Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti is a Professor of Sociology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Kanpur.
Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti's upbringing unfolded in a middle-class neighborhood in Kolkata, where many residents held occupations as teachers and professors. In this environment, a profound emphasis was placed on academics. Retired individuals in the community contributed by teaching various arts such as music and painting. During Durga Puja celebrations, the neighborhood buzzed with literary activities and theatrical performances, with Dr. Anindita immersing herself in the plays of Tagore.
Despite being expected by many to pursue a path in the sciences due to her academic excellence, Dr. Anindita opted for social sciences, a decision met with full support from her parents. They actively invested in her education, fostering her intellectual growth and encouraging her interests. Her father, a professor, and her mother, a teacher, played pivotal roles in nurturing her academic and personal development.
Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti's choice to study sociology was influenced by a professor who sparked her interest in the field, despite the prevalent questioning of the scope of literature in her middle-class environment. Her exposure to psychology during her plus two education further kindled her curiosity, leading her to join the British Council library to delve deeper into the subject.
She joined the newly established sociology program at the University of Calcutta, which served as an eye-opener for her. This initial experience with sociology motivated her to pursue a M.A. and M.Phil. in Sociology at the University of Delhi. The decision to pursue a PhD, however, was a significant one, considering her wide range of interests.
After spending two years working in the social sector, Dr. Anindita gained clarity on her academic path. She focused her studies on volunteerism, seeking to understand what motivates people to volunteer. Her research eventually expanded to include the role of religion in organizing volunteers, leading to the publication of her books "Faith and Social Movements" in 2017 and "Religion and Secularities" in 2020. Dr. Anindita also collaborated on a forthcoming book titled "Gold in India" alongside Barbara Harris White.
Sociology, in Dr. Anindita’s perspective, offers a lens to comprehend the intricacies of the world beyond mere political debates, delving into the underlying social dynamics and structures that shape human interactions. Her teaching experience at IITK highlighted the rewarding challenge of simplifying complex social science concepts into easily digestible forms for undergraduate students. Balancing the extremes of teaching PhD and undergraduate students ultimately deepened her understanding of sociology's relevance in bridging academic intricacies with real-world applications.
In reflecting on her journey, Dr. Anindita underscores the importance of highlighting the contributions of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) department, recognizing the integral role it plays in understanding the world beyond mere political discourse.
As the warden of a girls' hostel, Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti confronted a significant challenge with the escalating number of unsterilized dogs, a problem that intensified during the COVID pandemic. Despite her initial apprehension and fear of dogs, she was deeply impressed by the relentless dedication of Animal Welfare Group volunteers who worked tirelessly, often in opposition to other professors and hostel wardens, to ensure the safety and welfare of these animals. Witnessing their selfless efforts inspired her to take action and contribute to her community by addressing the dog issue in the hostel.
Dr. Anindita recognized the complexities involved in simply relocating dogs, as this often led to more aggressive dogs taking their place, exacerbating the problem. This experience highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach, emphasizing the importance of not just treating the symptoms but addressing the root causes of such issues.
She also realized the need for greater awareness and sensitization among hostel residents and staff, advocating for a more holistic understanding and proactive measures to create a safer and more harmonious environment for both humans and animals.
Ultimately, Dr. Anindita's journey in dealing with the hostel's dog problem underscored the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues, illustrating the importance of collective action, empathy, and informed decision-making in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable community.
Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti envisions the future evolution of sociology with a strong emphasis on indigenous research within the Indian context. She observes that much of the existing sociological research is derived from Western societies, and she advocates for a shift towards generating more insights from Indian society, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and judiciary. This shift would entail a deeper exploration and understanding of the unique social structures, dynamics, and challenges within India, offering valuable perspectives that can inform public policy and decision-making on a broader scale.
Furthermore, Dr. Anindita emphasizes the importance of young people actively reflecting on and critically engaging with everyday life. This approach encourages a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that drive societal functions and behaviors. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and analysis, sociology can evolve to provide more nuanced and contextually relevant insights into the intricacies of society, ultimately contributing to more effective and equitable public policies.
Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti encourages individuals to critically engage with the world around them by immersing themselves in extensive reading and thoughtful reflection. She emphasizes the transformative power of books, citing "Democracy in America" as a profound example that delves into the origins and evolution of democracy. Through reading, individuals can connect with great minds across space and time, gaining a deeper understanding of societal complexities and historical contexts.
Furthermore, Dr. Anindita advocates for visiting libraries and exploring a wide range of literature to broaden one's perspectives and insights into society at large. This engagement goes beyond the individual level, urging individuals to ponder meaningful questions that spark curiosity and drive intellectual exploration. She highlights the journey of inquiry and discovery as inherently fascinating, as it involves unraveling layers of knowledge and understanding that contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of societal dynamics and challenges.