New Delhi: Department of Political Science at University of Delhi organized the Diamond Jubilee and commemorative program at Vande Mataram Hall, Faculty of Arts, to celebrate 75 years since its establishment. The event brought together university officials, faculty members, alumni, scholars and invited guests for lectures, magazine launches and cultural events.The event opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the rendering of the University Kulgeet. The head of the department and the Convention Prof. Rekha Saxena welcomed the meeting and reflected on the department’s journey from the early years to where it is as a leading center for Political Science studies in the country.The department is following its academic journeySpeaking at the event, Prof. Rekha Saxena described the department as “my intellectual home” as she reminisced about her journey from childhood to becoming its Director. He said the department has grown from a small group in 1952 to become the country’s largest center for Political Science studies and now reaches over one lakh students every year. He also spoke of his academic ethos of critical inquiry, intellectual humility and respect for diverse viewpoints.The department also launched its new academic journal during the inauguration.Speakers discuss higher education and knowledge systemsHonorable Guest Prof. Rakesh Sinha, a former Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, spoke about the department’s achievements over generations and welcomed the launch of the magazine. He spoke about the “decolonization of knowledge”, the role of “Indian Knowledge Systems”, and the need to develop “critical thinking that can contribute to the New India in the coming decades.”The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi Prof. Yogesh Singh, who was present as the Chief Guest, thanked the department for completing “75 glorious years” and said it had produced more than 1,200 PhD graduates. He said the department had helped “convince skeptics about the future of Indian democracy” and highlighted the role of the country’s culture in promoting unity. Vote of thanks was given by Co-Convenor Bipin K. I’m sorry.Educational programs and cultural programsThe second part, led by Prof. MP Singh, had the addresses of the Dean of Colleges Prof. Balaram Pani, Prof. Rajni Abbi and Prof. Sushma Yadav. Professor Charles Hankla from the University of Georgia State, US, was the one who gave the main speech, based on the time he spent with the department.Former faculty members, college officials and alumni, including Prof. Neera Chandhoke and Prof. MP Singh, was delighted with the programme. The last cultural meeting, chaired by Sh. Anup Lather, included a delegation from the Ministry of Culture, Government of NCT of Delhi. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sitaram Kumbhar and Dr. Nihar R. Nayak.