National Seminar on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and The Foundation of India | MNLU Nagpur

Centre for International Relations, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur is organizing a two-day National Seminar on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Foundation of India: Constitution, Governance, and National Integration. This seminar is a part of the Rashtriya Ekta (National Unity) Seminars, an initiative by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

About MNLU Nagpur

Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, was established by the Maharashtra Government through an enactment known as the Maharashtra National Law University Act (Maharashtra Act No. VI of 2014). The University takes pride in being the Nineteenth National Law University in the country. The university is an academic fraternity of individuals who foster the aim of excellence and holistic development in order to contribute effectively to society. The university aims to train socially responsible and accountable legal professionals.

About ICSSR

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established in 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country. The Council aims to review the progress of social science research and give advice to its users. The Council sponsors social science research programmes and projects and administers grants to institutions and individuals for research in social sciences. The Council administers scholarships and fellowships for research in social sciences and indicates areas in which social science research should be promoted and adopts special measures for the development of research in neglected or new areas.

About the Centre

The Centre for International Relations and Governance (CIRG) at Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, is dedicated to promoting the study and research of global issues through a legal lens. The Centre is established to conduct research on global cooperation, camaraderie, conflicts, and diplomacy. It explores areas such as nuclear policy, human rights, sustainable development, soft power, diplomacy, international justice, and institutional frameworks, aiming to enhance global governance through both traditional and alternative approaches.

About the Seminar

A two-day National Seminar on Sardar Patel and the Foundation of India: Constitution, Governance, and National Integration is being organized to revisit the vision and mission of Sardar Patel and his contribution to the journey of India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the ‘Iron Man of India,’ stands as a towering figure in the shaping of modern India, an architect of India’s political and territorial integrity. His role in laying the foundation of India is unparalleled. His remarkable leadership during the consolidation of princely states, his contributions to the formulation of India's Constitution, and his vision for robust governance make him a symbol of national unity and integration.

This National Seminar seeks to revisit and celebrate the legacy of Sardar Patel, particularly focusing on his contributions to Constitution-making, governance, and national integration. At a time when India is navigating the complexities of federalism, social cohesion, and governance in a globalized world, the principles and practices espoused by Sardar Patel hold a key role in Indian polity. Sardar Patel's contributions to the Constituent Assembly and his emphasis on the principles of democracy, equality, and justice still have relevance in the contemporary world and merits critical analysis. This seminar will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, paper presentations, and interactive sessions, bringing together academicians, researchers, policymakers, and students to share insights and engage in dialogue on Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy.

This seminar is a part of the Rashtriya Ekta (National Unity) Seminars, an initiative by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Sub-themes

• Sardar Patel and the Drafting of the Indian Constitution
• Sardar Patel as a Lawyer
• Patel’s Vision for Federalism and Centre-State Relationship
• Governance and Administration: Lessons from Patel’s Leadership
• Unification of Princely States: Strategies and Challenges
• Sardar Patel and the Promotion of Communal Harmony
• National Security and Unity: Patel’s Role in Strengthening India
• Political Philosophy of Sardar Patel
• Political Movements of Sardar Patel
• Sardar Patel’s Commitment to Social Justice and Gender Equality
• Sardar Patel’s Contribution for National Integration
• Sardar Patel’s Contributions to National Security and Nationalism
• Sardar Patel’s Administrative Approaches
• The Legacy of Sardar Patel for Twenty-first Century Bharat
• Relevance of Sardar Patel’s Ideas in Contemporary India

Important Dates

• Submission of Abstract: 30 April, 2025
• Abstract Acceptance: 15 May, 2025
• Submission of Full Paper: 15 June, 2025
• Registration Opens: 16 June, 2025
• Registration Closes: 30 June, 2025
• Seminar: 18 - 19 July, 2025

Submission Guidelines

• All submissions must contain an Abstract of not more than 300 words with 5 Minimum Keywords.
• It should be sent as an attachment in a Word file.
• All the contributions should be the original work of the contributors.
• Any plagiarized work will be outrightly rejected.
• Co-Authorship is allowed upto maximum of two authors.
• Submit your abstract to seminarnlu@gmail.com by April 30, 2025.

Students, Academicians and Scholars are invited to participate in the National Seminar. The Organizer will publish a Special Volume of the MNLU Nagpur Journal “Contemporary Law Review” of the selected papers presented in the Seminar. The Organizer will reimburse only the train travel cost and will provide the local hospitality to the invited delegates.

Registration

Selected participant must register themselves after the selection of their abstracts

• Registration Fee for Students and Scholars: INR 500
• Registration Fee for Academicians: INR 1000

Downloads

Brochure: [Click here to view]

Contact

Dr. Madhukar Sharma, Head, Centre for International Relations and Governance, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur

• Email: madhukar@nlunagpur.ac.in.
• Phone: +91 7206171199