Redefining Political Science for a New Era: Experts Call for Critical, Solution-Oriented Research
Bengaluru: In an era marked by complex global challenges and evolving democratic processes, the role of political science research has never been more critical. This was the central theme of a special lecture hosted by the Department of Political Science at Bangalore City University, which brought together leading academics to discuss the future trajectory of the discipline and contemporary voting behaviour in Indian elections.
Titled “Political Science Research in the 21st Century and Voting Behaviour in Indian General Elections,” the event, held in the university’s Bisi Seminar Hall, underscored the urgent need for research that is not only academically rigorous but also socially impactful and attuned to digital advancements.
ರಾಜಕೀಯ ವಿಜ್ಞಾನದ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಈಗ ಪರಿಣಾಮಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿರಬೇಕು: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾನಿಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಚರ್ಚೆ
The Imperative for Critical and Applied Research
Presiding over the programme, Professor Veenadevi, Head of the Department of Political Science, set the tone by emphasizing the transformative potential of modern research. “In the present times, research must become extremely effective in its impact,” she stated. She highlighted the growing importance of digital tools in research methodologies and stressed that scholarly work must inherently possess a critical lens to be meaningful.
“Political science research has played a major role in solving problems across various sectors and in raising awareness,” Professor Veenadevi explained. “As the role of the state has expanded in the 21st century, research on subjects within political science has become indispensable.”
A Clarion Call for Youth and Electoral Integrity
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Naghesh K.L., Co-Coordinator of Lokniti at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), Delhi, focused sharply on electoral participation. In a direct appeal to the youth, Dr. Naghesh addressed the concerns of political disillusionment. “In the current times, politics is deteriorating. The youth community should cast their vote—your right—without falling prey to any allurements,” he urged, highlighting the fundamental importance of the vote as a tool for accountability and change.
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Fostering Academic Discourse and Student Participation
The session was chaired by Professor Jalaja K.R., Head of the Department of Political Science at Bisi College. The event saw robust participation from faculty members including Dr. H.V. Nagaraju, Dr. Rakesh R Deskar, Amar S. Rao, Mansi Kumari, and Dr. Ravikumar, reflecting the department’s collective engagement with the subject.
The programme was seamlessly orchestrated by students, showcasing the department’s vibrant academic culture. Student Kirthana delivered the welcome address, while Arun Kumar offered the vote of thanks. Prayers were led by Prajwal and Meena. The event was adeptly compered by Nayana, a second-year Political Science student, who guided the proceedings.
The lecture served as a significant forum, bridging theoretical academic discourse with the pressing practical realities of India’s democratic fabric, and reinforcing the department’s commitment to nurturing a critically engaged and research-oriented learning environment.
“ಯುವತೆಯರೇ, ಪ್ರಲೋಭನೆಗೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದೆ ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡಿ” – ದೆಹಲಿ ಪಂಡಿತರ ಆಹ್ವಾನ
Key Quotes
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“In the present times, research must become extremely effective in its impact… research must inherently possess a critical lens.” – Prof. Veenadevi, Head of Political Science, Bangalore City University.
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“In the current times, politics is deteriorating. The youth community should cast their vote—your right—without falling prey to any allurements.” – Dr. Naghesh K.L., Co-Coordinator, Lokniti-CSDS, Delhi.
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“ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಯು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಪರಿಣಾಮಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿರಬೇಕು… ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಗಳು ಎಂದಿಗೂ ವಿಮರ್ಶಾತ್ಮಕ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಯನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರಬೇಕು.” – ಪ್ರೊ. ವೀಣಾದೇವಿ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ.
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“ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜಕೀಯವು ಹದೆಗೆಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಯುವ ಸಮೂಹವು ಯಾವುದೇ ಪ್ರಲೋಭನೆಗೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹಕ್ಕಾದ ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು.” – ಡಾ. ನಾಗೇಶ್ ಕೆ.ಎಲ್., ಲೋಕನೀತಿ-ಸಿಎಸ್ಡಿಎಸ್, ದೆಹಲಿ.
