The Hindu : New Delhi News : Tsunami washes away differences

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 06, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Tsunami washes away differences

The killer tsunami is creating waves in the university circles in the Capital too. A rarity even for the normally politicised Jawaharlal Nehru University, political differences have been buried for the moment as students and teachers are attempting to raise funds. While JNU might have just about opened for registration this past Tuesday, the concern for tsunami victims seems to have overtaken everything else. Students, teachers and karamcharis have come together under a central co-ordinating committee set up to collect funds for the victims.

Meanwhile, to educate and inform students and teachers about the unusual natural occurrence, presentations have been organised by JNU professors at the Arts and Aesthetics Auditorium on Thursday. Those delivering the presentations include Prof. Raja Mani from the School of Environmental Science, Prof. Shiva Sami from the School of Social Science, and Prof. Rupa Manjri Ghosh from the School of Physical Sciences. To give a picture of the affected areas, a doctor from JNU's Community Health Centre, who recently travelled to the areas, will also be sharing experiences.

"Most people do not know about the effect of tectonics or the history of tsunamis. Therefore the presentations have been organised. We are looking at all kinds of ways to raise funds. Apart from the usual fund-raising efforts, we have also approached the Vice-Chancellor to donate funds from the administration, if possible. Prof. G.K.Chadha has also assured us that he will be looking into this,'' said a member of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association.

While Delhi University colleges are yet to re-open after the winter break, students and teachers have been trying to raise funds. The Delhi University Teachers' Association has appealed to all teachers in the colleges and departments of Delhi University to donate Rs. 500 per head for the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

The cheques can be sent directly to the Prime Minister's Office with intimation to DUTA or can be routed through the association. However, the cheques must be in favour of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, payable at New Delhi.

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After disaster, it is communalism that was under discussion at Jamia Millia Islamia University on Wednesday. At the inaugural session of the international seminar on "Continuity and Change: Social Democratic Traditions in the South Asian Subcontinent'', Vice-Chancellor Mushirul Hasan asserted that complacency against communal forces should be avoided. He said the academia and civil society should not be complacent in their fight against communal forces in the country.

Organised by the university's Department of Sociology and Academy of Third World Studies to commemorate the 50th birth anniversary of renowned sociologist Dr. Bikram Nanda, the seminar is divided into nine sessions and will debate on a wide range of issues pertaining to social change in South Asia and particularly in India.

The seminar, which will conclude on January 6, also includes a special session by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

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IN THE field of academia, Professor Abdul Waheed Khan has been conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Jamia Hamdard at a special convocation this past Tuesday. Prof. Khan is currently the Assistant Director-General at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris. The degree has been conferred in recognition of his contributions to the development and use of Information and Communication Technology in education for the promotion of knowledge and technical know-how, especially in the developing world.

Congratulating Prof. Waheed Khan, former Prime Minister I.K. Gujral during the special convocation said: "In the knowledge society in which we live today, it would be no exaggeration to say that there are leaders like him whose vision is helpful in coping with the challenges of development. Prof. Waheed Khan occupies a leading position among the thinkers and visionaries in the world who have used the information technology for social transformation of society. It is indeed a matter of pride and great satisfaction for us in India that he is today providing leadership to the world community for advancement of long-distance learning''.

Anjali Dhal Samanta

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