Jadavpur Vswabidyalay

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Social movements have profoundly influenced Jadavpur University, infusing it with its very life force. This collage of mutual interactions has enriched the present volume. The second section of the book further enriches this narrative through accounts of the author’s teachers, classmates, administrative staff, and students from the Department of History; reminiscences by alumni; poetry; descriptions of departmental study tours; light essays; photographs of student martyrs; leaflets; and images and reports of social movements published in various periodicals. This book presents an exceptional history of an exceptional university. This book constitutes the political biography of a university. It is a concept particularly well-suited to Jadavpur University. It was born out of intense emotion—a moment defined by the spirit of nationalism. Amidst the political climate surrounding the Partition of Bengal, the imperative for indigenous education intertwined with the burgeoning national consciousness. Particular emphasis was placed on technical education, driven by the vision of an industrialized nation. Standing upon this foundation, the institution embarked upon numerous uncharted paths. From its nationalist origins, this campus eventually evolved toward an internationalist political outlook. That journey, needless to say, was far from smooth; it represents an entire political life woven together through conflict and struggle. I hope that, in due course, the remaining facets of this story will also come to light. *Sourin Bhattacharya* Former Professor of Economics, Jadavpur University Jadavpur University was born from the womb of the National Council of Education—a truly Swadeshi (indigenous) educational institution. It was within this very framework that the Department of History was established. Distinguished scholars painstakingly built the department, brick by brick; its foundations were laid under the stewardship of Sushobhan Chandra Sarkar. Today, that same university has evolved into one of the nation’s premier centers of learning. Drawing upon a diverse array of archival sources, Professor Amit Bhattacharya has penned a history of Jadavpur University—and its Department of History—that is, in a word, both impeccable and original. It feels akin to an intellectual quest pursued in the convivial spirit of a casual conversation. This is an exceptional work of history—one that is bound to captivate and deeply move its readers. As a historical document, this volume is destined to secure a permanent and distinguished place in the annals of scholarship. *Chittabrata Palit* Retired Professor, Department of History