In memory of Anjan Ghosh

Updated on: Thursday, January 06, 2011

The Sociological Association of West Bengal recently organized the Anjan Ghosh Memorial Lecture at St. Xavier’s College Auditorium. Eminent historian and columnist Dr Ramchandra Guha was invited to speak on “The Tragedy of the Indian Adivasi”.

A renowned social scientist Dr Anjan Kumar Ghosh was a senior fellow at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta. A veteran academician, his research interest spanned anthropology and history of informal modes of communication in South Asia, social inequality and violence, issues of unequal development and post-colonial social theory. An executive committee member of the Sociological Association of West Bengal (SAWB) and its principle guiding force, Dr Ghosh could elevate the Association to newer heights during his tenure and after, till his last breath.

A student to Dr Ghosh and later a close associate, Ramchandra Guha spoke on the “Tragedy of the Indian Adivasis” as the topic was of great interest to Dr Ghosh. “Anjan had a long standing interest in Adivasis and Dalits”, said he. His talks focussed on the situation of Adivasis, touching upon literacy, healthcare and other social issues. He also referred to significant events such as the Basta Rebellion, Jharkand Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Maoist movement and the reason why it took root particularly in the tribal areas. Guha’s lecture laid stress on a series of political tragedies faced by the Adivasis in pre and post-independence days and their years of struggle. The lecture was then followed by a question answer round which saw the house participating with great enthusiasm.

Mourning the sad demise of a great scholar and as a mark of respect towards him, the Association promised to sail through the difficult journey of working for the cause of public as well as professional sociology in the state.

In memory of Anjan Ghosh

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