‘Civil Societies should not nurture political ambition’

Rourkela: “The civil society groups, which play a vital role in the society by making people aware of their participation in the governance process, should not nurture any political ambition,” said Prof. A P Padhi, former vice-chancellor of Berhampur University, here today.

Justifying his contention at a regional workshop on “Role of Civil Society in India” organised by Ispat Autonomous College in association with Odisha Political Science Association (OPSA), Padhi said, “The civil society movement, currently led by Anna Hazare and Ramdev in the country, bears ample testimony to the fact that if the civil society groups are engaged in politics, there is a diametric shift in their ethics which forces people to keep them away from the movement”.

Gracing the occasion as the chief speaker, eminent political scientist Prof. Ram Narayan Mishra spoke about the historical concept of civil society movement, their role and responsibility with special reference to India. Among others, Dr. P Harichandan, Secretary OPSA also spoke.

Principal of Ispat Autonomous College Prof. Umesh Samal delivered the inaugural address while Prof. J K Mishra, president OPSA introduced the guests. Prof. B S Chandel, HoD, Political Science, Ispat College and convenor of the workshop coordinated the programme.

Later, a technical session was held under the chairmanship of Prof. A Tiwari where 15 professors, lecturers and students read out their papers. The session was coordinated by Dr. Suman Das and Pramod Ray.