National Seminar on India's Security Challenges in the light of changing global dynamics with special focus on Jammu and Kashmir

On March 31, 2018 the Two-Day National Seminar on India’s Security Challenges in the Light of Changing Global Dynamics with Special Focus on Jammu and Kashmir was inaugurated by the former Vice Chief of Army Staff Honorable Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Milan Naidu, Chairman, MP Private University Regulatory Commission Prof. (Dr.) Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Executive Director of South Asian Institute for Strategic Affairs (SAISA) and Director, India Foundation Captain Alok Bansal, Shri. Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Sr. Journalist and Secretary, Jammu Kashmir Study Centre and the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup. The Seminar was organized by JLU School of Law, Jagran Lakecity University in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Study Centre and Barkatullah University, Bhopal which consisted of plenary sessions addressed by experts of Geopolitical Matters and Jammu and Kashmir affairs.

During the inaugural session, Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup gave his opening remarks on the issue to set the theme of the workshop. In his talk, Prof. Swarup talked about hostilities faced by India from its neighbors and crucial aspects to be explored while designing the diplomatic approaches in future to tackle such adversities. He emphasized on the challenges that India is facing on the economic front with the emergence of hostile neighbor alliances. Prof. Swarup invoked youngsters present in the audience to develop sensitivity on intricate details related to Jammu Kashmir issues.

The Guest of Honor, Captain Alok Bansal gave a detailed account of changing dimensions of geopolitical scenario as a result of assertion of ideologies. He talked about globalization because of which almost every region in the world is connected to another; that further creates a greater need to understand J&K from within. He also provided some valuable information about Jammu and Kashmir to develop a better exposure on the region and subsequently to understand the growing security challenges.

The Key Note Address was delivered by Honorable Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Milan Naidu, PVSM, AVSM & YSM, wherein he narrated the British strategy to exhaust resources of its colonies to equip themselves with control over many regions which later created many adversities for the Indian Sub-Continent region. He explained how economic supremacy has allowed China to take decisions that are creating limitations for many nations across the world. While providing the historical background of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, he categorically analyzed the strategies adopted by both India and Pakistan resulting in the current situation.

In the plenary session, Rashtriya Prachar Pramukh, RSS and an expert on J&K related issues Shri. Arun Kumar and Ms. Ayushi Ketkar, Researcher from New Delhi gave their presentations on the relevant topics and also took questions from the participants.

April 1, 2018 became a memorable day for the Jagran Lakecity University, JLU School of Law as Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs Shri. M.J. Akbar visited the University to deliver the Valedictory Address in the Seminar.

While addressing an impressive audience of retired army officers, bureaucrats, former diplomats, academicians, scholars, experts on J&K, and students, Shri M.J. Akbar gave a reference of colonial history which played its role in creating the environment of adversities. He talked about the changing definition of security matters as in the modern perspective it is not all about securing land but also protecting the wide spectrum of resources that can be targeted by enemies. He termed bilateral relationship between India and China as an example to be followed wherein despite having differences, both the countries have maintained maturity in their dialogue. He talked about the changes in Foreign Policy brought by the current Government to develop unprecedented ties with nations which were not approached sincerely in past. According to him, the same policy is paying dividends to the stature of India on the global stage.

Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Hari Mohan Gupta while commenting on unrest in the J&K region, talked about impact that quality education can have to improve the situation. He urged that the Government and social bodies must take steps to establish centers of higher education in the valley to sow the seeds of wisdom which has the power to transform the psyche for the betterment of society and help mainstreaming the J&K youth.

Senior Journalist Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar gave a brief introduction of Jammu Kashmir Study Centre and its activities of spreading awareness on J&K. Director of India Foundation Captain Alok Bansal presented the gist of the Seminar and shared some important learning outcomes from the sessions held.

Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup delivered the opening address earlier in the Valedictory Ceremony in which he talked about relevance of having a constructive discourse on security issues to find key areas of improvement. At last, the Chairman of Madhya Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Dr. Raghvendra Sharma delivered the vote of thanks.

Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Khare, Prof. (Dr.) Vinay Joshi Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Yadav, Mr. Mohit Kamble, Prof. (Dr.) Yogendra Srivastava and faculty of JLU School of Law were present in the session.

Earlier in the day, during various plenary sessions, noted speakers like Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Pramukh Pracharak of RSS Shri. Arun Kumar, former top bureaucrat Ms. Prabha Rao, Ms. Ayushi Ketkar and others expressed their opinion on various matters related to national security.