New Delhi: The Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organized a two-week Online Interdisciplinary Refresher Course on ‘Human Rights and Social Inclusion’ from June 9 to 22, 2022 that ended with a valedictory session on the final day. Dr. Anne Kubai, Uppsala University and Södertörn University, Sweden delivered the valedictory address chaired by JMI Vice Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar. Dr. Kubai Stressed the significance of interdependence of Human Rights and Social Inclusion in terms of access, ability to make informed choices, creating civil spaces and human security.
The refresher course has been conceptualized and coordinated by Prof Bulbul Dhar James & assisted by Dr. Nazia Khan, from the Department of Political Science, JMI under the aegis of the HRDC (Human Resource Development Centre), JMI for over 50 Participating teaching faculty from across disciplines of Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce, Law and Humanities.
With over 40 Sessions tracing the trajectory of discourse and development on the issue ; viz historical & philosophical foundations, International system, Criminal Jurisprudence, Gandhian thought, IPR, Police Reform, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, Myriad dimensions of Gender including LGBTQI+, Child Rights, Recent decriminalizing Sex Work, Mental Health, Science and Biotechnological developments like Surrogacy, cloning, IVF, GMO, organ transplant and sale, Social exclusion of Minorities, Displaced, Tribal amongst others. The Socio-cultural, legal, medical- Psychological dimensions were discussed thread bare. The very Interactive methodology facilitated as much interaction as possible within the confines of the online mode – with Panel Discussions, Brain storming, Films being Screened, to Power point Presentations amongst others.
The Inaugural Session held on June 9 had been presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof Najma Akhtar with Justice Gita Mittal, (former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court) delivering the inaugural Address. Special Lectures on “Science and Technology to enable Human Rights” by Padma Shree Prof. Sudhir Kumar Sopori, eminent scientist and educationist, plant physiologist, scientist and former vice chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University; “Gender, Peace and Security” by Padma shree Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath, Former Principal Lady Shri Ram College and presently Director Women in Security Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP); “ Access to Justice – Rights of Tribals in India” by Former VC NLU, Himachal – Prof S C Raina amongst others.
Other Expert Resource Persons were Lawyers, Human Rights Activists, Serious Journalists Academics, Scientists, Professors & Medical Doctors and Pioneers in their field like Prof. Dr. Puneet Dhar HoD, Liver Transplantation, Surgical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Surgery at AIIMS Rishikesh; Prof Dr. Anupama Bahadur, Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, Minimally Invasive – Robotic Surgeon, also at AIIMS Rishikesh, and Dr. Amar Jesani, the acclaimed Editor of the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics.
There was overwhelming appreciation for the Course format of this very inclusive Refresher Course which transcended terrains across disciplines and unboxed so many preconceived notions and idea opening up a flood gate of new ideas.
The UGC Refresher Course on ‘Human Rights and Social Inclusion’ has been designed to benefit and enhance a theoretical understanding of the concept along with sensitizing the participants to access to social justice, equality concerns, civil space and Human Security for dissemination and multiplier effect of the same to students across disciplines.
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