National Seminar On Debating National Security in India: A Human Security Perspective

Organizer: School of Political Science, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha

About the Seminar

  • When: December 23-24, 2022
  • Call for Papers

CONCEPT NOTE

Conceptualising ‘security’ has been a contentious task. While the policy makers have taken some definite measures to address the security concerns related to the military preparedness, the other dimensions of (national) security often miss the attention of our policy makers. Prior to the creation of United Nations, the dominant concept of security was centred on around the state and the principles of state sovereignty. Traditionally, security has centred on territorial integrity, political stability, military and defence arrangements. But however, the 21st century has changed the traditional notions of security. History has demonstrated that the security of the state is not necessarily the security of the people. Such a claim can be validated through the outcomes two world wars. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights-1948 proclaimed the
recognition of human rights. Moreover, the force of globalization has made states more interconnected and interdependent on each other for their survival. Accordingly, it is quite evident that the security issues faced in one part of the world can be visible in the other part to have their implications on other parts. On the other hand, new hand, the more humanitarian
issues such as poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, environmental degradation, climate change, illegal migration, energy security, cyber security etc. (different dimension of human security) are increasingly being discussed alongside the traditional security issues. Therefore, the international community needs to rethink and reengage with the very discourse of national security. A comprehensive understanding of people-centric understanding of security is very much a need of the hour. Human Security prioritise non-military methods as a means of achieving security without compromising the priorities accorded to traditional security threats. It requires the fulfilment of people’s basic needs and rights.

India is one of the leading countries in the world which has set very high benchmarks in many ways. For example, the maturity of its political system, the way democracy has been nurtured and moreover, the way the idea of India has evolved over a period of time. India’s robust economic growth and an emerging power status make it a key country of interest for
policymakers, researchers and scholars within South Asia and around the world. But while many of India’s threats and conflicts are strategized and discussed extensively within the confines of security and strategic studies, and conventional international relations perspectives, many less visible challenges are set to impact significantly on India’s potential for economic growth as well as the human security.

People with different caste, class, region, community, language, culture etc. search for their own identity as discrimination on these fronts are even visible today. These groups have become assertive in voicing their demands. Similarly, on the economic front various welfare schemes are being implemented to meet out economic and social justice to the deprived
sections in the society. Considering the growing population, increasing poverty, illiteracy and other such human centric issues, discussions and engagements with India’s national security through the human security perspective makes sense.

Accordingly, the objectives of the proposed conference are to initiate a vibrant discussion on various aspects of India’s human security. The key question that the proposed seminar would like to probe is how to make sense and address various human security challenges in India. We intend to invite academicians; scholars interested in the topic to discuss and deliberate on the issue and submit the paper for a meaningful dialogue. Scholars can submit papers on any of the following sub themes. They can also submit paper on any related theme not mentioned in the paper.

Sub-Themes

  • 1. Illegal Migration in India
  • 2. India and its Domestic Challenges/ Regional Problems.
  • 3. India’s concern over environment degradation.
  • 4. India’s growing population
  • 5. Food and Health Concerns in India.
  • 6. India’s national security
  • 7. India’s role in an emerging world.
  • 8. India’s role in security arrangement in Indian Ocean.
  • 9. India’s role in QUAD.
  • 10. India and energy security
  • 11. India and cyber security
  • 12. Disaster Management Challenges in India

Important Dates

  • Submission of Abstract: November 25, 2022
  • Acceptance of Abstract: November 26, 2022
  • Submission of (Draft) Full Paper: December 05, 2022

Scholars are requested to send their write up in the mail id bmahanandia@gmuniversity.ac.in

Conference Organising Secretary
Dr. Banita Mahanandia

Assistant Professor
School of Political Science
Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur
M-91-9439623557 (Only WhatsApp in Emergency)

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