CfPs: International Conference on State and Society in North East India; 26-28 Feb; JNU

International Conference on State and Society in North East India
Organised by North East India Studies Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
26-28 February 2014
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Call for Papers
Academic and everyday debates on North East India have generally been dominated by themes on ethnicity, tribe and nation.
For many scholars working on North East India, these themes have been major academic research areas from around the 1980s. While one may consider this as the reflection of embeddedness of the people around such categories, the role of the state with regard to these categories of tribe, ethnicity,
nation, civic institutions and everyday civil society spaces has been less explored. One such area of exploration could be the relationship between the state and society. A state-society analytical framework may help to understand historically the location of state as a political unit and practices in North East India.
This also opens the scope to investigate state representing society as its integral part or the society as resisting or autonomous spaces to the state.
Pre-colonial states of the present North East either had the organic model of state and society or the model of state where society evaded state making processes or remained autonomous from the state. Comprising the state making experiences in both hills and valleys, while the organic model involved a system of clans and chiefs' representation in state making, in the latter model, state making was through military expeditions, mobilisation of labour, classification of people, etc. These models of state- society were historically co-existent. However, under the colonial regime the state - society relations were reframed to construct the empire's frontier and territorial enclaves. After Independence, the new nation state of India then further reconstructed these polities and societies in new frames of state- society relations.
The conference also seeks to explore how the modern Indian state as legal - rational authority transforms, develops and governs polities and societies of North East India. It is equally necessary to explore how the people of the region experience and interpret the state in this regard. For this, the discussion on state needs a distinction between state as the 'structure of practices' and the 'effects of the structure of state' on the lives of people.
In other words, while one may look at state as the legal-rational entity, there is further scope for understanding state through the everyday experiences. The conference wishes to emphasize on the latter.
An additional focus of the conference would be on state practices and reactions or resistances of the people to these state - making practices.
While the process of resistant nationalisms in the region has continued, in recent times, the processes of electoral democracy, neoliberal economic policies, and rural developmental schemes have brought different dynamics to the state - society relations. Increasing demands for reservation, autonomy and alternative arrangements under the Constitution of India are parts of these changes and contestations.
The conference invites papers on the following broad themes:

• State formation and society
• Writing histories of state and society
• Social imaginaries and politics of nationalism
• State's classification of people
• Religion and state
• Technology, state and people
• Civil society and state
• Demand for reservation and autonomy
• Electoral politics, developmental schemes and power politics
• Militarism, violence and cultures of impunity
• Art practices
• Media, state and people
• Diary, biography and autobiography as sites of people's experiences

Interested researchers are invited to submit an abstract of 200–300 words along with a brief CV latest by 25 November 2013. Selected abstracts will be informed by 5 December 2013. Full papers are to be submitted by 31 January, 2014.
All communications should be addressed to: G. Amarjit Sharma, Convener, at neispjnu@gmail.com or g.amarjit@gmail.com.
Co-conveners: Lipokmar Dzuvichu, Manjeet Baruah, Kh. Bijoykumar Singh

Just Released -- India's Research and Development Statistics at a Glance 2011-12 & Science & Technology Indicators 2011-12

Just Released

• Research and Development Statistics at a Glance 2011-12: http://www.nstmis-dst.org/PDF/FINALRnDStatisticsataGlance2011121.pdf

• Science & Technology Indicators 2011-12: http://www.nstmis-dst.org/SnT-Indicators2011-12.aspx 

Published by National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India; September 2013.

CfPs: International conference "Technology, accountability and democracy in South Asia and beyond"; 17-18 Jan; Mumbai

International conference "Technology, accountability and democracy in South Asia and beyond"

17-18 January 2014

Venue: University of Mumbai, India

The Stanford University is hosting an conference entitled "Technology, accountability and democracy in South Asia and beyond" on the 17-18 January 2014. Location: University of Mumbai, India. The conference is organised by the Center for South Asia, and the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) – both at Stanford University, in partnership with Department of Civics and Politics, University of Mumbai, and the Stanford Alumni Association of India.
Over the last few years, there has been unprecedented focus on corruption and accountability across South Asia.  Accountability movements have resulted in a variety of initiatives including special monitoring bodies, transparency laws, monitoring mechanisms, judicial reforms and refining government processes.  These initiatives bring different understandings of problems and approaches, with varied strengths and weaknesses. Despite these differences, they are increasingly converging on the use of technology to augment a growing set of accountability strategies. This conference proposes to bring together people who are engaged in these questions as activists, officials, academics and innovators to examine how technology is currently being used for accountability projects and to build meaningful platforms for the future. We specifically seek to bring together people with experience in accountability movements (with or without the use of technology), young innovators and researchers in order to promote rich multidisciplinary conversation and to build new collaborations.

More information and registration. 

The Conference invites papers on relevant themes, see the the call for papers.

CfPs: Second International Seminar on Philosophy of Education, Azim Premji University, Bangalore, 12-14 May

Second International Seminar on Philosophy of Education
Azim Premji University, Bangalore, India.
May 12-14, 2014

Call for Papers
Azim Premji University, Bangalore announces its Second International Seminar on Philosophy of Education to be organized from May 12 to May 14, 2014 in Bangalore.
The First International Seminar on Philosophy of Education in January 2013 witnessed the participation of philosophers and scholars of education from across India, Europe, and North America and presentations on a range of philosophical issues in education. The Second International Seminar on Philosophy of Education is proposed to deliberate on the following themes.

Themes of the Seminar

• Social Justice and Education: Social justice has always been an important concern in philosophy of education. In India cultural, ethnic and religious diversity coupled with socio-economic disparities makes it especially relevant at present times when privatisation of education is on an ascending curve. This theme seeks to explore the questions pertaining to the social role of education and equality.
• Indian Philosophical Thoughts/ Thinkers and Education: This theme seeks to establish dialogues between Indian philosophical traditions and modern concerns of philosophy of education. Such an engagement promises to enrich philosophy of education through the infusion of fresh philosophical perspectives. The dialogue could also pertain to Indian thinkers/philosophers (both ancient and modern) and their take on education. Further, the elements of Philosophy of Education could be explored in the traditions of Indian Philosophy.
• Nature of Educational Studies : Curricular and Pedagogic Issues: Many universities in India now are offering Master of Arts in Education or Master of Arts in Educational Studies. These programmes are different from traditional Master of Education (M.Ed.) programmes. The nature and scope of curricula for MA in Education or MA in Educational Studies programmes give rise to many questions that need philosophical considerations For instance, the characterisation of educational studies as a field of liberal study requires resolution before a curriculum with reasonably clear principles of unity can be formulated. This theme is an invitation to explore these and similar questions.
• Policy Issues in Education: Measurement and Assessment, Accountability, Quality in Education: Educational policies in recent times have shown an unprecedented tilt towards nurturing certain kinds of regimes with a claim to ensure better provision and outcomes of education. Some examples are teacher accountability, quality as placement opportunities in higher education and securing admission in college education for school education. Moreover, we are witnessing a refinement of the social purposes of education under the pressure of a globalised economy. Exploration of aims of education in the emerging reform and policy initiatives is itself an important subtheme under the overall theme of policy issues. It is worthwhile to examine the interplay of these issues in education. It is important to examine these concepts from the perspective of what implications they will have on education.

We invite papers on any of the above mentioned themes. Contributions are expected to explore the philosophical significance of the questions emerging within the scope of each theme. However, good quality philosophical papers not falling under any of the above mentioned themes are also welcome.
Papers are invited from philosophers of education, philosophers, educationists, practitioners in education and students of education. Authors are advised to limit their contributions to 4500-6000 words. Papers should be prepared for blind review, and sent along with a 300-words abstract on or before January 1, 2014. The papers may be sent through email to poe.seminar@apu.edu.in.

A top sheet containing the following information must be affixed to each contribution:
(i) Author Name(s)
(ii) Title of the Paper
(iii) Designation and Institutional Affiliation
(iv) E-mail ID.

The document should be saved in the name of the author (first author's name in case of joint authors). Please send the documents either in Windows or Linux Open Office format.

Important Dates
Paper Submission: January 1, 2014
Communication for acceptance of the paper: February 15, 2014
International Seminar: May 12-14, 2014

Publication Policy
Efforts will be made to publish the papers either in internationally noted journal(s) on education as seminar proceedings or as an edited book. The final decision on the issue will be made at the conclusion of the seminar. Authors would therefore be required to submit the final and publishable version of their paper within three months after the conclusion of the Seminar. In view of this policy, authors will be required to provide written consent to submitting the final papers within three months of the conclusion of the seminar, and to allowing publication of their papers either as proceedings in journal(s) or as an edited book.

Travel Policy
It may also be noted that the expenses related to travel and accommodation during the Seminar will be borne by the Azim Premji University. This facility will only be available to those whose papers are accepted for presentation.

Further Details: http://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/PoE

JGU Workshop on Ethics in Gender Based Violence, Child Maltreatment and Public Health, 28-30 Nov, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat

Three-Day Intensive Workshop on Ethics in Gender Based Violence, Child Maltreatment and Public Health: Implications for Research Practice in India

28-30 November 2013

Venue: OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat 131001, Haryana, India

Organized by Jindal Global Law School, Haryana and Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India

Workshop Coordinators:
Dr Keerty Nakray (Jindal Global Law School) and
Dr Vina Vaswani, Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya University, Mangalore

Resource Persons:  
Dr Amar Jesani (Centre for Health and Allied Themes)
Dr Arnab Acharya (Jindal School for Public Policy) and
Professor Richard Cash (Harvard School for Public Health)

Background of the Workshop:
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a universal phenomenon with variations in the forms of violence perpetrated against women and children across the world.  These forms of violence are rooted in the patriarchal nature of society and range from sexual assaults in war situations, within families or places of work, sex selective abortions, acid attacks and mutilation or human trafficking.  The last two decades, especially in the developing economies, has witnessed a greater impetus on a public health approach to GBV. This approach focuses on multi-sectoral interventions involving health, social work and care, legal and teaching professionals.  Most importantly, research and evidence collection through qualitative and quantitative methods forms the basis of advocacy efforts for directing policy and government's budgets.  Gender based violence and child abuse remain difficult areas of research owing to reasons such as (1) Fear of breach of confidentiality (2) Concerns about re-victimisation (3) Possibility of vicarious trauma (4) Difficulties in accessing participants and issues around privacy (5) Availability of psychological, therapeutic and other support services for research participants and researchers.  Research on gender based violence and child abuse represents the touchstone of feminist ethics to engage closely with social reality and to change the oppressive gender relations.  This workshop will highlight the key ethical issues in researching gender based violence and child abuse. This workshop is targeted towards academics and professionals based in non-governmental or governmental organisations undertaking primary research in the field of gender based violence and child maltreatment.  

Aims & Objectives of the Workshop

• To provide an overview of recent debates in social science and public health research globally.
• To introduce guidelines to ethical principles and work whilst conceptualizing research on gender based violence and child maltreatment, through films and case-studies.
• To encourage and generate awareness of various ethical issues that should be addressed while planning, conducting and dispersing on gender based violence and child maltreatment.
• To address issues of physical and emotional safety for research participants and researchers.
• To study the quantitative and qualitative approaches to gender based violence and child abuse.
• To create a supportive environment for researchers to discuss and share their experiences of undertaking research on gender based violence and child maltreatment.
• To promote evidence based research and publications on ethics in gender based violence and child abuse research.
• To understand the practical approaches in specific contexts.  
• To study the method of protocol writing, planning and budgeting for studies on violence.

Registration Fees: INR 4500 (Academic Staff) and INR 3000 for PhD/ M Phil students for registration before October 15 2013 and late registration will be accepted till 1st November 2013 and a late fee of INR 1000 will be charged.

Expressions of interest should be sent to: Dr Keerty Nakray, Email: knakray@jgu.edu.in by 15th October 2013 along with a Demand Draft to be made in favour of OP JINDAL GLOBAL UNIVERSITY Sonipat/ By Online transfer in below mentioned account

Wire Transfer Information:
Name of the Account: O P Jindal Global University
Name of the Bank:  HDFC Bank Limited
Address of the Bank: L -203, Model Town, Sonipat – 131001, Haryana
Bank Account Number: 01910310000100
IFSC Code: HDFC0000191

Call for Participation: 3rd Bangalore Cognition Workshop: Where Minds meet the Brain; IISc, Dec 8-21

3rd Bangalore Cognition Workshop: Where Minds meet the Brain
December 8-21, 2013
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

WHO CAN APPLY:
Candidates in their final year of their Bachelor's degree, pursuing a Masters or PhD. degree in any branch of Science, Engineering or Medicine are welcome to apply. We also welcome postdoctoral fellows, clinicians, and faculty from colleges/universities. Candidates must provide their academic details and submit a statement of interest in the form below. Selected participants will be provided with train fare (3rd AC), boarding and lodging.

Important Dates
October 1 : Application Deadline
October 15: Final participants list

SPONSORS
Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF)
Wellcome Trust-DBT India Alliance
Department of Science and Technology
DST-IRHPA & IISc Mathematics Initiative
Indian Institute of Science

Workshop WEBSITE http://sites.google.com/site/bangalorecognition

Apply online: https://sites.google.com/site/bangalorecognition/apply

The Hindu article "JNU library strives for excellence"

JNU library strives for excellence

Vijetha S.N

The Hindu, NEW DELHI, September 23, 2013

All in one:JNU's nine-floor library provides modern facilities to its students including a special section for the visually-challenged. It has digitised their dissertations and holds workshops to assist them on publishing their work.Photo: Meeta Ahlawat

Libraries are at the heart of any institute of learning. A good university must have a good library, otherwise it does not serve its purpose.

Many students are disappointed every year when they do not make the cut to the mostly post-graduate, research-oriented Jawaharlal Nehru University. Since a seat at this university is as difficult to come by as some global universities that are famed for their libraries, the nine-storied JNU library too is trying to fulfil the expectations from it.

"We have six lakh printed books and one lakh e-books available for circulation. We subscribe to 800 print journals annually from all major international and some Indian publications. We also have access to around 2,300 newspapers from 97 countries in 52 languages, and around 55 research databases. Currently, we also have 8 lakh digital newspaper clippings which are relevant to 72 subjects, and possess a rare collection of Urdu, Persian and Art books," said JNU's head librarian Ramesh Gaur, who was called in around two years ago to overhaul the library which had been leaderless for almost five years.

"The most recent activity we carried out was to digitise around 20,000 thesis and dissertations, the hard copies of which were lying around. Those that are more than three years old can be accessed from anywhere in the world, whereas the others will be available on the net anywhere on the campus," he said, adding that when he got there, the first thing he noticed was the mess in the mezzanine section on the ninth floor.

The "before" pictures of this area show dusty books stacked high and almost reaching the ceiling, while "after" pictures show students sitting on wooden benches calmly reading or writing. "The room was hardly used, serving as a warehouse of sorts which was a pity since the view was so nice," he said. There are lifts, so it is easy to make use of the stunning view of the entire campus as well as the neighbourhood.

"The library has a carpet area of one lakh square feet and a seating capacity of 1,000. It opens at 8 a.m. and remains open until midnight. There is also a 24/7 reading room, which can seat more than a hundred on the ground floor. We have around 200 computers and a special section called "Helen Keller" meant for visually-challenged students with the latest assisted technology. Locker facilities are given to Ph.D. students and another new addition is more plug points for students to charge their computers. All our material has been catalogued," Dr. Gaur said.

Libraries have to evolve so there is a stock verification done routinely. The library, in a bid to be more involved, has also started the "JNU forum for mutual learning" where it organises guest lectures and author workshops. "Students want these workshops; we have editors coming and telling them how to get their work published, how to write abstracts, proposal letters and everything. We also organise book releases and other talk programmes and conferences," he said.

The latest facility the library has procured is the "turn it in" software that checks plagiarism. The university has made it compulsory for students to run their thesis through this software that points out any similarities that might exist with the work submitted and any other publication. "The Ph.D. supervisor also puts the thesis through this software, even after the student has submitted the report."

The library went one step further this past year when it set up a stall at the World Book Fair in the city showcasing student and faculty publications. "That was a first," added Dr. Gaur.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/jnu-library-strives-for-excellence/article5158597.ece