025 proved to be a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange and creative expression.
2023-24
Events
- Political Science Association organised its first event, a lecture as a part of its “Distinguished Lecture Series Edition” on 01/11/2023. The lecture had the theme of “Systemic Causes of The Problems Facing China’s Economy in the New Era”, delivered by Dr. Pradeep Taneja, a Senior Lecturer in Asian Politics.
- Political Science Association of the Department of Political Science in collaboration with the Jean Monnet Module, Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University organised its second event, a quiz competition followed by a live streaming of a Panel Discussion on the topic “Europe in India’s Security Calculus” on 23/11/2023. The session included reputed personalities like Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, former President of the European Parliament, Prof. Klaus Welle, former Secretary General of the European Parliament, Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, former Indian Ambassador to the European Union, and Prof. Harsh Pant.
- The Department of Political Science, in association with Gandhi Study Circle (SBSC) organised special lecture by Ujjawal Singh on Gandhi “Indian Constitutionalism: Gandhian Experiments” on 28.11.2023.
- The Department of Political Science, with 3 faculty members and 74 students, participated in the International Lecture Series: organised by Jean Monnet Module, Centre for European Studies, JNU, on 20.02.2024 where Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Klaus Welle, Dr. Sheetal Sharma, Prof. Ummu Salma Bava and others spoke about the upcoming elections in the European Union, Mother of all Parliaments and shed light on the workings of democracy in large territories like India and the EU.