Course on Understanding Contemporary History (1947-2000) by Janaki Nair | Starting January,2023

[Poorna R]

Dear All,

We hope you are well. 

We are delighted to invite your participation in an intensive course on Indian history titled, Understanding Contemporary India: 1947-2000 by Janaki Nair. The course will be of interest to students, researchers, activists and anyone interested in the nation's recent past.

UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY INDIA: 1947-2000

Abstract: 

What does it mean to be Indian today? The last seven decades have been a tumultuous, exhilarating and disturbing time in the life of the independent Indian nation. Which of the
events, processes, institutions, and crises of this period have their roots in the colonial past, and which of them represent a break with that past? Which of them imagined and actively engaged with the possibilities of a new future?

These questions require us to look beyond political events and developments, to the advances and setbacks that have occurred on several social, cultural, economic and religious fronts. It enjoins us to look beyond leaders to the people, and realm of the popular. This has been a period marked by ‘critical events’ as much as by slow, iterative and even imperceptible processes that constitute the fabric of India today.

This introductory course is intended for anyone who wishes to have a synoptic view of the first six decades after Independence. It does not require any prior training in or knowledge of Indian history, and will be organized thematically.

About the Facilitator: 

Janaki Nair was a Professor of History at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi until retirement in 2020.  She is the author of  Mysore Modern: Reconceptualising the Region under Princely Rule (2011);   The Promise of the Metropolis: Bangalore’s Twentieth Century (2005); and  Miners and Millhands: Work, Culture and Politics in Princely Mysore (1998).  

Course Details: 

This in-person course will run over 12 sessions on 6 weekends beginning in January 2023. Sessions will be held on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The method of instruction will include lectures, short videos, power-points, and discussion on assigned readings. Those attending lectures will have to read up two pre-circulated articles/chapters before the class; every effort will be made to provide soft copies of these materials.

Registration Details: 

This course will require prior registration and participants will be required to pay a fee of Rs.3,000. The course will be conducted in English. It is open to all and no prior qualification/experience is required. We will be providing a need-based reduction/waiver of fee for participants from marginalised backgrounds. If you think you require that support, kindly write to us at poo...@altlawforum.org. The last date to register is 20th December, 2022. 

Registration method: 

To register, kindly fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/cbNydE5QmaYbWt6z9. As there are a limited number of seats, we will communicate confirmation of participation over email before the end of December, 2022. Upon confirmation, you will receive the course syllabus and the dates for the course. 

Payment Method:

Details of payment will be shared upon confirmation of participation. 

Venue:

Alternative Law Forum, No. 122/4, Infantry Road (Next to Balaji Art Gallery)

Bangalore - 560001

Contact: 080-22865757, 080-22868757

Please feel free to write to us should you have any further questions! 

Thanks and Warm Regards,

Poorna