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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UP Cong holds statewide protest seeking probe into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
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