News & event

To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence Pt. Mohan Lal S.D. College for Women, Gurdaspur organized National Seminar sponsored by ICSSR, Chandigarh. The topic of seminar was ‘Ideas of India @75: Revisiting Journey of Great Indian Elections. Dr. (Mrs.) Neeru Sharma Principal and seminar director introduced and accorded a formal welcome to the key note speaker Prof.(Dr.) Mrs. Surinder Kler Shukla, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Principal Dr. Neeru Sharma gave PPT presentation on introduction of the seminar theme. She throws light on the significance of seminar, role of Election Commission, tectonic shifts in Indian elections, wave trend and use of technology during elections.

Keynote speaker Dr. (Mrs.) S.K. Shukla agreed that though there are many flaws in Indian election system but cannot be better method than this. Observers from other countries are watching our elections. She explained various types of elections, voting percentage and shift in campaign styles of all parties. She talked about 'Electoral Integrity' which works in strengthening our election system.

Dr. Rajesh in his presidential address commented that roots of democracy are getting deeper and there had been smooth transfer of power through elections. He also expressed his worry about personality cult, complete missing of internal democracy and lack of substantive democracy.

In the technical seesion Prof.(Dr.) Emanuel Nahar Chairman, Punjab Minority Commission chaired the session and summarized all the papers presented by Dr.(Mrs.) Kamla Panjab University Chandigarh, Advocate Brijesh, Chandigarh, Associate Prof. Davinder Singh Registrar Khalsa College Amritsar and other paper presenters.

Dr. Kamla's lecture was mainly focused on election manifestoes declared by political parties before elections. She clearly mentioned that voters in India never go in depth of election manifestoes. She also suggested that in future for such National seminar on very relevant theme, some representatives from political parties should be invited.

Associate Prof. Davinder Singh in his address clearly talked about 'Market Model of Elections' where leaders are empowered not voters. He mentioned about change in leadership style of India ignoring basic values and controlling voters' mind through freebies which of course is not a right trend.

Shri Nand kishore Somani from Suratgarh (Rajasthan) delivered online lecture on the role of political parties in elections.

Dr. Jagroop Singh Sekhon former head GNDU, Political Science delivered valedictory address. He summed up in his address some positive aspects of Indian election system where dalits are coming into power, issue of development is gaining prominence and people now have other alternatives in the selection of ruling parties. He concluded that Indian Election system may not be perfect or best but Election Commission is continuously striving for reforms.

The purpose of this seminar was to engage intellectuals and scholars on 75 years journey of Indian elections. All paper presenters and resource persons through their presentations and interactions made this seminar meaningful. Organising Secretary and HOD Pol. Sc. Mrs. Daljinder Kaur presented vote of thanks to all. College Principal appreciated efforts of seminar organising committee which includes Mrs. Punita Sehgal, Mrs. Rajni, Mrs. Sweety, Mr. Gagandeep Mahajan and Er. Harpreet Singh.