Announcements

International Lecture Sanjukta Das Gupta

On 8th January 2026, the Department of History, Loreto College, in collaboration with Department of History, Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous, Bengaluru, hosted an international lecture by   Prof. Sanjukta Das Gupta, Associate Professor of Indian History at the Department of Oriental Studies, Sapienza University of Rome. She delivered a powerful and thought-provoking lecture on the theme-  “Writing Back: Asserting Adivasi Identity in Eastern India”.

The programme began with a warm welcome and a formal introduction of Prof. Das Gupta by Dr. Krishnokoli Hazra, the Head of the Department,  who highlighted her academic achievements and contributions.  In her lecture, Prof. Das Gupta offered a rich exploration of assertion of Adivasi identity in Eastern India, examining the evolution of the term, the socio-political challenges encountered by Adivasi communities, and their various forms of protest. She began her speech mentioning how different region have different names for Adivasis. She gave us some amazing examples of how Adivasis or tribals are not always backwards or primitive like our very own President Draupadi Murmu, Captain of Women’s Hockey Team etc. One of the most interesting aspects of her lecture was the analysis of the emergence of the concept or idea of ‘tribe’ and the debate on this issue amng scholars. 

Professor Das Gupta also stated that it is important to know or reclaim the past so that we get a sense of who we are, and also do not repeat our mistakes in future. As a student of History this thought was very motivating for us. She also recounted their struggles and modes of protest and self-expression through literature (especially poetry) and historical narratives.

The lecture concluded with a vibrant question and answer session. Students and faculty engaged with Professor Das Gupta about the indigenous people’s development, their present condition etc. This showed student’s deep  curiosity about the Adivasis and willingness to engage with such issues. Thus, the session left us inspired and as students of history, it was deeply enriching for us. The insightful lecture, combined with the engaging question-and-answer session, fostered critical thinking, encouraged scholarly curiosity, and left us with a positive and motivated academic approach.

 

 

 

 

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