The 50th edition of the prestigious All India Sociological Conference (AISC) drew to a successful close at SRM University–AP in Vijayawada after three days of intense academic discourse. The landmark conference, themed "Mobilities and Inequalities: Shifting Contexts; Changing Paradigms," served as a major intellectual gathering for the country's sociological community.
A Grand Gathering of Minds
The golden jubilee event proved to be a massive congregation of thought leaders and emerging scholars. Approximately 1,800 participants, including seasoned academics, students, and practitioners from across India, attended the conference. They engaged in deep discussions and presented research papers centered on the evolving dynamics of social mobility and entrenched inequalities in contemporary India.
The academic framework was robust, featuring 35 specialized research committees, 4 plenary sessions, and 3 memorial lectures, alongside various cultural and academic events. This structure facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the theme from multiple angles.
Honouring Legacy and Pedagogy
A significant segment of the conference was dedicated to honouring the foundational figures of Indian sociology through memorial lectures. The Radha Kamal Mukherjee Memorial Lecture was chaired by eminent sociologist Professor Sujata Patel.
In a session dedicated to M N Srinivas, scholar Anand Chakravarti delivered a lecture that strongly emphasised the irreplaceable value of rigorous fieldwork in sociological research. Another memorial session, honouring Yogendra Singh, featured Surinder Jodhka, who spoke on evolving teaching practices and the importance of historical perspectives in understanding modern sociology.
Closing a Landmark Chapter
The concluding ceremony of the 50th AISC focused on institutional continuity and future directions. Research convenors presented their reports, summarising the discussions held in various committees. This was followed by the election of new convenors and co-convenors to steer future research initiatives.
Shweta Prasad, Secretary of the Indian Sociological Society, presented the official report of the 50th AISC, encapsulating the event's journey and achievements. Associate Dean Vandana Swami delivered the formal closing remarks, thanking participants and organisers.
In his final address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ch Satish Kumar underscored the critical relevance of such social science conferences in today's academic and public discourse. He highlighted their role in shaping understanding and policy responses to complex societal challenges.
