23 Feb : Department of Sociology, University of Jammu organized the VIIth Prof. S.C. Dube Memorial lecture in the Brig. Rajinder Sigh Auditorium, University of Jammu. Prof. Yogesh Atal, an eminent sociologist and former Principal Director, Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO delivered a lecture on the theme ‘New Challenges for Social Sciences’. This lecture is an annual feature of the Department of Sociology in the memory of Prof. S.C Dube, a renowned sociologist and a well known academic administrator. Besides his contributions to the field of Social Sciences, Prof. Dube was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu.
While addressing the audience Prof. Yogesh Atal highlighted the contributions of Prof. S.C. Dube in his works like the Indian village, India’s Changing Villages, the Kamar, and Social Change and Development He said that Prof. Dube’s intellectual journey coincides with the journey of Indian Sociology and Anthropology in the country.
Prof. Yogesh Atal in his address expressed his concern that our fields of study have changed from studying tribes or villages to urban studies and wider processes, focusing more on themes than on communities. While talking about issues like modernization, globalization, reservation or poverty, the social scientist must study and analyze these concepts and phenomena carefully and not indulge in journalistic approach.
Prof Atal said that the challenges for social sciences are too many. In today’s context, we have to respond to the demand for dependable data on many aspects of India’s changing social life and also attempt to consolidate the findings of researches carried out by our seniors and put them in proper theoretical frame work. We have to assist our policy makers and planners in evolving definitions of processes and the key concepts that remain vaguely defined. The need is to accept these challenges and prioritize our agenda to make contribution to our society and to our disciplines.
The function was presided over by the Prof. Varun Sahni, the Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor, University of Jammu. In his address Prof. Sahni appreciated the lecture of Prof. Atal and congratulated the Department of Sociology in organizing this lecture in memory of the 3rd Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu.
The programme began with the floral tribute to Prof. Dube and lightening of the traditional lamp. Prof. Abha Chauhan, Head, Department of Sociology presented the Welcome Address and highlighted the achievements of the Department. While talking about Prof. Atal, she said that he is the right person to deliver this lecture because of his long association with Prof. Dube. She said that both the distinguished social scientists shared many things in common like – their base in social anthropology, their writings on issues of contemporary relevance their roles in administrative and policy- making institutions.
Dr. Vishav Raksha, Associate Professor threw light on the life and contributions of Prof. Dube. Dr.Sapna Sangra, Assistant Professor introduced the speaker, Prof. Yogesh Atal to the audience.
Ms. Shweta Sharma, Assistant Professor, presented the formal Vote of Thanks. Ms. Shivani Abrol, Ph.D Research Scholar conducted the proceedings of the programme.
