Challenges of Nation-Building in Contemporary India

Key speakers included Professor Debal K. Singharoy, Professor Shweta Prasad, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, Professor Manuka Khanna. The stage was moderated by Dr. Saroj Dhal.

Director of the Lohia Chair, Professor D.R. Sahu, welcomed the guests and participants from various institutions.

Professor Debal K. Singharoy, from the Prime Minister's Office Library, New Delhi, in his valedictory address, emphasized that agriculture and rural development are essential for nation-building. He discussed the challenges and contradictions arising in rural areas. He also highlighted the transitional phase between rural and urban India and mentioned colonial references in the nation-building process, including thinkers like Metcalfe, Henry Maine, and Marx. He discussed land reforms in the post-independence era, the significance of the Green Revolution, the impact of globalization post-1991, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, the growing rural-urban settlements in the 21st century, and the increasing foreign debt-all as crucial challenges in nation-building.

Professor Shweta Prasad, Secretary of ISS, shared how the ideology of Dr. Lohia can help overcome the challenges in nation-building. She emphasized the importance of giving priority to village development as the smallest unit of the nation. She underlined the relevance of Lohia's concept of "total revolution" even today.

Professor Manuka Khanna, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, discussed Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia's political ideology and concepts such as nation-building. She also discussed gender equality and emphasized on the need for proper socialization of daughters. She

described nation-building as an ideological and emotional process in which all Indians can play a crucial role.

The seminar's summary was presented by Dr. Shipra Panwar, Research Assistant at the Lohia Chair. She informed that around 250 research scholars from various states participated, and about 50 selected research papers were presented by the scholars. The seminar witnessed resource persons/ speakers from different universities and colleges across India, including subject experts, social scientists and thinkers. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Saroj Kumar Dhal.