Workshop for Political Science Advocates to promote legislative think-tanks in South India
Mangaluru: In an effort to empower students and graduates in the field of social sciences, the Centre for Future of Democracy (CFD) in Hyderabad has launched the "Political Science Advocates (PSAs)" program, focusing on "Legislative Think-Tanks."
A group of five young individuals from Mangalore and Shimoga, including Siraj P, Sahil Khader, Akinesh, Vineeth, and Mohd Azahar, were selected for a four-day training camp in Cyberabad, Telangana.
Mission Head Shaun D’Souza highlighted that the workshop, led by King’s College London alumnus Stephen Anurag, AKC, was not confined to the classroom but offered an in-depth exploration of public policy, public finance, community policing, and state legislation. The initiative aims to cultivate inspirational leadership extending beyond conventional boundaries and create a national network of talented political advocates.
Stephen Anurag emphasized that the policy and economy of the state depend on the quality of polity and democratic essence of the constituents. The workshop provided participants with an intensive learning environment, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the societal system and demonstrating how political activists can navigate the complex field of social impact.
Program Coordinator Junaid Jushiddi noted that the workshop instilled positivity among participants, challenging the notion that career prospects in political science are limited. The significance of social science fields, including public administration, public policy, and geopolitics, in advancing poll management and social engineering was highlighted.
The workshop underscored the importance of youth participation in local governance and grassroots politics. Sujata Rao, IAS, former Secretary to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, emphasized the need for practical poll intellect as a catalyst for constructive social change. The participants also visited the Public Safety-Integrated Operations Centre at the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to learn about the government's initiatives in combating cybercrimes.
Looking ahead, the Political Science Advocates program plans to expand its network for promoting legislative think-tanks at the gram panchayat and ward levels across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana over the next five years. The program will focus on field learning modules such as constitutional rights, cybersecurity clubs, mental health well-being, menstrual hygiene camps, paralegal clubs, and social entrepreneurship among students and youth. An online volunteer recruitment drive will be launched to extend the mission to Chikkamagaluru, Dakshin Kannada, and Mysore regions as a pilot phase.
Social entrepreneurs, poll intelligence teams, and policy practitioners facilitated the four-day workshop held from November 28 to December 2, 2023.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
