Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus, organized a three-day International Conference “VIJIGISHU-2024” from 18th to 20th September, 2024, on the theme ““Border Management in Contemporary World Politics: Security and Beyond”. The main objectives of the Conference were to examine the changing landscape of border management, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, and explore innovative technologies and frameworks to enhance border security. The Conference was organized in collaboration with many renowned organizations including South Asian University (SAU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi (DU), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), IGNOU, Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), African Studies Association of India (ASAI) and Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), amongst others.
Addressing the students, Chief Guest, Gen V. K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Former Chief of Army Staff, averred “National Security is closely intertwined with management of the border. Technological means, resources and manpower is required to guard the borders, which requires 24x7 attention. Today when terrorism is increasing across the world, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to ensure national security and Border Management is a complex regime which requires constant efforts.”
Highlighting the significance of Border Management, Lt. General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi, PVSM, AVSM, SM, National Convenor - Akhil Bhartiya Purva Sainik Parishad, stated, “India is moving forward on the path of development only because its deep-rooted cultural values and a spirit of dedication. We lost many lives during covid, however, we manufactured the vaccine and helped other countries also because we believe in the philosophy of “Vasuudhaiv Kutumbakam”. When India is on the rise, other countries may not like its success, and they may try to impede us and create obstacles. Therefore, we need border management and security since we need to be extra vigilant and strong armed forces, political leaders and a stable government are required for national security. It is particularly the youth of the country who must come forward and work for national security.”
Sharing his views on the occasion, Prof. Kaushal Kumar Sharma, Dean, School of Social Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, opined, “In today’s scenario, a strong command and control over the borders is essential to ensure national security and if border diplomacy fails, wars happen. The concept of borders extends beyond physical boundaries to encompass digital, economic, and societal domains, further complicating the landscape of border management. India has a very long border line therefore, there is a need to have a robust border security force to be deployed at the borders for the country’s safety.”
Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, “In an increasingly interconnected world, the management of borders has become a critical concern for nations across the globe. The challenges posed by transnational threats such as terrorism, organized crime, trafficking of drugs and humans, as well as the complexities of managing migration flows, necessitate innovative approaches to border security. This conference has been highly beneficial for our students as they got the opportunity to listen to the experts and enhance their learning and knowledge.”
Prof (Dr) Nirupama Prakash, Director Amity Institute of Social Sciences, said, “The Conference was helpful in exploring the challenges and prospects for India’s Foreign Policy. Specific focus of India’s Foreign Policy especially in the context of promoting India’s National interest formed a major part of deliberations, which were extremely insightful.”
Also present on the occasion was Dr. Nagalaxmi M. Raman, Director- Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS) and a Report of the Conference was shared by Dr. Shreesh Kumar Pathak, AIIS.