By the time I joined Jadavpur University, Jasodharadi was a year away from her retirement and did not teach us. Her co-edited book _The Trauma and the Triumph: Gender and Partition in Easter India_, Volume 1, however, was absolutely the single most influential collection, the point of departure, for my doctoral work. When I met her at her home in 2006, the discussion we had was definitely formative for my dissertation. I found her such a fine scholar, from whose work, I have learned so much. I pay my respect and grieve at her passing. I also know what she meant to JU Womens Studies, to the Department of English, JU, to the Womens Studies in India in general, and personally to many I deeply love and respect. My condolence to them, to her students, co-workers, friends, and family. From INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR WOMENS STUDIES (IAWS): IAWS deeply mourns the loss of Jasodhara Bagchi who passed away this morning in Kolkata. Jasodharadi, as she was called by most of us, was Founder-Director of the School of Womens Studies established at Jadavpur University in 1988, until her retirement in 1997. Born in 1937, educated at Presidency College, Kolkata , Somerville College, Oxford, and New Hall, Cambridge, Jasodhara Bagchi became a teacher of English literature at Jadavpur University, while remaining deeply attached to and rooted in Bengali literature. Her research areas ranged from a special interest in 19th century English and Bengali literature, a particular focus on womens writings, the reception of Positivism in Bengal, to motherhood and the Partition of India. Her singing voice was much loved, as was the respect she commanded for the vast repertoire of songs and verse that she stored in her memory. A pioneer in her field, she initiated the Bengali Women Writers Reprint Series edited by the School of Womens Studies, Jadavpur University, which continues to bring out new editions so that the work of women writers remains alive and not buried. Professor Jasodhara Bagchi did not have only a scholarly interest in womens studies, but was deeply and actively committed to mobilisation for the womens movement. She was a founder member of the feminist organisation Sachetana in Kolkata. She served as the Chairperson of the West Bengal State Womens Commission from 2001 to 2008. She lent her voice and support to innumerable struggles of women. IAWS remembers Jasodhara Bagchi as a pillar of the womens studies movement in India, and a towering source of strength for her colleagues and students alike. We express our deep condolences to Jasodharadis husband, Professor Amiya Bagchi and her two daughters, Teesta and Barnita. There are many more, particularly in Kolkata, who are feeling bereft and at a loss in her passing. IAWS shares in their grief and loss. We too have lost a much loved stalwart on whom we had come to depend. Ritu Dewan, President Indrani Mazumdar, General Secretary
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 08:37:45 +0000
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