Prof Bose (left) handing over his book to Prof Rajah at AEI. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
THE echoes of history resonated through Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) at Universiti Malaya as a renowned historian took to the stage.
Gardiner Chair of Oceanic History and Affairs at Harvard University, Prof Sugata Bose, gave two talks at an event hosted by Malaysia-India Heritage Society.
The talks were based on two of his books, Asia After Europe and What Does Netaji Subash Chandra Bose’s Political and Sociocultural Beliefs Mean for Multiethnic Societies.
Malaysia-India Heritage Society founder-president Prabhakaran Nair highlighted Prof Bose’s connection to the legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who is his granduncle.
Netaji formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British forces during World War II, and inspired countless Indians to join in the struggle for independence.
“Youth can learn from Netaji’s idea of service and humanity, but even more so, we can see a lot of social divisions today among religious communities, between different races and ethnicities.
“Netaji set an example of assuring equal rights and opportunity, and equal status of people belonging to different religious communities and various linguistic groups,” said Prof Bose, who reinforced the relevance of his granduncle’s principles of equality and unity in today’s diverse societies.
The talk was moderated by AEI executive director Prof Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah. ― By KAVITHA SIVAJI
