Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 26: Two days International conference on “India and Central Asia: Renewing Historical Relationships”, organised by the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata concluded today.
The conference was aimed at fostering dialogue and rejuvenating India’s historical, economic, cultural, and strategic ties with the Central Asian countries.
Prof Pramod Kumar Pandey, grandson of Indian philosopher Rahul Sankrityan, delivered the valedictory address of the conference. He revealed how the soft power is significant in establishing India’s inter-personal relationships with other countries.
The valedictory session was chaired by Dr Rajiv Nayan, Senior Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi.
Other eminent scholars, who shared their views in the conference, included Prof Javed Khatov, Penjikent Pedagogical College, Tajikistan; Sharofat Arabova, film-maker, Tajikistan; Prof K Warikoo, JNU, New Delhi; Prof Maheshwar Singh, NLU, New Delhi; Prof Ramakrishana Pradhan, GGU, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh; Prof Nasir Rza Khan, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Prof Nalin Mahapatra, JNU, New Delhi; Prof Ramakant Dwivedi, ICAF, New Delhi; Dr Anurag Tripathi, Christ University, New Delhi, Dr Punit Gaur, Indian Council of World Affairs; Dr Anjali Sehrawat, University of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Recognizing the region’s importance to India’s economic, cultural, strategic, and security interests, scholars highlighted India’s efforts to revive its centuries-old relationship with Central Asia through the ‘Connect Central Asia Policy.’ More than 30 research papers were presented in this conference by the scholars in different sessions of the conference.
Earlier, Prof Varinder Koundal, Director, DSRS, felicitated Prof. Pramod Pandey. Dr Suneel Kumar presented the formal vote of thanks while Dr Chahukeshi Jamwal conducted proceeding of the conference.
Eminent academicians, research scholars and students of JU, including Prof Naresh Padha, Prof Suman Jamwal, Prof Baljit Singh, Prof Vishav Raksha, Prof Ajay Sharma, Dr Javed Rahi, Dr Mohd Monir Alam, Dr Surinder Mohan, Dr Tilak Sharma, Dr Ganesh Malhotra and Dr Ranjan Sharma , Dr Ranjan Sharma, Dr Anu Mankotia, Dr Anju Bala were also present in the conference.
The conference was inaugurated yesterday with a message from Manoj Sinha, Lt Governor of J&K, highlighting the significance of India’s ties with Central Asia. Keynote address of the conference was delivered by Prof K N Pandita. Inaugural session of the conference was presided over by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor JU.
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