SOCIOLOGY MATTERS

Neither I have the ability nor authority to write about CSSS, but a visit to the Centre on the occasion of 40 years of its ‘birth’ was truly an exercise in walking down the memory lane. Expected curiosity, camaraderie and bonhomie were all pervading. It was a pleasure to see the teachers, scholars, grand old teachers on the one hand and the contemporaries, competitors, seniors, young boys and girls, on the other.  A few of the employees were seen wearing the mantle of photographers, while most of the members of staff, library attendants & chowkidars of 80s were reported superannuated.

Although one did not get a chance to peep into the present brick structure of School of Social Sciences (SSS), its older and much more stable cousin had everything to offer when it came to the old world charm. Not so welcome change was the concrete work in once green courtyard. Flowers were conspicuous by their absence. Toilets for a change, were clean.  The walls, as usual, were full of large and imaginative posters showing the inkling of the students more in international affairs. The alumni hobnobbed in full swing in the corridors of this wing of SSS,prior to being exposed to the introspection of the era gone by. The books and literary works of Jawahar Book Depot of ‘Down Campus’ were not to be missed on such a memorable occasion.

While the adjoining reverse pyramid style building of School of Life Sciences, for a change wore a deserted look, the criss-cross walks all around were humming with activity. The trees, bushes and shrubs planted years ago had become matured. They were giving a green and dense look to the whole scenario. The 11 storied Central Library building over looked the scores of new School buildings like a presiding deity. It was supposed to do so keeping in view the attention it received and the utility it provided in the eighties and nineties. One presumes, it continues to be important for the present generation also rather than inculcating and facilitating Valentine intentions.

 

The Social Sciences Auditorium looked isolated to begin with. It soon got packed to capacity. In true JNU style, things were a bit casual and expected punctuality was amiss.  The programme began with an impressive welcome speech in flawless English by the youngest woman Faculty Member, followed by a very light and informal discourse by Prof. Soproy, VC, JNU, equally frank talk by Prof. Sudha Pai, Rector and not so impressive address by the Dean, Prof. M. Mukherjee. The gist and references made to a couple of old teachers of CSSS were on positive side. It could not be ascertained whether they were genuine or something was being said befitting the occasion. The person who actually left an impression was Prof. Moitrayee Chaudhury, Chairperson, who, I can proudly say, belonged to our tumultuous era (1978-84).

When the main discourse began, the first speaker, Prof. Yogendra Singh was reported to be away to his village and that he had desired to be excused. However, when he appeared through a video clip, he was as usual, very extempore, articulate and pleasing. The journey from Vigyan Bhawan Annexe to the ICWA  and thereafter to the N.A.A. campus (down campus) was very well narrated and the constrains of man power & resources and the challenges involved in designing the course structure were explained eloquently. Among the three Faculty members, only Prof. Oommen (other being Prof. C. Venugopal) the Emeritus Professor of the CSSS, was present in the hall to support, nod and applause. One also learnt that the relatively young discipline of Sociology made slow but certain stride with the addition of three more Faculty members in the year 1973. Further discourse of Prof. Singh tossed around his pioneering work on modernization of Indian tradition and the mix of theory and substance in the curriculum that was subsequently taught to the successive bunch of students.  Professor T.K. Oommen, famous for many of his path breaking works and his recent theorization of national movement, made his points very clear in his usual and candid articulation style. 

Felicitation of the Professors Y. Singh, Oommen, Nirmal Singh, R.K. Jain, K.L. Sharma, C. N. Venugopal and Panini was a touching moment. Most of them were present.  I not only had the privilege of being taught by them but was doubly fortunate to have a word with them. All except Prof. Nirmal Singh could recognize many of us. Prof. Anand Kumar, the towering student leader of the ‘ancient times’ showed true colours with a sense of reverence to all those who deserved.

 While the Cultural Evening on 20^th December left much to be desired despite efforts of the youngsters, the Alumini Dinner provided immense opportunities for emotional connect and rediscovery.  Some friends and new faculty members who could not be contacted earlier were present in full smile and spirits.  Prior to the dinner, it was quite an experience to go through the green as well as upcoming concrete jungle in search of the elusive Faculty Lounge.  The food served in some what swanky room was very delicious but what was more important was being reminded of the old events and sharing of experiences of the present family & vocational responsibilities. From ‘mainliners to marginals’,‘ occupationals to professionals’, D.M.W.(Durkheim, Marx, Weber) to Talcott Parsons to R.K.Merton, Karl Polanyi to Margaret Mead, M.N.Srinivas to Dipankar Gupta, all figured between the bytes of roasted and fried items : Paneer & Chiken Tikka, Mushroom Pakoras, and Finger Chips. The tinned juices were clearly outclassed by the juicy stories and anectodes of the ‘Medieval Times’. 

Prof. Panini, George Mathew, Prof. Paul, Prof. Geeta, Prof. Moitrayee, Babu, Prof. Kiran Grewal, Savita Bhakhry, Maurya, P.K.Biswas, Bhaskar Khaund, S.K. Palit, R.K. Meher and many more dined together and rejoiced as if it was akin to having a grub during the special dinners in Kaveri, Godavari, Periyar or for that matter, Sutlej, Ganga, Jhelum or Brahamputra (Kashiram and Gopal Dhabas not to be forgotten). The predicament, perplexity and perseverance (PPP) on the part of D.T. could be, nevertheless, well understood in such ‘recall’ situations. These may have become monotonous for her after a while. But she has learnt to manage over the years.

All good things come to an end. This dinner was no exception. It got over at 9.30 P.M.  By this time, the campus dazzled like a necklace under the yellow sodium vapour lights (what a contrast from the old era!).The famous night life was gathering momentum. I came close to the main gate, expressing my eternal gratitude to the Centre and the then prevailing atmosphere for what I am today.

‘Sociology Matters’ could be an apt selling proposition for the Centre. It really mattered and still matters for me. It ensured my present bread and butter, apart from being a motivating, guiding and confidence boosting force. 

Surya Namashkar at Mukteshwar

Following an enjoyable roller coaster late afternoon ride from Nainital, it was a welcome wind of change to come across isolated setting of Krishna Resort on the outskirts of the non-descript township of Mukteshwar. Very few families throng the dwelling units situated on either side of approach. Arrival at the beautifully designed porch overlooking a well kept garden is a soothing experience. Upon settling down, one is encouraged to shoot at setting sun in the back drop of fading snowline. A few attempts and one gives up, for quality is the casualty. Clouds too become stumbling blocks. Similar attempt by the youngest officer from Chhattisgarh too results into an exercise in futility. Nevertheless, idea was to maintain enthusiasm. A brisk walk around the complex is the next logical choice.


Interface with the staff over a cup of tasty tea reveals that we are in an extremely nice setting as far as witnessing an early morning glow was concerned. It was but natural that fellow participants indulge more in nature and adventure related issues rather than the scheduled official visits to two nearby villages: Sunkya and Sunderkhal.

Since scenario at dawn was to be observed, experienced and captured, one was up sooner than expected to come across dark night situation around 4.15 a.m. Hope, I was not sleepwalking. Even at this unearthly hour, the beauty of spacious rooms was irresistible. Despite sincere attempts, one could not catch up with sleep. Perhaps, old age had begun knocking.

Suddenly around 5.14 a.m., one hears a voice or two. One feels as if somebody is up and moving towards large terrace to get the first view. To confirm the same, I leave the princely bed at 5.18 a.m., to eventually find that no one except me is at the sprawling terrace. After a quick recee, Shetty is woken up in view of his request prior to dinner. Punetha almost refuses to be disturbed in spite of showing adequate interest on arrival. Deshmukhs and their Maharashtrian brethren sporting thermal ware, jackets and woolen skull caps, however, are ready to have a pleasant date with nature. Dr. Kanan despite his advancing age, too makes his presence felt with his ever smiling life partner.

Within a few moments, some more people join us, a few with spouses in tow, others, all alone. Most of them are armed with latest cameras, while a handful decide to shoot with cell phones. In sum and substance, all are interested, involved and eager. Before the actual ‘ball’ emerges over the horizon, we take shots of pinkish glow over sky, close to China border. The border is not visible as such but one believes so, based on inputs of Dinesh and Himanshu, active and friendly Faculty Members of Nainital Academy. While I concentrate on the point from which sun was to rise, Shetty meticulously captures a peak resembling a Shivling.

The wait finally gets over at 6.02 a.m. The all pervading and powerful, source of all energies, Sun decides to rise. Initially it is a small reddish ball, soon to transform into reddish orange colour. The tip of the ball becomes slightly bigger in no time and the simultaneous light over the four peaks- Trishul, Bandarpoonch, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli is simply awe inspiring and mesmerizing. While one group captures sun rise in the front, other one concentrates on the range to our left. We are more than convinced about the nomenclature of the snow covered peaks based on reflection of sun at this time of morning. Each one was blessed on relishing a truly glorious and spectacular sight. Who will not flash a winning smile on seeing such colours of joy?

While the sun is rising and moving steadily, its sparkle and redness multiply. Being lost, no one takes attention of hot cups of teas faithfully brought by the bearers, even though one has to brave rather cold conditions at a height of 7,000 feet. I, nevertheless, do not forget to put an empty cup over a low pole and use the same as a shield or front to attempt an unusual shot. The momentary pleasure surely was going to have a good impact and make our day more fruitful and interesting, than expected. This is why, even when the whole complex is bathed in sun shine, some of us are still capturing the Sun God from behind the bushes and trees. A few also trek on the right side hill to get a different and more commanding view. Attractive flowers of various shades and sizes get relegated to the background owing to the photographic spree focused on sun.

While returning to room, one is rightly reminded of similar clear and remarkable sun rise witnessed in November, 1999 at Tiger Hill, close to Darjeeling in the green and more fragile Eastern Himalayas. Two are comparable to some extent only, as latter had a much wider reach and canvass, including rare views of Mt.Everest, Mt.Khangchendzonga and several snow capped peaks located above 22,000 feet.

Before performing the usual morning rituals prior to a village visit, I do not forget to relate one more memorable brush with the rising sun to DT and CB. One did not have the normal camera but I suppose the one in cell had captured the essence of candid photography. In addition, snaps taken from other cameras were also going to serve the desired purpose. Thus I console myself and get ready for the day upon feeling more energetic and relaxed.