Sat Apr 05 19:28:29 UTC 2025: ## Scholars Celebrate the Enduring Legacy of Psychoanalyst Sudhir Kakar
**New Delhi, April 6, 2025** – A day-long conference at Ashoka University, organized by the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis and Culture (KCPC), commemorated the life and work of renowned psychoanalyst and author Sudhir Kakar. The event brought together leading scholars in psychology and cultural criticism from across India and internationally to explore the multifaceted impact of Kakar’s contributions.
The conference, which featured keynote speaker Arshia Sattar, delved into the intersection of psychoanalysis with Indian culture, literature, sexuality, and modernity. Panel discussions focused on key themes emerging from Kakar’s work, including the psychological roots of communal violence, the role of mysticism in human relationships, and the complexities of Indian childhood and culture.
Sabah Siddiqui, referencing Kakar’s “The Colours of Violence,” highlighted his insightful analysis of Hindu-Muslim relations, arguing that the underlying causes of communal conflict extend beyond overt religious or political factors to encompass deeper psychological needs for identity, security, and recognition. Nitya Prakash explored the mystical aspects of Kakar’s work, particularly his examination of “nazar” (envy) as a destructive force. Ritu Menon reflected on the lasting impact of Kakar’s seminal work, “The Inner World,” praising its boldness in psychoanalyzing Indian culture and childhood.
Other prominent speakers, including Livio Boni, Amrita Narayanan, Geeti Das, Akshaya Kumar, Paromita Vohra, Raffaela Cucciniello, and Katharina Kakar, offered diverse perspectives on Kakar’s legacy, touching upon topics such as transcultural psychoanalysis, queerness, national identity, and cultural storytelling. The conference served as a significant tribute to Kakar’s enduring influence on the fields of psychoanalysis and Indian studies.
First Piper 