Amity Institute of Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Center for European Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University organized a two-day international conference on the theme “Emerging socio-cultural and political issues: India and Europe”. The aim of this conference is to understand the social and developmental changes in European and Indian society and in addition to creating a new path with new ideas and perspectives for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
Inaugurating the international conference, Hon’ble Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha said that through this conference, issues between India and the European countries will be discussed. Bilateral and multilateral relations have always existed between the two countries but now during and after Covid situation, many such challenges will arise which can be resolved with mutual support only. Both the countries want to develop at a global level by supporting each other. During EU- India Summit, our Prime Minister has given a message to increase bilateral trade, investment in India. Dr. Singh said that India and the European Union share the same values, and the cooperation of both is essential for global reconstruction especially after Covid. In addition, he stressed on the need to work jointly on climate change, research and development for innovation.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Namrata Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Slovenia said due to Covid, there has been extensive changes in the last more than one year. India has a large population of young people, so we can work in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber ??Security, including research with young people, academic exchanges, science and technology with the European Union. Our relationship with the EU will promote strong development of IT enabled systems.
H.E.Ugo Astuto TBC, Ambassador of the European Union to India said we should focus on the outcome of the EU India Conference. The European Union operates in a spirit of global interest and is always ready for cooperation and investment, especially in the field of sustainable environment. “India and the European Union advocate an ideology of peace and values. We have to work together in the areas of climate change and biodiversity cooperation. The strategic association of the European Union and India is essential for global leadership in the 21st century” said the Ambassador.
Welcoming the august gathering, Dr. Balvinder Shukla. Vice Chancellor, Amity University laid stress on the development of new paths and strengthening of mutual relations during the time of pandemic. “The conference has been organized to understand the changes taking place in the social, cultural, political and environmental fields in the European Union and Indian society and to address the challenges. This conference will help in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of the European Union, and understanding economic reforms” remarked Dr Shukla.
Dr Nirupama Prakash, Director, Amity Institute of Social Sciences highlighted that more than 50 papers are being presented by participants on economic reform and policy, including social institutions and policies, cultural diversity at the workplace, etc. During the conference, various issues like religion and culture, challenges in integration, changing social norms, environment and climate change amongst others will be discussed.
A conference-based book was released by the guests on the occasion. During the technical session, Prof. Pushpa Hunashyal, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology shared her views on Religion and Culture; Prof. Priyanka Singh, Assistant Professor, Dayalbagh Educational Institute shared her views on Cultural Diversity and Educational Institute; Dr. Salma Alam from Amity Indian Military College for women shared her views on use of intoxicants by women during the Mughal age; Mr. Rahul Kamath, Doctoral Candidate, CES, JNU shared his views on Analyzing the impact of depopulation in the Western Balkans and amongst others.