A breather!! New Deadline!

Last Date for Abstract Submission for Inter-University Students' Seminar has been extended to 8th March '14. Kindly mail your abstracts to : karvanefikr@gmail.com

Theme Changed, Concept Note Edited

KARVAN-E-FIKR, 2014

Annual Festival, organised by the Subject Association, Department of Sociology,

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

Inter-University Students’ Seminar

Call for Papers

Theme: FROM THE FIELD TO THE PLATE

18^TH and 19^TH of March, 2014

Concept Note

It is the production of our material needs in any era, Marx noted, that determines our social existence. Food is perhaps the most important of these material needs. The question – who produces and who consumes? – remains one of the most important question for all of us. It is unavoidable and necessary for us to investigate the social relations that come into existence between the producers and the consumers. The relationship between the producers of food and the consumers remains a highly hierarchical one, and now with the coming of the global capital companies like Monsanto are further aggressively appropriating resources and monopolizing the process of production leading to further marginalization of the producers.

A glaring cleavage has appeared between the developed and the underdeveloped nations with the former accusing the latter of “eating more” – this, when millions across Asia and Africa remain malnourished and constantly prone to starvation and loss of life. Suggestions from the First World have called for the production of biodiesel in place of food grains. The food divide has therefore extended to a new phase – production for what? Luxury or Survival? The American way of life or a morsel of food for a Sudanese orphan?

In India, we observe that a massive disparity exists between different sections of society with respect to food and agriculture. Is a more equitable food distribution not possible? What steps could possibly be taken to meet such a goal? Studies by groups have claimed that the introduction of GM seeds, excessive use of fertilizers etc has not only led to a loss of production in many cases but have also caused environmental and ecological concerns. Is there, therefore, a need to relook and re-evaluate the process of production that we have come to accept as Gospel truth? Is it possible to imagine a process of production that is in harmony with nature as well as with man?

The purpose of holding this student seminar would be, to firstly, understand the process of production. How, over the ages, various stimuli have managed to cause restructuration of the entire process of production and what we produce. Secondly, the question of food security or rather more seemingly that of food insecurity has also surfaced and needs to be fully understood and tackled both at the global as well as the local level. The issue of the right to access to basic minimal levels of nutrition for all becomes, properly understood, the right to life itself and hence must be taken up at a war-footing.  Thirdly, we also find the issue of agriculture itself getting Capitalized and how as a result certain belts of farmlands are finding it difficult to compete with other belts for the lack of material resources. Lastly, another burning issue that the topic deals with is the diagnosis of social relations of agricultural communities as well as production relations with added emphasis on the position and role of women.

Original Academic and Research Papers are invited on the following themes:

·         Changing Agricultural Trends in India.

·         Impact of Globalization and International Capital on Food Production and Distribution.

·         Social Relations between Producers and Consumers.

·         Role and Status of Women in Changing Agricultural Societies.

·         The Role of the State and Right to Food.

·         The Role of academicians, filmmakers, NGOs, journalists, scientists, environmental groups and the civil society.

·         Issues and Debates between the Developed and Underdeveloped Countries

Guidelines for Paper Presenters:

Please note that the outlined themes are indicative and suggestive only. Papers touching upon other relevant issues around the theme of FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY can also be considered for presentation. The call for papers is open to Under Graduates and Post Graduates students. Research scholars or research assistants/associates studying in government approved educational institutions from all streams. The presentations may use audio visual materials wherever relevant. The expected length of the final paper to be submitted may range from 2500 to 4000 words to be presented in 15 minutes. Local TA will be paid to the paper presenters, chairs and discussants. The interested participants should send an abstract of 250-300 words to be screened by the Faculty of the Department of Sociology, JMI by 3^RD March, 2014 to the following email id. Abstracts can be submitted in English, Hindi or Urdu.

karvanefikr@gmail.com

For further queries contact:

Homam (+91 8744847114)     khan.homam@gmail.com             

Aakanksha (+91 9999842913)   aakankshab@ymail.com                    

Burhan (+91 9654063320)        bhq111@gmail.com                      

Shefali (+91 9868754522)    shefalirattan@yahoo.co.in

                                                                             

Visit us at: www.karvanefikr.blogspot.com

KARVAN-E-FIKR '14 : Annual Inter-University Academic Festival

The Caravan is at the starting point, ready and raring, to start yet another series of discussion and deliberation through intensive thought processing over a new theme. 

KEF'14 takes up ''FOOD, AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY'' in its 5th edition.

The Inter-University Students' Seminar shall serve as the pioneer of the pack.

Critique-In-Colour (Poster Making) & Written Word (Essay Writing) will follow the footprints on the sand.

Two Day Film Fiesta would re-kindle the lost spirits from behind.

Event Schedule: 18th - 21st March '14

Inter-University Students' Seminar - 18th & 19th March '14
Critique-In-Colour (Poster Making) - 19th March '14
Written Word (Essay Writing) - 19th March '14
&
Film Fiesta - 20th & 21st March '14

All the events would be held at FTK-CIT, Jamia Millia Islamia

CALL FOR PAPERS!!

 

KARVAN-E-FIKR, 2014

Theme: FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY

18th & 19th of March, 2014

A two day Inter-University Student Seminar, organised by the Subject Association, Department of Sociology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi as a part of its Annual Festival, Karvan-e-Fikr, 2014.

Concept Note:

It is the production of our material needs in any era, Marx noted, that determines our social existence. Food is perhaps the most important of these material needs. The question – who produces and who consumes? – remains one of the most important question for all of us. It is unavoidable and necessary for us to investigate the social relations that come into existence between the producers and the consumers. The relationship between the producers of food and the consumers remains a highly hierarchical one, and now with the coming of the global capital companies like Monsanto are further aggressively appropriating resources and monopolizing the process of production leading to further marginalization of the producers.

A glaring cleavage has appeared between the developed and the underdeveloped nations with the former accusing the latter of “eating more” – this, when millions across Asia and Africa remain malnourished and constantly prone to starvation and loss of life. Suggestions from the First World have called for the production of biodiesel in place of food grains. The food divide has therefore extended to a new phase – production for what? Luxury or Survival? The American way of life or a morsel of food for a Sudanese orphan?

In India, we observe that a massive disparity exists between different sections of society with respect to food and agriculture. Is a more equitable food distribution not possible? What steps could possibly be taken to meet such a goal? Studies by groups have claimed that the introduction of GM seeds, excessive use of fertilizers etc has not only led to a loss of production in many cases but have also caused environmental and ecological concerns. Is there, therefore, a need to relook and re-evaluate the process of production that we have come to accept as Gospel truth? Is it possible to imagine a process of production that is in harmony with nature as well as with man?

The purpose of holding this student seminar would be, to firstly, understand the process of production. How, over the ages, various stimuli have managed to cause restructuration of the entire process of production and what we produce. Secondly, the question of food security or rather more seemingly that of food insecurity has also surfaced and needs to be fully understood and tackled both at the global as well as the local level. The issue of the right to access to basic minimal levels of nutrition for all becomes, properly understood, the right to life itself and hence must be taken up at a war-footing.  Thirdly, we also find the issue of agriculture itself getting Capitalized and how as a result certain belts of farmlands are finding it difficult to compete with other belts for the lack of material resources. Lastly, another burning issue that the topic deals with is the diagnosis of social relations of agricultural communities as well as production relations with added emphasis on the position and role of women.

Original Academic and Research Papers are invited on the following themes:

 1.  Changing Agricultural Trends in India.

·         2.  Impact of Globalization and International Capital on Food Production and Distribution.

·         3. Social Relations between Producers and Consumers.

·         4. The Right to Food and Issues regarding equitable distribution, entitlement and allocation.

·         5. The Role of the State.

·         6. The Role of academicians, filmmakers, NGOs, journalists, scientists, environmental groups and the civil    society.

·         7. Issues and Debates between the Developed and Underdeveloped Countries.

·         8. Role and Status of women in changing agricultural societies.

Guidelines for Paper Presenters:

Please note that the outlined themes are indicative and suggestive only. Papers touching upon other relevant issues around the theme of FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY can also be considered for presentation. The call for papers is open to UnderGraduates and PostGraduates students. Research scholars or research assistants/associates studying in government approved educational institutions from all streams. The presentations may use audio visual materials wherever relevant. The expected length of the final paper to be submitted may range from 2500 to 4000 words to be presented in 15 minutes. Local TA will be paid to the paper presenters, chairs and discussants. The interested participants should send an abstract of 250-300 words to be screened by the Faculty of the Department of Sociology, JMI by 3rd March, 2014 to the following email id. Abstracts can be submitted in English, Hindi or Urdu.

karvanefikr@gmail.com

For further queries contact:

Homam Ajmal (+91 874 484 7114) ; khan.homam@gmail.com                

Aakanksha Baruah (+91 999 984 2913) ; aakankshab@ymail.com                    

Burhan Qureshi (+91 965 406 3320) ; bhq111@gmail.com

Shefali Rattan (+91 986 875 4522) ; shefalirattan@yahoo.co.in

Visit us at: www.karvanefikr.blogspot.com

Hello Everyone!!

Its February and we are back again, with a new team, a new theme and a double barrel of vigour :) Yes, its your love that brings us back and what a day to make a comeback than the Valentine's Day :P

KARVAN-E-FIKR '14

Theme: Food, Agriculture and Ecology
Date: 18th & 19th March, 2014
Venue: Tagore Hall, Jamia Millia Islamia

KARVAN - E - FIKR 2013 : A HUGE SUCCESS

Words from Dr.Kulwinder Kaur, Student Advisor, Subject Association, Department of Sociology, Jamia Millia Islamia at the end of the event.

Dear All

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL AND ALSO TO YOUR CLASSMATES!!

Please forward this message to all of them through facebook, blogs etc as I can't reach everyone...

Your hard toil, efforts, team spirit, co-ordination, support to each other really created a winning team despite the initial hiccups. You and your classmates, worked in numerous seen and unseen ways...running around to shops for buying things, photocopying, getting printing work done, publicity,  lifting stuff, putting banners, texting, networking, making menus, food coupons, getting tea, water, food, stationary, printers, serving food and tea, screening films, putting up notices, making society watch, reports, helping with registration, writing concept notes, doing brainstorming to get things done, attempts at fund raising, writing applications, getting permissions, preparing budgets, handling accounts, sending invites, mobilising participation,staying in touch with paper presenters, working with them over mails, editing , abstract screening, making sessions, designing the structure, contacting speakers, reception work, manual work, writing papers, rapporteuring, doing discussions, chairing sessions, rising to every crisis, working after the office hours, on holidays, missing classes, going to different campuses, making calls, designing banners, posters, capturing all action through photographs, preparing quiz questions, Co-ordinating Jam, writing essays,  poems and shers, singing, dancing , playing guitars, your applaud, your taking care of guests from other universities, and invited speakers, your attendance, presence.....your lost sleep and comfort.....

All the above and much more...that remains invisible .....SO MUCH WORK HAS GONE INTO making Karvan-e Fikr, 2013 such a happening Academic festival!!!!        

I hope you guys realize the amount of work you all have done in many ways.....KUDOS to you all...keep it up and you will take this department to great heights..

I thank you all and feel very proud of you all!!  It was great working with you all...

Kulwinder mam