In a national seminar on “Issues for Social Scientists in
North-Western India” organised by the department of sociology on the Panjab University
campus here today Prof. R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor in his inaugural address stressed
the pertinence of social sciences as the need of the hour to curb various problems
affecting human lives.
    Dr Pramod Kumar, Director, IDC and chairman, governance commission, Punjab
delivered the keynote address built on the theoretical, methodological and pragmatic
dimensions of social sciences. He said the Popcorn research is taking away from the
authentic rigours of research. He emphasized that regional dimensions in the socio-
political context alongwith economic aspects needed to be understood. “Food is not an
economic but a social issue,” because food security and food sovereignty is directly
dependent on livelihood issues. Once livelihood as a right is
taken care of, other issues will be resolved. “Therefore, building peace depended on
the right to identity, life of dignity and productivity”, he said.  Prof. Tulsi Patel
in her presidential remarks argued that female feoticide like food was not an economic
but a social issue. She focused on micro level and ground level studies to present the
real life situation.
    Earlier, Prof Rajesh Gill, chairperson of the department presented the welcome
address.  
    The first session on “Culture Development and Environment: Intersecting Social
Science Boundaries,” included Prof. B.S. Ghuman, Prof Jasmeet Sandhu, Prof. Abha
Chauhan, Prof. Ashutosh Kumar, Prof. Nirupama Prakash as panelists.
    The second session was chaired by Prof. S. Sabbarwal, Prof. Birinderpal Singh,
Dr Ravinder Kaur and Prof Neelam Sood who shared their views on “Social Scientists as
Interventionists: Options and Challenges.”
    The valedictory session was addressed by Prof. B.S. Brar, Dean, University
Instructions.  Prof. Mohini Anjum gave the presidential address and Dr. Rani Mehta, co-
convener of seminar presented the vote of thanks.