Explore Professor (Dr.) Arup K. Chatterjee’s media engagements across podcasts, webinars, and print interviews. This page curates his key public discussions, offering nuanced commentary on topics of current affairs, archival matters, literary and cultural issues, and colonial and postcolonial themes. Stay updated with his latest contributions to global conversations on some of the most critical questions of history, identity, and belonging.
How the Railways Remade India: Arup K. Chatterjee Interviewed by The Ewer
Arup K. Chatterjee discusses the Indian railway’s profound connection to modern India’s social and cultural landscape in an interview. His research reveals railways as a means of integration and economic growth, while also highlighting colonial exploitation and the human costs of construction. He emphasizes railways’ impact on identity, migration, and memory.
Reimagining Katchatheevu: Environmental Diplomacy and Shared Heritage in the Palk Bay
Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island between India and Sri Lanka, symbolizes complex geopolitical and environmental issues. Professor Arup K. Chatterjee highlights its historical significance, ties to local devotion, and ongoing ecological threats. He advocates for cooperative dialogue and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices as both nations face shared environmental responsibilities.
Katchatheevu in Perspective: A Geopolitical and Historical Discussion
In a recent interview with Adrija Roychowdhury, Professor Arup K. Chatterjee explored the historical and geopolitical complexities surrounding Katchatheevu Island’s ownership. Discussing colonial legacies, the impact of bilateral agreements, and the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu, Chatterjee emphasized the need for bilateral consensus in addressing ongoing disputes linked to maritime sovereignty.
Revisiting Adam’s Bridge, Ram Setu, and Katchatheevu
In an interview on Padhaku Nitin, journalist Nitin Thakur and historian Dr. Arup K. Chatterjee discussed Katchatheevu and Adam’s Bridge, focusing on cultural, historical, and geopolitical implications. They highlighted the complexities of maritime boundaries, fishermen’s rights, and the interplay of mythology and infrastructure, urging cooperation between India and Sri Lanka for sustainable solutions.
All India Radio’s National Programme of Features I Gandhiji’s Track to Swaraj
In “Gandhi’s Track to Swaraj,” Dr. Arup K. Chatterjee explores the Indian railways’ development, highlighting its imperial roots, local entrepreneurship, and significant rivalries. He outlines key historical moments, motivations behind the railway’s construction, and its complex role in colonial strategy, framing it as a public institution shaped by competing interests.
The Incredible Story of the Indian Railways: Did Ghosts Board the Train Before Toilets? – Aaj Tak
Padhaku Nitin featured Dr. Arup K. Chatterjee, who discussed the cultural significance of Indian railways, highlighting their roles in literature and social structures. He critiqued the notion that railways solely connected India, pointing out their imperial histories. The episode emphasized the intersection of scholarly analysis and personal narratives, fostering public engagement with railway history.
Interview with Arup K Chatterjee, author of “Indians in London: From the Birth of the East India Company to Independent India”
In the Asian Review of Books podcast, Nicholas Gordon interviews Professor Arup K. Chatterjee about South Asia’s historical presence in London. They discuss topics ranging from early Indian arrivals and cultural impacts to the significance of cuisine and political activism, highlighting how these dynamics shaped both London and South Asia over four centuries.
Exploring “Indians in London” with Professor Arup K. Chatterjee | Aaj Tak
In a discussion on Aaj Tak, Professor Arup K. Chatterjee explores his book on the history of South Asians in London, highlighting four centuries of migration and cultural exchange. He emphasizes London’s role in shaping political thought and cultural identities, portraying the city as a resilient melting pot amid changing migration landscapes.
“Indians in London Book” Launch: A Testament to Arup K. Chatterjee’s Standing as a Cultural Historian
Professor Arup K. Chatterjee’s book, Indians in London, launched at O.P. Jindal Global University, received acclaim from notable scholars like Dr. Shashi Tharoor and Professor Gopalkrishna Gandhi. The book explores four centuries of Indian influence in London, emphasizing migration, cultural exchange, and the complexities of empire, illustrating its significance in postcolonial studies.
Author Arup K. Chatterjee on His Book ‘Purveyors of Destiny: A Cultural Biography of the Indian Railways’ | The Quint
Professor Arup K. Chatterjee’s monograph, The Purveyors of Destiny, explores the Indian Railways as a cultural and historical narrative in South Asia. He reflects on personal experiences and cinematic portrayals, revealing how railways symbolize national identity, social hierarchies, and cultural memory, emphasizing their significance beyond mere transportation.
Professor Arup K. Chatterjee on The Purveyors of Destiny (Bloomsbury) | Chat with JGU Media
In a discussion with JGU Media, Professor Arup K. Chatterjee highlights his study, The Purveyors of Destiny, which explores the Indian Railways as a dynamic institution reflecting colonial and postcolonial India. He discusses its roles in economy, society, and nationalism, emphasizing the railway’s influence on identity and collective memory through personal narratives and literature.
Launch of Arup K. Chatterjee’s “The Purveyors of Destiny: A Cultural Biography of the Indian Railways”
The launch of Professor Arup K. Chatterjee’s The Purveyors of Destiny at the India International Centre featured insights from scholars and dignitaries, including Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. The cultural biography explores Indian Railways’ complex role in history, emphasizing its impact on identity and culture, while advocating for interdisciplinary research on public institutions.
Meet the Author who has Written a Cultural Biography of the Indian Railways
The Indian Railways is a vital cultural force in India, shaping and reflecting the nation’s literary and cinematic identity. A conversation between Professor Arup K. Chatterjee and Dr. Amit Sarwal explores its colonial history, architecture, and societal impact, illustrating its dual role in connecting and dividing India across diverse narratives.
Poet of the Month: Arup K. Chatterjee | The Missing Slate
Poet, academic, editor, groundbreaking thinker—Arup K. Chatterjee is a dynamic and apparently indefatigable writer, and his work manages to be both radically new and closely connected to a number of ‘influential predecessors’. In an extended “Poet of the Month” interview, he tells Rosario Freire why space is “the quintessence of [his] writing,” what epigraphs and…
Arup K. Chatterjee 