Mangalore: Seminar on Emerging trends in Indian politics under way at St Agnes College

By Ashritha D Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 6 Sep 2013: Union Grant Commission (UGC) sponsored two-day national seminar on ‘Emerging trends in Indian politics’, was inaugurated at St Agnes College auditorium, here on Friday September 6.  It was organized by the department of political science of St Agnes College.

A power-point presentation on the great achievements of the College and the seminars organized in the past 6 years was screened on the occasion.

Kuvempu University department of political department chairman Dr J S Sadanand was the chief guest, inaugurated the seminar in the absence of the state health minister U T Khader and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) vice chancellor Dr M G Krishnan who were absent due to some reasons.  Both the minister U T Khader and Dr Krishnan was supposed to inaugurate the seminar.  

Dr J S Sadanand in his address with reference to the seminar topic said, ‘Emerging trends in Indian politics’ is a dynamic subject and if new trends do not emerge then there is surely something wrong, as politics demands discussion and negotiation of new trends,’ said Dr Sadanand.

 

Dr Sadanand also said, ‘There are different ways of understanding politics; scholars think that Indian politics is astonishing because there is chaos and stability both at the same time,’ said Dr Sadanand.

‘Indian politics has always experienced change in trends with change in government, and as new problems arise for which there could be no solution, even in such situations solutions are found,’ emphasized Dr Sadanand.

Dr Sadanand also noted, ‘Indian politics has no rational definition as politics and democracy has to be constantly redefined by experience and insight which will contribute to new perspectives.’

Dr Sadananda shed light on the prevailing caste system and class in Indian society.
St Agnes College principal Dr Sr M Prem D’Souza AC, joint secretary Dr Sr Lydia Fernandes AC, head of department of political science Professor Chandramohan Marathe and Professor Krishnan Shenoy were present on the dais.

 
St Agnes College former student Shwetha Rao B, IES, who is the assistant director of trade policy division and a member of union ministry of commerce, New Delhi was also present on the dais.
Shwetha had bagged the second rank in the Indian Economic Service examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

 
Dr Sr Lydia Fernandes in her address said, ‘Political science is political consciousness, and the government should implement political consciousness in the education system. This would have led to constructive goals in the nation and students at a young age would think critically and politically.’

Sr Lydia stressed that one must focus more on solutions than problems and be proactive in terms of crises and change, rather than reactive.

‘Education is futuristic but the implementation of political consciousness in education would create an open attitude, willingness to learn and change, thus people would progress, be earnest and enthusiastic. This seminar aims to enlighten the political consciousness in individuals,’ added Sr Lydia.

Dr Sr M Prem D’Souza said, ‘The seminar on emerging trends in Indian politics defines the urge to have a good governance and remarkable leadership and thus we must initiate the change,’ said Sr Prem.

 
Sr Prem recalling the memory of great leaders and achievers like Mahata Gandhi, Nelson Mandala and Mother Teresa, said, ‘We need to look for such leaders in politics who implement and initiate change in Indian politics. The objective of this seminar is to make the students real thinkers and the change that they want to see in the society, said Sr Prem.

 
Sr Prem concluded by thanking, motivating and encouraging the department of political science for organizing such a seminar of most significance.

Professor Chandramohan Marathe welcomed the gathering.  The College students rendered the prayer song.  Professor Krishnan Shenoy proposed vote of thanks.  Sr Valencia compered the programme.