New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, has organized a two-day International Conference on “Diaspora and Development: Prospects and Implications for Nation States’ at IGNOU’s convention centre. During the function, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor (VC), IGNOU, has announced that the University will soon set up a Centre for Diasporic Studies.
As per sources,Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), had graced the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. Moreover, the VC said that the international conference will serve as a good platform to share thoughts on how India can benefit by mutual interactions. The conference is jointly organized by School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) and the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS) of the university.
In addition, while delivering the welcome address, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Latha Pillai said that Diaspora and Development, has been a main focus of academic discussion and research since the beginning of civilization. She added that the topic is more significant today due to the changes that have taken place because of migration.
As per the sources, experts from over 25 took part in the conference. While there were many issues discussed during the conference, but some of the important themes were Diaspora and Development Dynamics: Issues, Strategies and Practices; Diaspora Finance and Socio-Economic Development; Human Development; Politics of Inclusion and Exclusion; Diasporic Writings; Gender in the Diaspora; and Films & Theatre.
