Centre of Nehru Studies of the University
organised a two day workshop on “Dr. D. D. Kosambi on Science and society” on
29th and 30 th August 2008 to mark the birth centenary of great
scientist and indologist. The program was inaugurated on
29th August 2008
at the hands of a noted scholar and a collogue of Dr. Kosambi, Mr. R. P. Nene
of Pune. In his inaugural speech Mr. Nene pointed out the great contributions
Dr. Kosambi made in the study of Indian history. He said that Dr. Kosambi
wanted to write a book on the peasant movement in
India
and the myth of shiralshet in Maharashtra. In his presidential remark
Vice-Chancellor Dr. M. M. Salunkhe lauded the contribution of Dr. Kosambi in
the various fields like Physics statistics, genetics and Mathematics.
Mr. Sharad Navare discussed Materialist ideas of
Kosambi and held that Kosambi laid more stress on the instruments of
production than on the relations of production. In his two erudite lectures
Prof. Ram Bapat had discussed the methodological perspective of Kosambi
especially his stress on combined methods in Indology with emphasis on
fieldwork. He challenged the we stern notion of Asiatic mode of production. He
pointed out the role of Brahmins in the rise of caste based feudalism in
India.
Dr. Avaneesh Patil discussed Dr. Kosambi’s ideas on feudalism from above and
feudalism from below and the conflict between the two in the later part of 17th
century. Mr. R. P. Nane discussed in detail Dr. Kosambi’s viewpoint on decline
of Buddhism in India.
Dr. Sudhir Panse Professor of Energy Studies from
U. D. C. T., Mumbai dealt with the contribution of Dr. Kosambi to scientific
research. He pointed out causes of differences of opinion between Dr. Bhaba
and Kosambi as far as science policy is concerned. Dr. Ashok Chousalkar spoke
on Kosambi’s ideas on contemporary Indian state and politics.
Dr. A. S.
Chousalkar welcomed the guests and Mr. P. B. Bhoye proposed vote of thank.
