Chandigarh April 5, 2024:- The prestigious Colloquium series distinguished lecture of Panjab University was delivered by Prof. Balkrishna Vithal Bhosale on 5.4.2024. Prof. Bhosale an internationally renowned sociologist is currently Head of the department of Sociology, University of Mumbai.  His lecture was titled “Development and Politics in India”.   It is a concept which is contested but certainly interconnected since there can beno development without politics or politics without development.  He said that it is not a recent phenomenon and that a system of development has been in place since independence onwards even through its models and paradigms have   differed and changed over time.  Different political parties in power with different ideologies have been promoting varied trajectories of development.  However, development of every era including the present has had its constraints and inbuilt block which include corruption, bureaucratic obstacles, regional disparities and exclusion of marginal groups.  Development, according to him will need to be more inclusive and accommodate  varied social groups and regions.  Discrimination, distress and displacement according to him were not good signs when scripting development projects.  It is not only economic progression but also societal development  that needs to be targeted.  Professor Bhosale stressed on participative development and that developmental agendas should not be dictated and led by a few states, a few big cities and few corporate groups.  The event was conducted by the Colloquium Coordinator Professor Monica Munjial Singh and her team.  Professor Simrit Kahlon, DSW Women was the Guest of Honor.