Jammu: Former Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana, Prof. Ajmer Singh Malik, today opined that the South Asian region contains highly diverse countries that sustain democracy according to their own values, which is an altogether challenging task owing to their diversity.
Prof Ajmer Singh Malik was addressing the two-day International Seminar on “Dynamics of Democracy, Civil Society and Governance in South Asia,” organized by the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, which concluded successfully at the Seminar Hall of the Department of Environmental Sciences of the University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Prof. Baljit Singh Mann welcomed the delegates, speakers, research scholars, and students during the valedictory session. Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean of Research Studies, University of Jammu, presided over the valedictory session.
In her presidential address, she urged scholars and students to internalise democratic values in their everyday lives and grow into responsible citizens who uphold both their rights and duties with equal commitment.
She stressed that learning must continue at every stage of life, as it enables individuals to achieve their goals and meaningfully contribute to a vibrant democracy, an engaged civil society, and accountable governance. She also congratulated the Department of Political Science for organising a seminar on a subject of pressing contemporary relevance.
Addressing a valedictory address, Prof. Ajmer Singh Malik, former Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana, appreciated the department for organising a timely and intellectually stimulating academic event.
In his remarks, Prof. Malik underscored the true values of liberal democratic political systems in global politics, while opining that the South Asian region contains highly diverse countries that sustain democracy according to their own values, which is an altogether challenging task owing to their diversity.
Prof. Malik described the value of democratic political systems for human welfare and also explained the vital role civil society can play in strengthening governance across South Asia.
Prof. Karori Singh, former Director, Centre for South Asian Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, made the concluding observations of the seminar and highlighted the importance of such academic events for the promotion and evaluation of good governance and adaptive policy frameworks in South Asia.
Over the two days, more than 28 scholars from Indian and foreign universities and colleges presented their papers in both offline and virtual modes and participated in deliberations and discussions on issues raised in the different papers.
Dr. Seema Shekhawat from the University of North Florida, USA; Prof. Kazi S.M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi and Dr. Mahmudur Rehman from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh; and Prof. Ambrish Dhaka from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, presented their papers online. Dr. Nisanka Sanjeewani Ariyarathne from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka; Prof. A. Venkatraman from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat; Prof. Y. Pardhasaradhi from Osmania University, Hyderabad; Prof. Rajpal Budania from the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj; Prof. Mathew Joseph C. from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Prof. Amarjit S. Narang from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi; Dr. Dhananjay Tripathi from South Asian University, New Delhi; Dr. Vikas Sabharwal from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; Dr. Devender Singh, Dr. Gurvel Singh Malhi, Dr. Harbilas Singh, and Dr. Sharma Ritu Raj Kumar from Khalsa College, Amritsar; and Dr. Shaveta Choudhary, Dr. Mool Raj, Shalini Raina, Indu Bala Thakur, Nikita Chowdhary, Sukhwinder Kour, Vintee Kotwal, Bandeep Kour, Nisar Ahmed, Arvind Kumar, Nisha Sharma, Sakshi Sharma, and Haroon Rather from the University of Jammu presented their papers in offline mode.
Prof. Rajpal Budania observed that ideological foundations, institutions, civil society, and political culture are the core pillars of democratic political systems, and that democratic processes – free elections, participation, and decentralisation – remain essential for peace and stability in the region.
Prof. Amarjit S. Narang reflected on the adoption of democracy in South Asia as an instrument for development, contrasting it with its evolutionary emergence in the West. He emphasized that genuine democracy requires commitment to liberty, equality, justice, and principles rather than personalities.
Dr. Seema Shekhawat, in her online presentation, highlighted the importance of Track III diplomacy and civil society engagement in fostering sustainable peace in a nuclearized South Asia, arguing for inclusive dialogue beyond formal state channels. Dr. Nisanka Sanjeewani Ariyarathne discussed the role of civil society in the promotion of democracy in Sri Lanka. Prof. A. Venkatraman argued that although constitutions have promised liberal democratic ideals, in practice, these are facing various challenges.
He suggested that active civil society engagement, electoral participation, accountability, transparency, and a shift toward “good enough governance” focused on restructuring and effective service delivery are urgently needed.
Prof. Kazi S.M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi, in his online presentation, examined the political crisis in Bangladesh following the 2025 exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, pointing to institutional uncertainty and growing concerns over democratic centralization.
In his virtual presentation, Dr. Mahmudur Rehman discussed tensions between majoritarian nationalism and plural identities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, underlining challenges to democratic consolidation.
Prof. Ambrish Dhaka also made an online presentation in which he analysed the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in Pakistan as a peaceful resistance movement that has faced securitisation and repression, situating it within a broader regional trend of shrinking civic space. Dr Dhananjay Tripathi and Dr. Vikas Sabharwal addressed youth-led political mobilizations in Nepal, highlighting generational disillusionment, constitutional controversies, and the growing role of digital platforms in shaping contemporary democratic contestations.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students of the University of Jammu and its affiliated colleges. The concluding session was attended by several faculty members, including Prof. Lalitsen Sharma and Dr. Mool Raj. Research scholars Neekita Choudhary, Vintee Kotwal, Bandeep Kour, Nisar Ahmed, Samiksha Raina, Avni Bhagat, and students of the Department were also present.
Prof. Suneel Kumar presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished speakers, chairpersons, delegates, and the organizing committee for their valuable contributions. The proceedings of the seminar were conducted by Dr. Shaveta Chowdhary, who also presented a detailed report of the two-day international seminar, highlighting key deliberations, thematic discussions, and major outcomes of the academic sessions.
The seminar concluded on a positive note with a collective resolve to continue academic dialogue and research collaboration on issues relating to democracy, civil society, and governance in South Asia, to generate meaningful, policy-relevant insights for the region.DD
