A
National Seminar on “India’s Foreign Policy: Continuity and Change” was
organized on 4 & 5th March 2011 by the Centre of Nehru Studies, Shivaji
University, Kolhapur. Prof. V. T. Patil; Ex. Vice Chancellor, Pondicheery
University, inaugurated the Seminar.
In
his Inaugural address, Prof. V. T. Patil said, “ Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had
contributed not only towards India’s Foreign Policy but has made valuable
contribution towards the universal democratic system. With changes in the
global order, India’s Foreign Policy has also changed its direction from
Democratic Socialism to move on the lines of Liberalism. Prof. Shrikant
Paranjpe, Head, Department of Defense Strategies, Pune University, delivered
the Key note address on the ‘Challenges before India’s Foreign Policy. He
pointed out that India has maintained equal relations with Great Powers as
well as Asian Countries. In the present context, national interest is gaining
more importance and not the ideology, as it was in the earlier years.
The
two day National Seminar organized by Centre of Nehru Studies was conducted
through seven sessions on the following themes. Contribution of Pandit Nehru
in India’s Foreign Policy; Development and relevance of NAM, India and its
neighbors; India and great power; India and regional organizations and
Globalization and India’s Foreign Policy. The sessions were chaired by Prof.
V.T. Patil, Brig. Hemant Mahajan, Dr. Vijay Khare, Dr. V.G. Nandedkar, Dr. B.B.
Vibhute, and Dr. Vasanti Rasam. Brig. Hemant Mahajan made a very interesting
presentation on ‘India and her Neighbors through which factual information
regarding India’s external security were audio- visually presented.
At
the Valedictory function, Dr. A.B. Sawant, Director of Institute of
International Strategic Studies, Mumbai graced the occasion. Dr. Sawant
highlighted the need to research on the changing trends in India’s Foreign
Policy in the context of globalization. According to him, attention needs to
be drawn towards the relationship of India with its neighbors and great
powers. Prof. Ashok Chousalkar presided over the valedictory function. He
threw light on the Kashmir and Siachine issues in the context of India’s
Foreign Policy. Dr. Vasanti Rasam, Coordinator of the Centre of Nehru Studies
introduced the guest . Ms Kalpana Dixit compeered the programme and Shri
Pandurang Bhoye proposed vote of thanks.
At
the two day National Seminar “India’s Foreign Policy; Continuity and Change”
sixty-three papers were presented and nearly 230 teachers and students from
various States attended the Seminar. The National Seminar was a grand success.
