Idea of Social Justice and Critical Pedagogy

Under the able guidance of the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Anita Kaushal, the Department of Philosophy, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh, organized the Sixth Lecture of the Seminar Series “Dialogue” on “Idea of Social Justice and Critical Pedagogy” on April 11, 2023. Mr. Lallan Singh Baghel, faculty and Chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh, delivered the lecture which was attended by around 50 students. The session was chaired by Ms Tanishq student of BA First Year. In the session she introduced the theme of lecture and the speaker. In his presentation, Mr. Lallan Singh raised questions about social justice and critical pedagogy. He associated the term social justice in context of citizenship where every citizen claims equal opportunities and rights as being citizens of the country. He shared the ideas of social justice in the context of historical evolution; the transformation of power from monarchy to democracy with reference to Glorious revolution of 1688. He also highlighted the contributions of Gandhi, Ambedkar and Saint Kabir in raising issues of social justice for a better society. Mr. Baghel discussed issues concerning gender equality and human rights. He concluded his lecture with a quote, "You are not alone, you exist in correlation with others." The Lecture was also attended by the College faculty Dr. Prakash Chandra, Department of History, research scholars from Department of Philosophy, Panjab University: Mr. Sachin Jaswal and Ms. Pooja Pagyal and Ms. Tanvi Chauhan student of MA Philosophy, PU. Dr. Ambuj Sharma, Head, Department of Philosophy, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh, extended the vote of thanks. The dialogue successfully concluded with a presentation of a book to the speaker as a token of gratitude from the Philosophical Society of PGGCG-11. Courtesy: Tanu Sharma BA I

Why study Philosophy: Narratives from Class and Experience

Under the able guidance of the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Anita Kaushal the Department of Philosophy, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh in association with Nostalgia: Alumni Association of PGGCG-11, organized the Fifth Lecture of the Seminar Series “Dialogue” on 'Why study Philosophy: Narratives from Class and Experience” on April 10, 2023. Dr. Shivani Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who is also an alumna of PGGCG-11, delivered the lecture which was attended by around 50 students. The lecture encouraged them to self- reflect on their actions and beliefs. Dr. Shivani Sharma very briefly yet deeply explained the difference between philosophical and non-philosophical questions. She also touched upon the relevance of philosophy in other disciplines. She equated the significance of Philosophy to that of our grandparents. Just like we need our grandparents, to learn something from the wisdom they have earned from their experiences, similarly we need Philosophy and its various theories to inculcate wisdom in us. She urged the students present there, to be a window, rather than a mirror. For she believed, one must doubt, every information given to them instead of just absorbing it without pondering upon it. The very essence of a good philosopher according to her, was the ability to entertain a thought without accepting it. She said how educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all. There was a deep, thoughtful silence throughout her lecture for she truly provoked the students to self- reflect. She also challenged an individual’s belief that whatever surrounds an individual is not reality. And stated, very convincingly that reality is rather what remains unaffected by the space and time. It was a truly, informative seminar. Several, questions were asked by the students as well. The Session was Chaired by Ms Bhumika Thapa of BA First Year and vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Sadhna Verma, Dean, Alumna Association and Head, Department of Chemistry and Dr. Ambuj Sharma from Department of Philosophy. More than fifty students participated in the dialogue Courtesy: Bharati Rao BA III and Tanu Sharma BA I

Discerning Dharma: Debating Universal vs Contextual Morality in The Mahabharata

On 6th April, 2023, Department of Philosophy in the seminar series ‘Dialogue’ organized the fourth lecture on the topic Discerning Dharma: Debating Universal vs Contextual Morality in The Mahabharata, in the College Campus. The speaker for the day was Dr Pankaj Srivastava from Department of Philosophy, Panjab University. The session was coordinated by Dr Ambuj Sharma and chaired by Vanisha (BA1). The seminar started with Dr Ambuj introducing philosophical society and the Department. Vanisha (BA1) then gave a brief introduction about the topic and the speaker. Dr Pankaj Srivastava was invited to share his views where he talked about various topics such as what are Epics and their traditions, what are objectives of Dharma and what Homo sapiens are. He also talked about the universal versus contextual dharma conflict present in Mahabharata. Questions were asked by the students at the end of his presentation, where he answered enthusiastically. Tanu (BA1) asked what according to him was superior, universal or contextual morality followed by Vanisha (BA1) asking about his personal dilemmas about the two moralities. On the occasion, Dr Ambuj Sharma and the office bearers of philosophical society presented a bouquet to the speaker and extended the vote of thanks. Courtesy: Tanu Sharma BA I