New Delhi: The Department of Political Science & Department of Educational Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)  organized a discussion on the book “Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless” by Santosh Singh, Senior Assistant Editor, Indian Express, at Seminar Hall, Faculty of Social Science, at 02:30 pm. The program was chaired by Prof. Bulbul Dhar James, Head of the Department of Political Science, and the Introductory Remarks were given by Prof. Arshad Ikram Ahmad, Head of the Department of Education Studies. The panelists include Prof Aejaz Masih, Former Head of the Department of Educational Studies, JMI, Prof Nisar ul Haq, Prof G.N. Trivedi, and Dr Azhar Ali of the Department of Political Science, JMI.

In her remarks, Prof Bulbul Dhar, chair of the discussion, mentioned the value of political biographies and explained the significance of memory studies of the key figures of rich Indian history. Great personalities from various fields have shaped contemporary society, and Karpoori Thakur was one such remarkable political figure.

Mr Santosh Singh elaborated upon the book and highlighted the chapterisation to the audience. He mentioned that the book’s  foreword is written by Jeffrey Witsoe, the author of “Democracy Against Development” and Associate Professor at Union College in Schenectady, New York.

The author shared in detail his experience during writing this book. He explained that the book is a biography of Karpoori Thakur and deals with his strong socialist ideological beliefs. He elaborated that the book traces the entire journey of socialist politics with its highs and lows. The author also explained in detail the chapterisation of the book and the relevance of the various titles used for different chapters. Author further elaborated the extensive research done for the completion of the book. He also shared various inspiring stories from the life of Karpoori Thakur.

The panelist, Prof Aejaz Masih, brilliantly links the success of the education reforms introduced during Karpoori Thakur’s tenure to the empowerment of society as a whole. Another panelist, Prof G.N. Trivedi, mentioned the significance of Karpoori Thakur’s socialist ideas in shaping the political landscape of Bihar. Final panelist Dr. Azhar Ali shared anecdotes from Karpoori Thakur’s personal life and how, despite all the hardships, he was able to guide and steer the politics of Bihar on the socialist and inclusive path. Lastly, a formal vote of thanks was given by Dr Javed, Department of Education studies, the program was patiently attended by students.

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