Political Science Conclave 2026 Convenes in New Delhi for In-Depth Discussions
The Political Science Conclave 2026, organized by the Political Science Society, was successfully held from March 12 to 13 at the prestigious India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. This significant two-day event assembled a diverse group of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in robust dialogues on contemporary political thought and public life in India.
Inauguration and Distinguished Speakers
The Conclave was inaugurated by Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, delivered the keynote address as the chief speaker, setting the tone for the discussions. Special guests included Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Sanjeev Chopra, former Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. The session was chaired by Prof M P Singh, former Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi.
Comprehensive Sessions and Collaborations
Over the two days, the Conclave featured a rich program comprising plenary sessions, thematic discussions, and workshops. These were conducted in collaboration with notable organizations such as the India Foundation, Rishihood University, Miranda House, Hindu College, Ground Zero Consulting, and Manthan Learning. Topics explored included:
- Governance and policy innovation
- Leadership development
- Institutional strengthening and reform
Prominent speakers like M R Madhavan, Niranjan Sahoo, Gurucharan Das, and Prof Ashwani Mahajan, along with academics from universities across India, contributed to the insightful exchanges.
Academic Contributions and Participation
The academic segment was particularly robust, with over 150 research papers presented across 12 parallel sessions. The event attracted approximately 300 participants and 50 speakers, representing a wide spectrum of sectors including academia, government, civil society, and media, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to political discourse.
Valedictory Session and Closing Remarks
The Valedictory Session was graced by distinguished figures such as Sh. Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; K N Shrivastava, Director of the India International Centre; R N Behera, Member of Parliament from Jajpur; and Prof Prakash Singh, Vice Chancellor of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. Their presence underscored the event's importance in bridging theory and practice.
Organizational Leadership
The Conclave was convened by Sr Prof Rekha Saxena, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi, with Swadesh Singh serving as co-convenor. Their leadership ensured a seamless and impactful gathering that highlighted critical issues in India's political landscape.
