Alumnae Lecture-2 By Srimonti Sarkar Organized by the Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science organized an insightful special lecture on Political Participation, delivered by Ms. Srimanti Sarkar, Head and Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, West Bengal State University on November 25, 2025. An esteemed alumna of the 2009 batch, Ms. Sarkar brought depth and clarity to this critical theme of democratic governance.
The session explored the meaning of the "political" and examined how participation shapes the very fabric of democratic life. Ms. Sarkar discussed the multifaceted nature of political participation, emphasizing that citizen engagement extends far beyond the act of voting. She explained how participation manifests in both democratic and non-democratic systems and why active involvement is vital for ensuring that democracy remains substantive and inclusive.
Ms. Sarkar highlighted the factors that influence why individuals choose to participate or remain politically indifferent-ranging from education and socio-economic background to political awareness and psychological motivation. She also mapped the diverse forms of participation today, including community mobilization, advocacy, and digital activism, illustrating how these practices have evolved with societal and technological changes.
The lecture offered students a comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities as informed citizens capable of shaping political discourse. Ms. Sarkar's engaging delivery, supported by real-world examples, made complex political ideas accessible and relevant. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, encouraging students to reflect critically on their own capacity for meaningful political engagement in strengthening democratic values.
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