The Background
Rural transformation has been a matter of concern all over the world.. There have been various attempts and initiatives by individuals, institutions and government for bringing change in the lives of rural masses. The experiments and innovations for rural transformation are often based on some values and ideologies. Accordingly there are also different approaches and strategies to bring about rural transformation.
The rural environment is continuously changing, the development thinking is changing and accordingly rural development policies need systematic adaptations. Rural Development in India has witnessed several changes over the years. Changes taken place in its emphasis, approaches and strategies. An analysis of the policies, programmes and investment pattern during the initial decades of planned development reveals a distinct urban bias. Massive public sector investment improved the level and quality of infrastructural facilities in urban centres and accentuated rural urban disparity (Kundu). Planned allocations of agriculture and allied sectors, rural development, etc. eventually increased in the subsequent plans. The efforts of rural development are conceptualized in various ways like Poverty Alleviation, Community Development, Green Revolution, Integrated Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods, People Centred Development, Sustainable Development, Empowerment of Rural Masses, and so on. These narrations are indicative of the rural development thinking and approaches. It also indicates the changing nature of the issues and contemporary rural reality. In view of the changing rural realities the contemporary issues are challenging the conventional approaches and methodologies. It demands for new thinking and innovative strategies to deal with challenges such as globalization, urbanisation, the de-agarianisation of rural space, the increasing diversity of rural environments, climate change effects, and the problems of vulnerable groups. In order to meet these challenges community participation, participatory approaches, Self Help Groups (SHG), Decentralised governance has been evolving as powerful strategies for rural development. The contemporary rural development challenges and responses in India need to be discussed in the perspective of sustainable development goals.
About the Conference
This conference is organised as part of celebration of Golden Jubilee of Bhaskar Pandurang Hiwale Education Society. The conference is of interdisciplinary nature and the participants would be drawn largely from the disciplines like humanities, environmental sciences and social sciences background. The theme of the conference is very relevant and contemporary as there is discussions, plans and actions happening nationally for promoting sustainable development. The presentations and deliberations of the conference will be helpful for promoting scholars active engagement with field practitioners and policy maker
Conference objectives and Theme
The conference is organized with following objectives:
Organisation of Conference:
Apart from paper presentations, there will be panel discussions by experts in social work research and field work from across the country. Participation is limited to 30 scholars including students, field practitioners and academicians. Only selected papers shall be presented during the conference.
Sub themes for paper / poster presentations:
The Organizers
The Bhaskar Pandurang Hivale Education (B.P.H.E.S.) Society is established in 1969. It is registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It has three Institutions under its umbrella: Ahmednagar College, Institute of Social Work & Research (ISWR) and Institute of Management Studies, Career Development & Research (IMSCD&R). Ahmednagar College, a pioneering Institute of its kind was established in 1947 by late Rev. Dr. B. P. Hivale. It was further nurtured by Dr. Thomas Barnabas who took the college to magnificent heights. Dr. Thomas Barnabas was followed by Rev. Prof. J. Barnabas. Rev. Prof. J. Barnabas was a dedicated educationalist, who played a key role in the field of education in Ahmednagar.
BPHES’ CSRD-Institute of Social Work and Research, Ahmednagar
BPHE Society’s Centre for Studies in Rural Development-Institute of Social Work and Research (CSRD-ISWR), Ahmednagar is one of the pioneer institutions in community extension and social work education in India. It is the birth place of National Service Scheme (NSS). CSRD was established in 1961 and 2011 is its golden jubilee year. The Institute is recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) and 12 (b) of the UGC Act, 1956, affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University and is aided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of Maharashtra
Climate and Clothing
The month of December is usually cold in Ahmednagar. Considering the unusual cold this year delegates are advised to bring winter cloths.
Excursion Visit
Excursion visit to Ralegaon Siddhi, Hiware Bazar, Shirdi, Ellora Caves and Aurangabad will be arranged on Sunday 15th Dec., 2019. The tour shall be arranged only for those registered for the same by the payment of Rs. 1000/- (non refundable) per person towards the expenses of travel and food. Those interested must indicate their interest and send the amount by D.D. drawn in favour of Director, CSRDISWR payable at Ahmednagar.
For Further Information
Dr. Suresh Pathare (Conference Director),
Dr. Jaimon Varghese (Conference Coordinator),
BPHES’ CSRD-ISWR,
Station Road, Ahmednagar – 414001
Phone : (0241) 2346328
Email : iswrcsrd@gmail.com