Dr. Munagekar Inaugurates International Seminar

            Centre of Studies in Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy of Shivaji University organized an International seminar on “Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy in South Asia” on 17^th, 18^th and 19^th March, 2008. Scholars from India, Pakistan and Srilanka took part in the seminar and presented their research papers.

            On 17^th of March, 2008, the seminar was inaugurated at the hands of Prof. Dr. B. L. Munagekar, a prominent economist and a member of Planning Commission of India. In his inaugural address, Prof. B. L. Munagekar pointed out that social exclusion in South Asia irrespective of their of religious affiliations was practiced through Caste system and the practice of untouchability Great social reformers like Phuley and Dr. Ambedkar made efforts to overcome there evil practices. Dr. Munagekar laid stress on importance of inclusive policies and congratulated the University for organizing such a seminar.       

            In his presidential speech, Dr. M. M. Salunkhe, Hon. Vice-Chancellor of the Shivaji University described the efforts made by the University to help the students who are coming from poor social and economic background.

There were six sessions in the seminar. Theoretical aspects of Social exclusion and Inclusive policy were discussed in the second session presided over by Dr. Kalinga Tudar Silva. On the 20^th March, there were two parallel sessions and in the first session the role of Caste in social exclusion under the chairmanships of Prof. P. R. Jogdand was examined. In the second session, gender perspective of social discrimination was discussed. Mrs. Mangala Sharma from Karachi presided over the session. More than 40 papers were presented in both session.

          On 21^st March, 2008 class perspective and economic basis of social exclusion and Inclusive Policy was elaborately discussed under the chairmanship of Dr. A. A. Dange. At the same time social exclusion of scheduled tribes nomadic Communities, physically retarded and other deprived sections of the society was dealt with. This session was presided under by Dr. Roy Burman of TISS, Mumbai.