Universalising Sociology: Lessons From Radhakamal Mukerjee

Abstract

Even though Radhakamal Mukerjee is recognised as a founding father of sociology in India, he has remained a neglected figure in his own country. This lecture attempts to make his major writings more accessible. They are seen in the context of his life as he lived it, with an emphasis on some formative influences, biographical and societal, of his early life. This leads to an argument about his writings that highlights his overriding concern with universalising sociology by overcoming its narrowness so that it may contribute to the welfare of humanity. It is further argued that he is relevant to us at present in the face of the challenges of environmental degradation, the persisting pandemic, war, and our tendency to face these challenges not with truth but with falsehoods.