The 24th National Conference of the North-West Indian Sociological Association (NWISA) concluded today at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, after two days of rigorous academic engagement and rich intellectual exchange. Organized under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Karamjeet Singh, the conference was a collaborative effort of the School of Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology, and was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi.
Focusing on the theme “Marginality and Inequality in Northwest India,” the event brought together eminent scholars, researchers, and students to explore critical issues affecting marginalized communities. The academic leadership was steered by Prof. Anjali Mehra, Head, School of Social Sciences, with Dr. Gurshaminder Singh Bajwa and Dr. Rachana Sharma serving as conveners. Key organizational support was provided by Prof. Vishav Raksha (President, NWISA) and Dr. Bali Bahadur, (Secretary, NWISA).
The conference commenced on April 28 with a thoughtful inaugural session. Prof Maitrayee Chaudhuri (President , Indian Sociological Society & Former faculty JNU New Delhi) delivered the keynote address, urging sociologists to challenge dominant narratives and foreground historically embedded forms of inequality. Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor of GNDU in his Presidential remarks, emphasized the transformative role of education and academic inquiry in fostering a just and inclusive society.
On Day 1, a symposium on “Caste, Culture, and Religion in the Northwest Region” was conducted under the chairpersonship of Prof. Paramjeet Singh Judge (GNDU), with key speakers including Prof. Ashok Kaul (BHU) Prof. Satish Sharma (HP University), and Prof. Anil Kumar (CU,HP). The discussions examined how caste and cultural constructs continue to shape social realities in the region.
On Day 2, another high-level symposium on “Social Inclusion and Inclusive Development” was held, chaired by Prof. Rajesh Gill (PU, Chandigarh) with Prof. Kulwinder Kaur (Jamia Millia Islamia,ND) and Dr. Manoj Teotia (CRRID, Chandigarh) as the key speakers. The session focused on policy interventions and grassroots challenges in implementing inclusive development strategies.
In total, the conference featured two major symposia and eleven parallel technical sessions, with over 70 scholarly papers presented. The sessions addressed a range of sub-themes including caste, class, gender, digital inequality, health, and regional disparities. Participants emphasized the need for intersectional, community-based research to challenge persistent social inequities.
The valedictory session marked the formal conclusion of the conference. Dr. Rachana Sharma, Convener and Executive Member, NWISA, presented a comprehensive report summarizing the two-day proceedings. Dr. Bali Bahadur, Secretary, NWISA, reflected on NWISA’s current initiatives and shared its future roadmap to further strengthen socially engaged research.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Rajesh Gill (Former Faculty PU, Chandigarh & PUTA president &. Practicing Lawyer at Punjab and Haryana High Court) emphasized that academic engagement must extend beyond critique to action, calling for socially responsive and participatory research frameworks. The session was chaired by Prof. Vishav Raksha, President, NWISA, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, participants, and organizers for making the event a meaningful academic milestone.
The conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Gurshaminder Singh Bajwa, Convener, who acknowledged the support of GNDU administration, ICSSR, organizing teams, and all delegates. The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment to academic excellence and the pursuit of equity and dignity for all marginalized communities.
Members of NWISA executive – Dr Rakesh Thakur (Treasurer), Dr Hema Gandotra, Dr Chandan Chauhan, Dr. Manoj Kumar Badhwar , Dr. Jagsir Singh also participated in the conference. Senior Sociologists & Academicians Prof. PS vivek (Mumbai University) , Prof. Prem kumar ( Kurukshetra University) , Prof. Arwinder Ansari (Jamia Millia Islamia), Prof. Gurpreet Bal (GNDU), Prof Sukhdev Singh (GNDU) Prof Deepak Kumar (Punjabi University) chaired several sessions alongwith the members of the executive. International Scholars also participated in the conference
