Prelude Conference on the Theme of Annual Conference 2022 of IIPA titled “India Emerging as a Global Leader”

Chandigarh, October 28, 2022: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Punjab & Chandigarh Regional Branch in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a Prelude Conference on the Theme Paper of 2022 Annual Conference of Indian Institute of Public Administration titled “India Emerging as a Global Leader” on Friday. The Prelude Conference was presided over by Mr. G.S. Pandher (IPS Retd.). Prof. B.S. Ghuman, Former Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, and Honorary Secretary, IIPA, Punjab and Chandigarh Regional Branch introduced the theme of the Prelude Conference and welcomed the participants. Dr. Bharati Garg, Assistant professor and Chairperson, Department of Public Administration presented the theme paper written by Dr. Roma Debnath (IIPA).

Professor B.S. Ghuman while introducing the theme, discussed the innovative idea that for India to emerge as a global leader ‘soft approach’ is a more sustainable path. He emphasized that the idea of soft power as an approach to become a global leader is deeply entrenched in Indian history. He further said that India has historically placed its faith on the soft power which is again being witnessed in India’s efforts towards enabling more diplomatic, peaceful and constructive solution to Russia- Ukraine war.

Dr. Bharati Garg, while presenting the theme paper apprised the audience that India has given the message of peace, satyagraha and non-violence to the world by winning independence. She discussed twenty parameters of the soft diplomacy (as mentioned in the paper) being practiced by India in order to emerge as a global leader: Incredible India, Space Diplomacy, Kindness Economy, Cultural Diplomacy, sports diplomacy, culinary diplomacy, humanitarian aid among others.

The presentation was followed by an interactive session where Mr. G.S. Pandher, Prof. Ramanjit K. Johal, Dr. Bhawna Gupta, Ms. Tarika Mittal, Mr. Rao Virender, Mr. Pankaj Dabgotra and students actively raised various discussion points of how India is using its soft power approach to its advantage to become a global leader. The Prelude conference was actively attended by faculty, research scholars and students of the Department of Public Administration and sister Departments.

This was followed by the concluding remarks by Prof Ghuman who appreciated the presentation and the efforts being made by India in the sphere of soft power diplomacy.

In the end, Dr. Bhawna Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh proposed the formal vote of thanks and thanked all the key speakers, guests and support staff on behalf of the Department of Public Administration.