Political Science - About 

Name of the Department: Department of Political Science
Year of Establishment: 1970
Name of Head of the Department: Prof. Dadaram L. Khokale, Assistant Professor & Head of the Department
Name of UG Coordinator : Prof. Haridas Jadhav, Assistant Professor.
Name of PG Coordinator : Prof. P. S. Preshit, Assistant Professor.

• The Department of Political Science at Modern College was established in 1971 with the introduction of Political Science as a subject at the undergraduate level. From its inception, the department has sought to combine academic excellence with social and political awareness.
• In 1978, the subject achieved the status of permanent affiliation, marking an important milestone in the department’s growth. This recognition strengthened its academic foundation and allowed it to expand its teaching and co-curricular activities.
• The department was initially headed by V. G. Nandedkar, whose leadership laid the groundwork for its early development. In 1974, Mr. Rajendra Vora joined the department, bringing new energy and vision. His tenure was particularly noteworthy for its academic activities and outreach. Under his initiative, the department organized a workshop on “Panchayat Raj in Maharashtra” in February 1975 and a one-day seminar on the “42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution” in 1976, both of which reflected the department’s engagement with contemporary political issues.
• One of the most distinguished scholars associated with the department after Mr. Rajendra Vora was Yashwant Sumant, who served from 1977 to 1989. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the academic profile of the department during a crucial phase of its growth. Another eminent academician, Prof. S. N. Navalgundkar, who later served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Pune (1987–88), was also an integral part of the department, enhancing its reputation within the wider academic community.
•  Since July 1995, D. L. Khokale has been an important figure in the department. He successfully completed the Orientation Course at the University of Pune (SPPU) in 1998 and has continuously enriched the academic environment of the department. Under his leadership, the department has organized several student-centric and faculty-oriented activities.
• In the subsequent years, the department expanded its scope by actively engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations. In 2011, in association with other Social Science departments of the college, it organized a State Level Seminar on “Research in Social Sciences: Techniques and Trends.” The following year, in 2012, it played an active role in a University-level seminar on “Current Status and Future Scope of Social Sciences,” further highlighting its role as a platform for dialogue and academic inquiry.
• The department started the postgraduate Master in Political Science course in the academic year 2017–18, and since then, it has received a good response, similar to the undergraduate (UG) course.
• Over the years, the department has not only focused on classroom teaching but also emphasized research, co-curricular activities, and academic extension programmes. It has consistently encouraged students to engage with political debates, participate in seminars, and undertake survey-based projects to understand political behavior and institutions.
• Today, the Department of Political Science continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence, critical inquiry, and social relevance. With a vision to nurture informed and responsible citizens, it strives to blend traditional teaching methods with modern pedagogical practices, preparing students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing political world.