Report: 'Desh Lunthito Hoiyache' by Gyangunj

Gyangunj successfully organised the second edition of its four-part conference series, Desh Lunthito Hoiyache, from February 10th to 13th, 2025, at Vivekananda Hall, Jadavpur University. The event drew a diverse audience, including students, researchers, authors, activists, and others eager to engage with critical historical and political discussions.

Banner for the event

Set against the backdrop of India from the 1790s to the 1820s, the conference delved into the intricate processes of colonization, encouraging deeper exploration of historical narratives often obscured or diluted. A wide array of speakers covered topics such as the Cornwallis Code and its profound societal and economic impact, as well as the mass cultural erasure that accompanied colonial rule. Additionally, discussions examined the position of women in contemporary society in relation to their status in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Beyond historical analysis, the conference did not shy away from addressing contemporary socio-political issues. Sessions critically examined the ongoing rise of fascism in India, and the state’s attempts to suppress grassroots movements. A particularly significant discussion revolved around the hawkers’ movement, emphasizing and praising their resilience against systemic exploitation and state-sanctioned displacement.  

A major focus of the discussions was on the growing influence of big corporations in shaping public discourse and policy-making, often at the cost of local economies and marginalized communities. Speakers highlighted how large multinational corporations, in collusion with governments, use narratives of “development” and “progress” to justify land grabs, labor exploitation, and cultural erasure; which can be seen parallely to the British colonization of India and their justification of the same. The role of global financial institutions, particularly the World Bank, was also scrutinized. Discussions shed light on how the World Bank’s policies, often disguised as economic aid, have historically contributed to cycles of debt, dependency, and economic instability in the Global South. 

A strong emphasis was also placed on supporting Bengali artisans, whose crafts and livelihoods were pushed to a point of complete eradication by the British and now continue to be marginalized in the modern economy. As a gesture of appreciation, all speakers were gifted handcrafted notepads and pens made by local artisans, along with a bag of Dudhersor Chal (a traditional variety of rice). Additionally, the event marked the launch of an e-commerce platform, dedicated to promoting and sustaining the work of these artisans, reinforcing Gyangunj’s commitment to economic and cultural resistance.  

Each day concluded with a film screening, featuring LBJ (1968), Six Sides of the Pentagon (1968), and Antonio Negri - A Revolt that Never Ends (2004), ensuring that intellectual engagement extended beyond panel discussions. Buoyed by the success of this edition, Gyangunj is now preparing for the third installment of the series, promising even deeper critical explorations.

-Rupanjana Das, Student, English department, Jadavpur University