M.E.S. Vasant Joshi College of Arts & Commerce organized an International Conference on “Innovations in Social Sciences: Interventions, Challenges & Future Trends” in association with IQAC and the RDI Cell of the College, on 16th April 2025. The event, held in a hybrid mode, witnessed an impressive gathering of distinguished academicians, researchers, and students from across India and abroad, making it a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange.
The conference commenced with an inaugural ceremony. Dr. Yasser Hussain, compere for the function, opened the event with insightful remarks, setting the tone for the day. Principal Dr. Manasvi M. Kamat extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants, acknowledging the spirit of academic collaboration that brought the conference to life. Organising Secretary Dr. S. Susan Deborah presented the concept note, outlining the conference’s vision and relevance.
Eminent botanist and academician Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, Chief Guest for the day, applauded the college for its commitment to research and innovation. He emphasized the need for individual contributions and interdisciplinary collaboration in today’s evolving society, and also shared key insights into schemes supported by the Goa State Research Foundation.
The Keynote Address by Prof. Lakshmi Subramanian, a Retd. Professor of History, was a powerful reflection on the marginalization of social sciences. She called for renewed recognition of their role and voiced concerns over the ethical implications of technology in academic and social contexts.
The President of the Inaugural Function, Ms. Lalita Joshi, praised the organizers and reflected on rapid societal changes, particularly within family and institutional structures, while expressing hope for meaningful discussions throughout the conference.
A special highlight was the release of the official Conference Book comprising select papers presented at the event. Mementos were presented to the guests, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Freda Cota e Pereira, Convenor of the conference, who acknowledged the collective efforts behind the event’s success.
A panel discussion on “The Future of Social Sciences in the Contemporary World” was held next, moderated by Prof. Divya Singhal from Goa Institute of Management. The panel featured leading voices including Prof. Solano Jose Savio Da Silva (Political Science, BITS Pilani), Prof. Pranab Mukhopadhyay (Economics, Goa University), Prof. R.P. Pradhan (International Relations, BITS Pilani), and Keynote Speaker Prof. Lakshmi Subramanian. Together, they explored the relevance of social sciences in shaping global discourse, the challenges of technological integration, and the need for critical thinking in policymaking and research.
Adding further depth to the day was a compelling session by Dr. Vipul Mathur of IIM Kolkata, who spoke on Artificial Intelligence in research. He emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool for empowerment, enhancing the quality and reach of academic work rather than replacing human intellect.
The international presentations drew global perspectives, featuring speakers from Malaysia, Bangladesh, UK, and Afghanistan. Their presentations addressed innovations in education, sustainability, gender equity, and agriculture, highlighting cross-border challenges and inclusive strategies for social change.
Post-lunch, the conference featured parallel paper presentation sessions across three tracks: Psychology & Sociology, Economics & Commerce, and Tourism & Environment. A total of 55 papers were presented, covering a wide range of themes including mental health, environmental literacy, digital behaviour, green finance, AI applications, and social inclusion. Each session was chaired by subject experts Prof. Janet Fernandes, Prof. Seema Rath and Prof. Nandkumar N. Sawant. These sessions saw enthusiastic participation, critical engagement, and valuable feedback.
The event concluded with a valedictory session, graced by Prof. Nandkumar N. Sawant, Prof. Seema Rath, and Prof. Janet Fernandes. Principal Dr. Manasvi M. Kamat welcomed the guests, and tokens of appreciation in the form of potted plants and mementos were presented. Organising Secretary Dr. S. Susan Deborah delivered the final vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of the organizing team, faculty, students, and all the participants.
The conference successfully fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, encouraged international collaboration, and highlighted the relevance of social sciences in addressing pressing global issues. It also provided a valuable platform for emerging scholars to showcase their research and engage with experts. The event stands as a testament to M.E.S. Vasant Joshi College’s commitment to academic excellence and meaningful societal impact.
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