Embracing memories of leaders: A conversation about Birsa Munda and Muthuvel Karunanidhi

Join us for a hybrid discussion as we delve into the lives and legacies of two remarkable leaders from different time periods, Birsa Munda and Muthuvel Karunanidhi

 

'The Political Life of Memory: Birsa Munda in Contemporary India' (Cambridge University Press, 2022) by Rahul Ranjan takes us on a journey to the heart of memory politics and anticolonialism in contemporary Jharkhand. This book examines how the political life of Birsa Munda is represented and remembered in the region. By analysing the symbolic sites, memorials, and statues that commemorate Birsa Munda's legacy, the book uncovers the intricate interplay between memory, politics, and ideology. It illustrates how memory becomes a strategic terrain for claiming the historical narrative of the Birsa Movement.

'Karunanidhi: A Life' (Penguin, 2023) by A.S. Panneerselvan uncovers the dynamic journey of Muthuvel Karunanidhi, a writer-turned-politician whose influence on Indian politics remains indelible. Serving as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for five terms, Karunanidhi led the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for over five decades. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, the book offers an immersive exploration of this exceptional individual and his impactful role in shaping Indian politics.

The authors will engage in a conversation that delves into the lives and ideologies of Birsa Munda and Muthuvel Karunanidhi. They will share insights into their research methodologies, the challenges of capturing the essence of these leaders, and the broader implications of their legacies for contemporary politics and society.

Note: This is a hybrid event. Links to join the Zoom webinar will be shared with registered attendees.

Speakers

Dr Rahul Ranjan

Rahul is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the OsloMet University, Oslo (Norway). He is working on a project entitled 'The currents and consequences of legal innovations on the rights of rivers' funded by the Norwegian Research Council. He joined the project after finishing his PhD as a Louise Arbour fellow at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. Previously, he worked with the International Journal of Human Rights (Taylor and Francis) as an Associate Editor and continues to remain in the journal's editorial team. 

A.S. Panneerselvan

Panneerselvan is fellow at Roja Muthiah Research Library, Chennai and head of its Centre for Study in Public Sphere. Earlier, he was the Readers’ Editor (an independent internal news ombudsman) of The Hindu, , for nearly a decade. Apart from being a regular columnist, he is also an adjunct faculty member of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. He was conferred the G.U. Pope award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his literary and journalistic contributions.

Chair

Vignesh Rajahmani

Vignesh is a doctoral researcher at the King’s India Institute, King’s College London. His research so far has been across the disciplines of political science, sociology, and business studies, with professional experience in public policy, legislative research, and political consulting of over 5 years. He has consulted for India’s leading national opposition party – The Indian National Congress – in the 2019 Indian General Elections with its election manifesto, following which he devised the strategy and development blueprints for two regional parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Trinamool Congress in three states in the 2021 (Tamil Nadu and West Bengal) and 2022 (Goa) provincial elections in India.