A two-day national seminar on the theme “Interrelationship between State, Society and Nation: Indian Perspective”

The inaugural session was graced by renowned nationalist thinker and educationist Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University, Prof. Alok Kumar Rai presided over the event as the Chief Patron. Other eminent dignitaries present included Prof. Manuka Khanna, former Head of Department and Vice Chancellor of the Department of Political Science and Prof. Arvind Mohan,

Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In his address, Prof. Gupta provided a practical overview of the theme of the seminar, discussing state building and contemporary global issues that challenge the traditional understanding of state-society relations. In his keynote address, Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji presented a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the European and Indian concepts of nation and state building.  

He emphasised how Western philosophical traditions often prioritise exclusivity, where diversity often leads to separate identities and state formation on that basis. In contrast, he highlighted how India, as a civilisation with a 5,000-year history, embraces tremendous diversity in religion, caste, culture and language while maintaining unity through shared intrinsic values and ethical frameworks.

Dr Gopal made reference to several Western philosophers whose views have contributed to exclusionary practices, while drawing parallels with Indian scriptures and sacred texts that emphasise the principle of unity in diversity. His scholarly presentation provided the participants with valuable insights about India’s unique approach to maintaining social harmony amidst diversity.

Dr Jitendra Kumar, the convener of the seminar, elucidated the conceptual framework of the seminar and its academic significance. He explained why this particular topic was chosen for scholarly discourse in the current socio-political context and emphasised its relevance to contemporary debates on national identity and social integration. Prof.  Manuka Khanna further elaborated on the theme of the seminar and contributed additional academic perspective to the discussion. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Kamal.

The seminar has attracted scholars, researchers and students from across the country, providing a platform for intellectual exchange on important questions related to India's unique state-society relations. Various technical sessions scheduled over two days will delve deeply into the theoretical frameworks, historical perspectives and contemporary challenges related to the seminar theme. This academic endeavour aims to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on nation-building processes and the dynamic interplay between state institutions and social forces in the Indian context.

In this context, the inaugural session of the seminar concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.  During this time, all the teachers of the department, Prof. Sanjay Gupta (Head of Department), Prof. Manuka Khanna, Prof. Kamal Kumar, Prof. Kaviraj, Dr. Amit Kushwaha, Dr. Shikha Chauhan, Dr. Rajiv Sagar, Dr. Madhuri Sahu, Dr. Anamika, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Tungnath Muaar, Dr. Dinesh Yadav, Dr. Satyam Tiwari and other students were present.