BHU to Host Major International Conference on Nepal's Political Future
The Centre for Study of Nepal, under the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, is set to organize a significant 3-day international conference. Titled 'Democracy in Transition: Nepal's Political Dilemmas and Prospects', the event will take place from March 13 to 15, bringing together leading minds to analyze Nepal's evolving democratic landscape.
Conference Aims to Foster Scholarly Dialogue
According to the convener, Prof Abhinav Sharma, this conference is designed to assemble a diverse group of scholars, policy practitioners, and researchers from both India and Nepal. The primary objective is to engage in in-depth deliberations on critical aspects of Nepal's political system. Key topics on the agenda include:
- Nepal's ongoing democratic transition and constitutionalism
- Governance structures and mechanisms for accountability
- Issues of inclusion, human rights, and youth participation
- Development challenges and regional aspirations
- The broader implications for South Asian geopolitics
This gathering aims to provide a platform for robust academic exchange and policy insights, contributing to a deeper understanding of Nepal's political dynamics.
Eminent Participants from India and Nepal
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished guests, ensuring high-level discourse and expertise. Notable attendees include:
- Prof S D Muni, Professor Emeritus at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Prof Mahendra P Lama, former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Sikkim and associated with the Centre for South Asian Studies at JNU
- Shambhu Ram Simkhada, former Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations
- Prof Krishna Hachhethu, former head of the Department of Political Science at Tribhuvan University, Nepal
- Prof Meena Vaidya Malla, former head of the Department of Political Science at Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Their participation underscores the conference's significance in addressing Nepal's political challenges and prospects within a regional context.
Significance for Academic and Policy Communities
This international conference represents a crucial initiative by BHU to bridge academic research with practical policy discussions. By focusing on Nepal's democratic transition, it highlights the university's commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and scholarly engagement in South Asian studies. The event is expected to generate valuable insights that could inform future political and developmental strategies in Nepal and the wider region.
