Special Lecture on- ‘Decolonizing Social Sciences: James Mill, Colonialism and Contemporary India
August 7, 2024 (Offline)
On August 7, 2024, the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Cultures, organized a special lecture on “Decolonizing Social Sciences: James Mill, Colonialism, and Contemporary India.” The lecture featured Dr. Kundan Singh, a Professor at the Hindu University of America, as the distinguished speaker, who was introduced by Prof. M.S. Chaitra, Director, CSC. It was attended by over 40 participants including students, research scholars and faculty of Chanakya University.
Dr. Singh’s talk explored the works of James Mill and their lasting influence on the discourse surrounding India, particularly in the context of social scientific studies. He emphasized how Mill’s colonial perspectives continue to shape academic and intellectual approaches to India, even in the present day. The lecture shed light on how these colonial frameworks have impacted the study of Indian society, influencing the perception of Indian culture and history through a Westernized lens.
Dr. Singh also introduced his latest book, ‘Colonial Discourse and the Suffering of Indian American Children: A Francophone Postcolonial Analysis’, discussing key chapters that informed his lecture. His work delves into how colonial ideologies have permeated various aspects of Indian and diasporic experiences, including the psychological and social challenges faced by Indian American children. By drawing from Francophone postcolonial theory, Dr. Singh’s analysis provides insights into how colonial narratives continue to affect both the Indian diaspora and academic studies of Indian society. The lecture contributed significantly to the conversation on decolonizing social sciences in India, urging scholars to critically engage with colonial legacies and reframe their approaches in understanding Indian knowledge systems and society. He was also presented with a token of gratitude by Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy, Director of CIKS.