Centre for Migration Policy and Inclusive Governance Hosts International Virtual Seminar on Migration Theories

The Centre for Migration Policy and Inclusive Governance (CMPIG) at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, in collaboration with the Department of Law, Central University of Karnataka, successfully hosted a three-day international virtual seminar titled “Theories on Migration & Critical Readings on Intellectual Traditions” from September 23 to 25, 2024.

This seminar aimed to deepen the understanding of the complex dynamics shaping migration patterns and labor movements globally. With 43 participants from seven countries presenting their research papers, the event provided an essential platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to discuss the underlying theories, impacts of labor movements, and implications for policymaking and governance.

The seminar commenced with a Welcome Address by Miss Ragini Rajbhor, a research scholar from the Central University of Karnataka, who set the tone for the discussions that followed. Dr. Bijulal M. V, Chairperson of CMPIG, delivered an insightful Introduction to the seminar, outlining the relevance of the topics to contemporary migration issues.

The Inaugural Address was presented by Prof. R. R. Biradar, Registrar of the Central University of Karnataka, who emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding migration. The Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) C. T. Aravindakumar, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, who highlighted the urgent need for policy reforms in light of evolving migration patterns.

The keynote session featured renowned scholar Prof. Binod Khadria, President of the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) and former Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University. His keynote address, titled “Everything is Not Fair in Love and War: Stereotypes, Smart Camouflaging and Interdisciplinary Plagiarism in Theorising Migration Research,” sparked engaging discussions among participants, illuminating the challenges and opportunities in migration research.

Throughout the seminar, participants engaged with a wide range of topics, including classical and contemporary migration theories, the role of labor movements in shaping migration policies, the intersection of migration with human rights, and the impact of globalization on labor markets. The inclusion of case studies from different regions provided a comparative perspective on migration and labor issues.

The event also included participation from Dr. Basavaraj M. Kubakaddi, Dean of the School of Legal Jurisprudence Studies at Central University of Karnataka, and Mr. Navas M. Khadar from CMPIG, who contributed their expertise to the discussions. Mr. Anandhu Sunil of CMPIG, acknowledging the contributions of all participants and organizers and reinforcing the commitment to further explore migration-related issues.

This successful seminar not only provided a comprehensive overview of migration theories and labor movements but also reinforced the importance of continued dialogue and research in the field of migration studies.