PATIALA: The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab organized the 1st RGNUL Young Scholars Conference, 2024 sponsored by The Indian Council of World Affairs, Sapru House on 17th February, 2024.
The Conference was conceptualized under the aegis of the Department of Political Science by Mr. Sourav Kumar, Convenor & Assistant Professor of Political Science, RGNUL and Ms. Aditi Dubey, Organizing Secretary & Assistant Professor of Political Science, RGNUL. The Conference was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Anand Pawar, Officiating Vice- Chancellor, RGNUL, Justice S. Thurairaja, Judge, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, and Ambassador (Retd.) Mr. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, and Prof. (Dr.) Kamaljit Kaur, Dean Academics, RGNUL.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Kamaljit Kaur, declaring the theme of the conference as “Emerging Trends in India’s Foreign Policy with a special focus on West Asia & Africa” following which the vision of the conference was introduced to all the participants by Mr. Sourav Kumar as “a beacon for intellectual rigour and academic excellence.” The Chief Guest of the conference, Justice S. Thurairaja delivered a concept note highlighting the need for international cooperation and solidarity, and a focus on collective efforts. The keynote speaker of the conference, Ambassador (Retd.) Rajiv Bhatia further highlighted the contemporary trends in Indian Foreign Policy, with a focus on thematic areas such as West Asia & Africa.
He put forth the idea of India’s growing influence in neighboring countries and the Global South at large, and he further highlighted the need for reforming multilateralism. This was followed by a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Aditi Dubey. The conference witnessed over 50 participants who presented over 35 research papers, over 7 technical sessions which were preceded by 2 plenary sessions.
The valedictory ceremony began with felicitation of the guests by Prof. (Dr.) Kamaljit Kaur. The valedictory address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Aswini K. Mohapatra, Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University wherein he highlighted the importance of cooperation within the Global South.