Jammu:Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, University of Jammu organized a public talk on “Vignettes from the East & North –East: Assuagement through Assertion” delivered by Prof. Loveleen Mohan, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana. Prof. Keshav Sharma Dean Academic Affairs was the chief guest on the occasion. In her address Prof. Loveleen Mohan stressed that while we talk about the social exclusion and inclusive policy there are many parts of the country like North East which have remained out of the mainstream development. Thus, socially excluded. Many of them are excluded because of their dresses, hair cut, living styles, appearances and culture. She emphasized on the need to have separate centre for North East studies in every university. This will give an opportunity to the young scholars in other parts of the country to understand and initiate the process of assimilation. Prof. Mohan conveyed her substance through narratives and stories depicting the exclusion of the people on caste, class, nutrition, depriving the rights of the people. The stories chosen and narrated by the speaker were on the Tribes of Assam. Bihar and Jharkhand like Shishu by Mahashweta Devi, Salt, House of Assam , Adivasi will not Dance by Dr. Sharda Shekher, Getting Even, etc. Some stories based on ULFA and separatist problems also came up for discussion.
Prof. Keshav Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address Prof. Keshav Sharma explored the practical exclusion and discrimination faced by the common man in the society. The ruler or dominant section creates a situation which excludes ordinary people. Very impact fully he stressed that to create an egalitarian society we need to do away with the discriminatory attitude of the people. The young students can play a pivotal role in defining these boundaries and should not allow the negativities to breed in the socio-political structure of the society. Too much of politics in every sphere has become dangerous. The students have to be sensitive towards the exploitative social economic and political structures around us, he added. The participants took keen interest in question –answer session. Earlier, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy welcomed the guests and introduced the speaker. Dr. Anupama Vohra presented vote of thanks and the programme was conducted by Dr. Shallu Sehgal. Prof. Anita Billawaria, Dean Social Sciences also graced the occasion. Among others Prof. Sucheta Pathania, Prof. Neeru Sharma, Prof. Monika Sethi, Dr. Aroon Sharma, Dr. Anju Thappa, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Dr. Hema Gandotra, Dr. Sandeep Sandy, Dr. Niharika Subash, Dr. Shagun and a large number of research scholars and students from different departments attended the public lecture.