About the Department

The evolving connotation of South and Central Asian region as a ‘transformation driver’ has irresistibly been driven not only the great powers to reconsider their strategic and economic priorities, but also a major realm of academia to review the previous drift of learning. Such a challenging task has been undertaken by the Central University of Punjab in the form of a specialized Department of South and Central Asian Studies, which was established in 2009. The Department is being the one of founding pillars among the departments under School of International Studies is unique and innovative in its focus and is committed to cutting edge research. The Department seeks to promote, conduct and disseminate interdisciplinary studies in the key areas of South and Central Asian polity, economy, geopolitics, environment, culture, society, science and technology innovations. The historical and contemporary connections between the two regions alongside multiple forms of exchange among them always are attracting the scholars to explore the region. With a firm emphasis on research based learning and knowledge creation, the Department brings all aspects relating to the region under its academic purview.

Vision
To impart quality education in order to integrate the theoretical, applied and engaged learning in Political Science, International and Area Studies and to develop an  effective, analytical research and communication skill

Mission
The Department of South and Central Asian Studies seeks to prepare the learners with a learning experience that will develop capacity to address the socio-political, geopolitical, geo-economic and science and technological challenges of the complex modern society. The Department further emphasizes to make the students as active and engaged citizens at the local, national and global levels. The department provides trans-disciplinary based political education that is embedded and strengthened by theoretical and philosophical traditions. This includes a strong background in the fundamental branches of our discipline: Indian politics, South and Central Asian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Political Philosophy, Governance and Public Policy Studies, Environmental Relations and Geopolitics. The Departmental students have been encouraged to acquire research skills through projects based research. The Departmental Students would engage in extra-curriculum activities which helps them to cultivate leadership qualities. After the completion of the degree programme, the students would be able to understand, examine and critically analyse the contemporary political events and come out with practical and viable solutions to socio-political problems.