National Conference NATCON YOUTH on Environmental Degradation, Social Change, and Youth Empowerment Inaugurated at RGNUL

Patiala News: The Department of Sociology at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab, in collaboration with the Punjab Pollution Control Board, organized a two-day National Conference on Environmental Degradation, Social Change, Development, and ‘The Youth’—NATCON YOUTH (April 25th – 26th, 2024). The conference was inaugurated today by Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav, Administrative Secretary of Higher Education and Languages, Department of Higher Education, Punjab Government, Chandigarh. Distinguished sociologists, Professor (Dr.) Maitrayee Chaudhari, President of the Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi, and Professor (Dr.) Rajesh Gill, Advocate and Former Professor from Panjab University’s Department of Sociology, Chandigarh, graced the event as Keynote Speaker and Guest of Honour, respectively.

The keynote speakers emphasized the importance of empowering youth through academic and administrative efforts by academic institutions and governmental bodies. The release of a book titled “The Youth and Holistic Health: Assessing Risks and Designing Mechanisms,” edited by Dr. Jasleen Kewlani, the Convenor and Organizing Secretary of NATCON YOUTH 2024, marked a significant moment during the inauguration. The release was facilitated by the Vice-Chancellor of RGNUL, Punjab, Professor (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh, and the Registrar, Professor (Dr.) Anand Pawar, both eminent figures in legal education.

In addition, a Policy Paper titled “Institutionalizing ‘Online Freelancing’ in the State of Punjab, With a Focus on Reducing Youth Suicide Rates and Accelerating Economic Growth,” authored by Dr. Jasleen Kewlani and co-authored by university students Deepali, Devshree, Jashandeep Kaur, and Manya, was submitted to Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav during the inaugural session.

Approximately two hundred participants from across the country are engaged in presenting papers during the Academic Business Sessions, conducted in hybrid mode over the two-day event. Notable panelists attending include Pulmonologist Professor (Dr.) Vishal Chopra; Professor (Dr.) Sanjay Tewari, Honorary Professor at the Russian Academy of Social and Fundamental Sciences, Moscow, and Convenor of Research Centre 25 ‘Sociology of Sports,’ Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi; and Advocate Dr. Kalpesh Kumar L. Gupta, Founder of ProBono India Legal Startups, New Delhi.

Discussions between the guests during the inaugural sessions and with RGNUL, Punjab’s authorities have paved the way for collaborative initiatives between the state education department and the host institution, focusing on welfare and educational programs for the youth and children of Punjab.