NEW DELHI: The Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi marked its Diamond Jubilee with a commemorative programme at Vande Mataram Hall, Faculty of Arts, celebrating 75 years since its establishment. The event brought together university officials, faculty members, alumni, scholars and invited guests for academic sessions, a journal launch and a cultural programme.The proceedings opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the rendition of the University Kulgeet. Head of the Department and Convenor Prof. Rekha Saxena welcomed the gathering and reflected on the department’s journey from its early years to its present position as a leading centre for Political Science studies in the country.Department traces its academic journeySpeaking at the event, Prof. Rekha Saxena described the department as “my intellectual home” while recalling her journey from being a student to serving as its Head. She said the department had grown from a small cohort in 1952 into the country’s largest centre for Political Science studies and now reaches more than one lakh learners every year. She also spoke about its academic culture of critical inquiry, intellectual humility and respect for diverse perspectives.The department also launched its new academic journal during the inaugural session.Speakers discuss higher education and knowledge systemsGuest of Honour Prof. Rakesh Sinha, former Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, referred to the department’s academic legacy across generations and welcomed the launch of the journal. He spoke about the “decolonisation of knowledge”, the role of “Indian Knowledge Systems”, and the need to develop “critical minds capable of contributing to a New India in the coming decades.”University of Delhi Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, who attended as Chief Guest, congratulated the department on completing “75 glorious years” and said it had produced more than 1,200 PhD graduates. He added that the department had helped “prove sceptics wrong about India’s democratic future” and highlighted the role of the country’s cultural traditions in promoting unity. The vote of thanks was delivered by Co-Convenor Bipin K. Tiwary.Academic sessions and cultural programmeThe second session, chaired by Prof. M.P. Singh, featured addresses by Dean of Colleges Prof. Balaram Pani, Prof. Rajni Abbi and Prof. Sushma Yadav. Prof. Charles Hankla of Georgia State University, US, delivered the keynote address, drawing on his long association with the department.Former faculty members, college principals and alumni, including Prof. Neera Chandhoke and Prof. M.P. Singh, were felicitated during the programme. The concluding cultural session, chaired by Sh. Anup Lather, included a performance by a delegation from the Ministry of Culture, Government of NCT of Delhi. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sitaram Kumbhar and Dr. Nihar R. Nayak.
