15/09/2026
The P.G. Department of Political Science celebrated the International Day of Democracy on 15th September 2026 by organising an academic lecture and an experiential visit to Gram Panchayat Haweli, Block Mahilpur, District Hoshiarpur, on the theme “Democracy at the Grassroots: A Special Focus on Punjab.”The lecture was delivered by Dr. Tara Devi, Head, P.G. Department of Political Science, through a PPT. She discussed the significance of the International Day of Democracy, the structure and constitutional provisions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and their functions and financial resources. She also highlighted the role of women and youth in strengthening grassroots democracy, with special reference to the 50 percent reservation for women in PRIs in Punjab. The UN theme for 2026, “Fostering Agency and Ownership through Deliberative Democracy,” was linked to the experiential visit to emphasis the importance of public participation in local decision-making. Dr. Arti Sharma, Head, Department of Physics, and Dr. Deepak, Head, Department of Hindi, were present on the occasion. Dr. Arti Sharma also interacted with the students and encouraged them to actively participate in rural development activities. Following the lecture, faculty members and around 50 students visited Gram Panchayat Haweli, where they were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Charanjit Kaur, Sarpanch, and other elected Panchayat members. The Sarpanch and members shared their practical experiences of local governance, decision-making and the implementation of rural development schemes. The students actively interacted with the Sarpanch and Panchayat members and asked questions about Panchayat funds, Gram Sabha meetings, budget approval, beneficiary selection, transparency in development works, women’s and youth participation, digital governance and environmental sustainability. They also enquired about the implementation of schemes such as PMAY-G, SBM-G and PMGSY. A structured questionnaire was administered to the Sarpanch, Panchayat members and village residents. The students will prepare a detailed field-study report based on their observations and interactions. Ms. Kritika, a student of B.A. 2nd Year, shared her experience from the students’ perspective. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Tara Devi. As a symbolic gesture, a plant was presented to represent the “Roots of Democracy.” An appreciation letter was presented to Mrs. Charanjit Kaur, Sarpanch, in recognition of her valuable cooperation. The Sarpanch and Panchayat members also honored the faculty members. The programme successfully connected academic learning with practical experience and highlighted the importance of civic awareness, public participation and democratic governance at the grassroots level.
