Seminar as a part of G20 Events on topic ‘Blurring Boundaries and Changing Societal Governance, G20 University Connect Engaging Young Minds’
Panjab University in collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and Ministry of External Affairs successfully hosted a seminar as a part of G20 Events on topic ‘Blurring Boundaries and Changing Societal Governance, G20 University Connect Engaging Young Minds’.
Chandigarh, January 20, 2023: Panjab University in collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and Ministry of External Affairs successfully hosted a seminar as a part of G20 Events on topic ‘Blurring Boundaries and Changing Societal Governance, G20 University Connect Engaging Young Minds’. The program was conducted in the Law Auditorium Panjab University. The purpose of the event is spreading awareness among the youth and academic community in the country- about G20 and the Indian Presidency of G20. India's G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness. Hence the theme is - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. Panjab University, Chandigarh has been selected as one of 76 universities across India for hosting lecture series and organizing student centric activities as India has assumed the presidency of G20 events. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mr. M.M. Kumar Former Chief Justice, Jammu and Kashmir High Court- chief guest of the program, His Excellency Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Ambassador, Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor (Officiating), Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Ghuman, Former Vice Chancellor, Panjabi University- Patiala, Dr. Abhishek Tandon, Member, Steering Committee- G20 Events, Mr. Syed Arslan Ali, RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries), Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Sharma, Dean, Alumni Relations, Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Chairperson, Department of Laws, Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Rattan, Nodal Officer, Panjab University.
The program was introduced by Prof. Dr. Jyoti Rattan, Nodal officer of the program who gave an introduction of the program by explaining the theme of the G20 Presidency - “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” - is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad and LIFE (Lifestyle Importance) with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future.
Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor spoke on the identified verticals such as digital healthcare, technology, governance, digital gateways. These have provided enormous opportunity for startups and youngsters in particular who can think beyond the traditional jobs and work for themselves. Startup policies have been adopted by higher education institutions to promote the interest of students. Business incubation centres have been opened in various educational institutions including Panjab University, Chandigarh. Mam emphasized that success of an institution is dependent on success of students.
His Excellency Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Ambassador had joined online who apprised the audience of the G 20 Presidency its importance and the areas that need to be worked upon such as inclusion of African nations by giving them adequate representation in G 20, Tackling global challenges such as climate, health, environment, food and water etc., managing geopolitical tensions between Ukraine, Russia, china, US etc., overdependence on OECD and working on the relationship with IMF/World Bank and UN Institutions. Reform of multilateral system to reflect current world situation and the Relation with the G & group.
Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Rattan spoke on the topic G 20 and Global Legal Governance, Online Data Privacy and Right to be forgotten. While internet and web has ample of advantages it also has many disadvantages such as privacy and data protection. She spoke on circulation of objectionable information uploaded and circulated on social media and the hazards that it poses to such victims. There is need for strong laws in this direction and steps have been taken by European Union by passing General Data Protection Regulation, 2018 which has territorial as well as extra territorial jurisdiction. India till date does not have specific laws dealing with the issue however sections 43 A and 72 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 deals with it along with judicial decisions that have been delivered time to time in this regard. There is a need that India should take strong steps and urge UN to formulate effective policies and laws in this regard.
Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Chairperson spoke that Indian culture is rich in its ownself, principles such as Vasudev Kutumbhkam, Sarv Darm sambhav are a part of Indian society since age old and not new to the Indian system. inclusiveness viz. religion, caste, regional are a part of our culture and are enschrined in the principles of the Indian Constitution as we. As a part of G 20 Presidency there is a need that Youth, society and country should spread these ideas to the world.
Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Ghuman addressed the audience on topic of Revisiting Academic Governance in Universities for Shaping Young Minds for Excellence. He said it is the right time to revisit governance structure both in academic and corporate activities and participate in advancement of knowledge and smart technologies. A comprehensive and rational marketing approach need to be developed by introduction of new academic approach in the field of education to keep pace with the changing societal and market needs. The curriculum development needs to be dynamic. Lecture method should be reduced to minimum and there should be restructuring of teaching learning techniques. Revised academic governance is required presently to reshape the Indian Education system.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mr. M.M. Kumar, the Chief Guest addressed the audience on good governance. The G 20 excellency had given this opportunity to showcase how India’s Judiciary functions independent of the executive and the legislature. The judiciary is equipped with the power to declare administrative actions illegal by virtue of Article 13 which enshrines the power of judicial review. He told that the Indian democracy functions within the precincts of constitutionalism. And there have been constant efforts to take it out of the clutches of the legislature by incorporating Chapter VI in the Constitution. The 1st Amendment Act gave protection to certain legislations by putting them under the IXth Schedule, hence beyond the scope of judicial review. However, after Keshvananda Bharti’s case the theory of basic structure was evolved and the power of judicial review was reestablished.
A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Sh. Syed Ali.
Alongwith seminar student related activities were also organized. Quiz Competition, Essay Writing Competition and poster making was organized in which students not only from Punjab Universities but other colleges and universities also participated.
Essay writing
1st – Aditya Kundu- MA- Geography, PU
2nd-Chaht Rad- Laws Department, PU
3rd-Rahul Singh- Laws Department, PU
Consolation- Uday Karanbir Singh, M. Tech, PU
Quiz:
1st- Shrey and Komal- RGNUL, Patiala
2nd- Aditya Musafir and Varnika Semwal, Political Science Deptt., PU
3rd- Vaibhav and Sheetal- (Political Science Deptt., PU
Consolation- Harshita jamwal and Lovedhi Rana
Poster Making
1st- Rinki Kumari, PGGCG 11
2nd- Anushka Sharma- MCM DAV
3rd- Archana- PGGCG 11
Consolation- Department of Arts, history and Visual Arts