Overcoming excessive challenges, India has marked a string of accomplishments in the past 75 years rising from a plundered state to a 2.7 trillion USD economy and to be among the fastest growing economies of the world. Since 1947, India has increased its Per Capita Income by 2.5 times, decreased IMR by 7.6 times, almost doubled its life expectancy figure, and escalated its literacy rate by 62%. With highways construction touching record 37 km per day in FY 2020-21, India has driven leaps of infrastructural enhancement and multi sectoral development. From lifting millions out of poverty and hunger to achieving surplus food grain production, from baby steps in science and technology to becoming a space and nuclear power, from fighting back foreign loot to attracting huge FDI inflows, India firmly combatted challenges in multiple spheres and youth has played a significant role in all of them. Emphasizing on the role of youth in advancing the growth and development of the nation since 1947, papers are invited to feature and outline their significant contributions and pivotal roles discharged in multidimensional capacities.

Democracy–which has been ingrained in the action, behavior and thought of its natives, it is imperative to call that nation 'the mother of democracy'. Since independence, India has continued to strengthen its democratic conventions and emerged as a proud and inspiring democracy. Our Constitution has set goals on the foundational idea of a 'welfare state' and in the past 75 years, governance has travelled miles of transformations with the citizens at the focal point. Strengthening PRIs, Policy reforms, structural changes, present developments in e-governance and constant will for betterment has largely been driven by the youth force of the country. Young population has been at the forefront in shaping, correcting and enhancing governance through bureaucracy, politics, Non-Governmental Organizations, Cooperatives, SHGs, startups and various other means to bolster and support governance structures and thereby uphold the democratic values. This sub-theme invites papers to highlight the inputs made by youth who catalyzed such efforts with constructive contributions in 75 years of independence.

A long freedom struggle and the sacrifice of millions, over decades, finally led to self-rule — and what a remarkable journey it was. But the freedom was accompanied by questions. Would India be united and sovereign, just and equitable, harmonious and diverse? As India attained independence, it aspired to create a just and inclusive society in which every human being has equal access to resources and opportunities. In these 75 years of independence, the country introduced several laws and adopted various strategies to address the oppression, inequality, and discrimination faced by the disadvantaged groups, whether social or economic. Exemplifying the idea of the human spirit, Indian society is moving forth from its closed systems towards a nation of change while emerging through caste, creed, bigotry, and discrimination and promoting social equity and Harmony. This subtheme invites papers dealing with the challenges of discrimination and exclusion in the Indian context, examines contemporary tactics and strategies, and suggests ways and means for building a fair, just, inclusive, and harmonious society.

The cradle of the human race, the birthplace of ‘Takshashila’, the builder of Ellora caves, the originator of Buddhism & Jainism, the mother of Ayurveda, and home to over a billion people incorporating cultural diversity in languages, religion, and social stratification named ‘India'. As one turns the pages of history, the rich cultural values and heritage of India come alive with all its fragrance and color. The glorious past has left enough of historical and cultural legacies, with a diverse range of art, architecture, painting, music, dance, festivals, customs, and traditions for current and future generations to be proud of. The value of cultural heritage isn’t in cultural manifestation itself but in the wealth of experience and skills passed down from generation to generation. In the same light, several initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Culture for drafting a comprehensive conservation policy for sustaining cultural values in these 75 years of Independence. This subtheme invites papers glorifying India’s culture and heritage and efforts that can be made for sustaining, nurturing, safeguarding, promoting, and systematically encouraging the vast basket of living and diverse cultural traditions and heritage by proposing plans, strategies, and recommendations.