New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS): Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) sociology professor Anand Kumar was Saturday elected president of the Indian Sociological Society.

"During my career in academics, I have been associated with Indian Sociological Society and consider it as a vibrant platform which brings together sociologists of all hues from across the country and nurtures the spirit of dialogue and scholarship," Kumar said in a statement.

The professor heads the Centre for Study of Social Systems at JNU and his career spans over four decades serving as visiting professor in Germany, Austria and the US.

"We are going through difficult times and face numerous challenges - politically, socially and culturally. It is critical for sociology to contribute towards resolving some of these challenges," Kumar said.

"I strongly feel there is a need for governments and other stakeholders to consider the critical role that sociology can play in our social and political fabric," he added.

An association of sociologists, the Indian Sociological Society was started in 1951 in Mumbai to bring sociologists from around the country under one forum.