05/02/2026
"Panel Discussion on “New Haryana, Old Boundaries: Conversations on Gender and Caste”
Commemorating the Haryana Formation Day, the Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS) organised a Panel Discussion on the theme “New Haryana, Old Boundaries: Conversations on Gender and Caste”, on 3 November 2025. Prof. Dr. C. Raj Kumar, founding Vice-Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), addressed the gathering and marking the significance of the formation of a separate state of Haryana. He highlighted the vision of JIHS and the roles the Institute aims to play in conducting impactful and policy relevant research on issues concerning an equitable progress in Haryana.
Panellists Prof. Surinder S. Jodhka, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. Ravinder Kaur, Professor Emerita, IIT Delhi, Prof. Prachy Hooda, Lecturer at IDEAS, and Prof. Bhupender Yadav, Retired Professor of History shared their insights on diverse aspects of gender and caste in Haryana. The questions around hashtag identity, diversity of dominant caste groups in different regions of Haryana, evolution of concept of hashtag in the state, changing role of hashtag panchayats, questions around hashtag in the state, improvements in female literacy not reflecting in labour market, hashtag , and the role of sports rooted in gender and caste in driving social change emerged as key points the discussion. The session was moderated by Prof. N. Chandra Bhanu, Assistant Professor, JGLS.
Prof. Kranthi Nanduri, Associate Director of JIHS, presided over the session.
An exhibition of selected works by the panelists and eminent scholars on gender and caste in Haryana was displayed at the venue by Ms. Khushboo and the JGU Library Team, supported by Prof. Madhan
Prof. Mrinalini Jha, Director of the Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS), thanked the distinguished panellists and audience for their engaging participation. She reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to fostering critical research and dialogue on issues of equity, gender, and social transformation in Haryana.