Voyage of an Academician and a Social Activist

About Author

Sukhadeo Thorat, Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He holds the K.R. Narayanan Chair at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, and was Ambedkar Chair Professor at the University of Calicut, Kerala. He is a former Chairman of the University Grants Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi. In recognition of his contributions to education and his service to the deprived sections of society, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2008.

About the Book

This book chronicles Professor Sukhadeo Thorat's journey as an academic, activist, and individual, as shared through the experiences of his colleagues and friends over the years. A versatile figure, he is known for his ability to analyse complex social structures while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. This volume presents a mosaic of reflections and insights from distinguished scholars, administrators, activists, and former students of Professor Thorat.

The detailed Introduction traces his evolution as an academic, activist, and person. The first section charts his humble beginnings in the fields of economics and social research, and his unwavering commitment as a scholar. The second section features essays that highlight his steadfast activism on behalf of marginalised communities. The third section delves into his scholarly work on group disparities, caste-based discrimination, and proposed remedies.

Professor Thorat is also widely recognized as an institution builder. He was instrumental in founding the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies and the Journal of Inclusive Studies. The following section outlines his leadership in higher education, particularly through his tenure as Chairman of the University Grants Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research between 2006 and 2016.

Overall, this book offers a blueprint for those seeking to pursue a path where activism is interwoven with academic excellence and meaningful societal impact.