The Centre for West Asian Studies (CWAS), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (NMCPCR), JMI, today inaugurated its much-sought-after capacity building programme titled, ‘Methodological Innovation, Cultural Studies, and Epistemic Justice in Social Science Research’. The inaugural function of the two-week long programme sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was held at the Conference Hall of the India Arab Cultural Centre of the university.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address and an introduction to the theme by the Course Director, Prof. H. A. Nazmi, CWAS who outlined the objectives of the programme. Prof. Nazmi shared that an overwhelming 742 applications were received from across India, out of which 30 scholars were selected after careful consideration. The selected participants represent a variegated and diverse academic community from states, including Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, delivered an inspiring and motivating address underscoring the relevance of such programmes for early-career faculty members and researchers. He emphasized the importance of strengthening research skills and competencies, designing course curricula aligned with stakeholder needs, especially those of students and policymakers, while ensuring the integration of the Indian Knowledge System into academic research. Prof. Rizvi encouraged participants to approach their research with a critical, ethical, and culturally-rooted perspective so as to make an original and meaningful contribution to the field.
In his Presidential address, Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor, JMI, warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted the crucial role of Capacity Building Programmes in developing and shaping the academic and research capabilities of faculty members. He urged young scholars to pursue research that contributes to the development of society and humanity, as a whole, while upholding the values of originality and integrity in research. Prof. Asif extended his best wishes to all participants for a fruitful and enriching learning experience at JMI reminding them of the importance of conducting socially relevant research that had a transformative potential.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Abuzar Kairi, Hony. Director, NMCPCR, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, JMI, the ICSSR, and Deans, Directors of Centres, Heads of Departments, participants, faculty members and non-teaching staff present at the inaugural ceremony. He made a special mention of Dr. Afshan Khan and Dr. Ghazzala Shaban for their commendable efforts in the successful organization of the event.
This ICSSR sponsored Capacity Building Programme aims to foster research excellence among early-career academics and scholars from across the country, by providing a platform for academic exchange, discussion and rigorous methodological training.
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