The Department of International Studies and History organised a Skype lecture by Professor Idesbald Goddeeris of KU Leuven on “Migration and Multiculturalism” for 1 MAIS class on 6 September 2019 between 11 AM to 12 PM at Council Room, Central Block, Christ (Deemed to be University). The speaker focussed his talk on European Identities and how migration has affected the continent. In a globalised set up, it is problematic to have a one-dimensional approach towards the population. With reference to Benedict Anderson’s “Imagined Communities”, it is necessary to understand that Europe is in a juxtaposition between collective and coercion identity. With the end of Cold War in 1989 with the fall of USSR, European Union allowed the skilled and enthusiastic people from Global South. This led to an issue of integration and inclusiveness where there was no reciprocity between migrants and citizens of a country. The effect of the migrant population can be seen by the influence over the style and food. The facilitator further highlighted the criticism via the notes of Paul S in his book which speaks about the tolerance and optimism towards multiculturalism. With the influx of Muslims which has led to more conflicts and the fear that the ideologies of West would collapse and deteriorate further by this population being a burden on the economy. With Europe being a Christian dominated society, it became inacceptable and incompatible to accommodate the Jews and the Muslims. But due to the opposition of the mass migration in Europe, the Europeans in the name of supernatural loyalty moved from religion incompetency to secularisation. Since 9/11 the threat of Al-Qaida has complicated the issue of Muslims across the world and has led to contradiction with the West in regard to dealing with the Muslims. The way the values of the Europeans has been structured are now been questioned such as on equality of women, to be modern in their dress code which is against the fundamentals of Islamic religion. Since the end of the colonial era, Europe has to now look for a stand to accept the diversity and respect their norms and values by giving them equal rights and freedom which would build a new idea of superiority in terms of having a unified society which would stand as a stepping stone for other nations to take inspiration and inculcate it. The lecture concluded by a question and answer session and Dr Madhumati Deshpande gave the Vote of Thanks.

Thus, the interaction was fruitful and we are looking forward to have a meet and great with his students. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Department for arranging this enlightening talk.