Scholars linking political science with green energy to get international exposure: HPU V-C

Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), said that research scholars, who integrated political science with contemporary issues such as green energy and disaster management, would be provided opportunities of international research exposure and training.

He made these remarks while addressing varsity students during a one-day national seminar, that was organised by the Department of Political Science to mark the occasion of United Nations Day.

The V-C, in his address, said that traditional warfare had now transformed into technological and non-conventional warfare. He also highlighted the relevance of 6G and Artificial Intelligence as invisible weapons and crucial technologies in modern conflicts.

“The present global scenario is tilting towards multipolar confrontations. Just look at the situation between US-China, India-Pakistan, Russia-Ukraine, and Israel-Palestine. There is a need for researchers to adopt a broader perspective in their academic pursuits. The university administration will facilitate foreign research opportunities for scholars producing high-quality work,” he said.

Dean of Studies, Prof BK Shivram, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the importance of diplomacy and rising geopolitical complexities, stating that India was strongly advocating a multipolar world order.

The keynote speaker of the seminar, Professor Kamal Kinger, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, highlighted the significance of the United Nations, stating that no other institution could replace the UN in the present context. He said that reforms were needed at the UN Security Council and voiced support to the idea that all major nations of the Global South must be granted permanent membership to this elite group.

During the technical sessions of the seminar, teachers, research scholars and postgraduate students from across the country presented research papers on crucial topics such as climate security, cross-border terrorism and India’s role in UN Peacekeeping Forces. The sessions were chaired by Dr BR Thakur, Dr Meera Chauhan and Dr Yograj.

During the valedictory session, former V-C of the HPU, Prof Rajinder Singh Chauhan, congratulated the organisers of the seminar for holding meaningful discussions on various pressing issues.