The Division for Graduate Studies (DGS) at CESS hosted a special lecture titled “Urban Turn: Contest and Contestation” on 11th December 2024 at the First Floor Seminar Hall, CESS Main Building. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Sudha Mohan, Former Professor and Head, Department of Civics and Politics, University of Mumbai. Dr. Alivelu Kasturi, Dean of the Division for Graduate Studies, welcomed Prof. Sudha Mohan and spoke about her valuable contributions to academics. Prof. E. Revathi, Director of CESS, chaired the session and highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges and opportunities in urban governance.
Prof. Sudha Mohan discussed various aspects of urbanization in India and its effects on society, governance, and policies. She began by referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “India lives in its villages,” to highlight the ongoing divide between rural and urban areas and the importance of maintaining this relationship. She explained how urban areas have developed through proper planning but face challenges, particularly in megacities with populations exceeding 10 million, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
She shared examples of India’s urban history by highlighting cities like Banaras, known for its religious importance; Nalanda and Takshashila, which were ancient centers of knowledge; and Vijayawada, an emerging cultural and economic hub. These examples show how cities have contributed to India’s development over the years.
Further she spoke about the social and cultural changes that come with urban living, as people adapt their lifestyles to city environments. She stressed the importance of effective urban governance and ensuring better management of cities. However, rural areas often lack proper services and development, leading many people to migrate to cities for better opportunities. This growing migration increases pressure on urban areas.
She discussed efforts of Panchayati Raj, which aim to make villages self-reliant. However, rural development has not been consistent, and there is still unequal access to services. Prof. Sudha Mohan compared this to China’s approach, where industries and jobs are spread across regions to prevent overcrowding in major cities. She suggested that India should focus on developing small and medium towns to reduce the burden on larger cities.
Another point she highlighted was the need for decentralization. Local governments should have more control over urban development to address challenges effectively, she emphasized the presence of elected bodies at the grassroots level. Although India’s constitution recognizes local governance, much of the power remains with state governments, causing gaps in services and uneven growth.
Prof. Sudha Mohan stressed the importance of balanced economic growth to ensure that cities are not overburdened. She emphasized the need for creative solutions to tackle urbanization challenges, focusing on governance, migration, and sustainability. Her vision was for cities to grow inclusively and fairly while maintaining harmony with rural areas and promoting balanced development.