Centre for Studies of Plural Societies

Rest in peace! Jurgen Habermas,

The Centre for Studies of Plural Societies is pleased to announce the launch of its biannual research journal, Politics, Culture and Society, (Pcs Journal) and calls scholars, academicians, practitioners, policy professionals and early career researchers across the disciplines to submit their unpublished research articles, book reviews, and commentaries for its special issue — Imagining Plural Public Sphere, including but not limited to the following themes:

Legal pluralism that discusses the coexistence of multiple legal systems or normative orders, including state law alongside religious and community-based legal systems and overlapping jurisdictions. A central question that arises is — how can legal diversity be respected without undermining universal rights?

Cultural pluralism that recognizes the coexistence of diverse and even contradictory cultural identities within a society, where no single culture fears a hegemonic incursion from the other, especially in the context of contemporary migration and the politics of assimilation.

Political pluralism focuses on the representation of the last minority of a society in the access of equal and undeniable rights along with other groups. With increased transnational exchanges and increased empowerment of the marginalized, the definition of nationalism has been challenged from inside, and new ideas and aspirations are reimagining the nation.

Economic pluralism explores the distribution of resources and expansion of social contract amid more competition between state and market.

In the era of social media, cultural production has gone beyond the control of market forces, and people from the bottom have become part of a new cultural economy. The rise of OTT, social media platforms and the Emerging AI deepened the competition for cultural representation to a new level.

Submissions are welcomed to participate in a wide range of discussions, from theoretical, legal, and constitutional arguments on conceptualizing plurality and democracy to empirical debates of a representative and accessible public sphere, within critical, normative, or analytical perspectives.

Articles should not exceed 8,000 words, including the bibliography; commentary should not exceed 2000 words; book reviews should not exceed 1500 words.
The journal follows a Chicago reference style and UK English.

Authors and young scholars are welcomed to send their new publications to be announced and briefly introduced in the “New Publications” section.

The journal follows a strict policy on plagiarism of text, ideas, or structure. Articles using AI-generated content may be rejected without review.

Abstract Deadline: 15th March 2026
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 23rd March 2026
Final Paper Submission Deadline: 10th May 2026
Please submit a short biography and an abstract (250 words maximum) to the link : https://forms.gle/1Hx7PGWVYLLeVg8k9
Please email us at [email protected] if you have any further queries.

Dr Azeemah Saleem
Executive Editor,
Journal of Politics, Culture and Society,
[email protected]

This Holi, may the vibrant colours remind us that diversity is not division — it is strength.

At CSPS, we celebrate plurality, meaningful dialogue, and the shared pursuit of a more inclusive society.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and colourful Holi! 🌼✨

Remembering T. K. Oommen (1937–2026), distinguished sociologist and Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who passed away on 26 February 2026.

His pioneering work on social movements, pluralism, and citizenship leaves behind a powerful intellectual legacy.

May he rest in peace.

This Republic Day, we honour the Constitution of India—not only as a historic document, but as an ongoing promise of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

At CSPS, we reaffirm our commitment to pluralism, critical engagement, and democratic values that strengthen our shared public life.

🇮🇳 Happy Republic Day to all.

Yesterday, CSPS hosted a thought-provoking special lecture on “The Changing Geopolitics of the Middle East: Is Donald Trump In or Out?”

With rich insights from Dr Muqtedar Khan and Dr M. Shahid Siddiqui, the session sparked meaningful conversations on global politics and power shifts.

The Centre for Studies of Plural Societies (CSPS) is pleased to host a Special Lecture on “The Changing Geopolitics of the Middle East: Is Donald Trump In or Out?”

🎙 Speaker:
Dr. Muqtedar Khan (USA) — Professor, Department of Political Science & International Relations, University of Delaware (USA)

🎙 Chair:
Dr. M. Shahid Siddiqui — Editor-in-Chief, WorldAffairs

The session will explore U.S. foreign policy, power shifts, and the future trajectory of the Middle East.

📅 Friday, 23 January 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Offline Session

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/ekVYpfgYEcSnwWtE8

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manzoor Alam, a distinguished scholar and visionary institution-builder. His professional life was marked by intellectual integrity, commitment to knowledge, and meaningful contributions to academia and public discourse.

Dr. Alam inspired generations through his scholarship, mentorship, and dedication to inclusive and ethical engagement. His work and legacy will continue to guide and inspire the academic community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and students. May his soul rest in peace.

As we welcome 2026, CSPS looks ahead with hope, curiosity, and a continued commitment to dialogue, plurality, and critical engagement.

The year ahead calls for deeper conversations, shared learning, and thoughtful reflection on the questions that shape our social and intellectual worlds. We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey with us.

✨ Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! ✨

Warm Christmas greetings from all of us at CSPS 🎄✨

May this festive season be a time for reflection, compassion, and renewed faith in dialogue and shared humanity. We wish you peace, warmth, and togetherness.