Anthropology, as a subject

Living in the lap of mountains and in theera of curfews and hartals I had no guidance related to my studies here inKashmir as I passed 10+2 in PCB, and then Bachelors from Kashmir University.Like any other student in Kashmir, I also was required to fulfil the wishes ofmy parents or the people around, to be a doctor or an engineer or a CivilServices aspirant later, which unfortunately made me a Medical Lab Technician.Yes, this is true; and that is what happens with 95% of Kashmiri studentsbecause of lack of quality career counselling, corruption, lack ofopportunities and the frequent effect of conflict in the form of hartals,curfews and internet shutdowns. While looking at the syllabus of Civil ServicesExams I came to know about anthropology and it was the first time by my choicethat I decided to go for higher studies in anthropology. To me, like most ofthe people, initially, anthropology meant like something related to science,cells, trees etc. all based on guess, and I remember, even a Professor hadasked me “what does anthropology mean?”

Anthropology is the scientific study ofhuman, human behaviour and societies in the past and present. As of now, thesubject is being taught at graduate level in a few degree colleges in Kashmirwhich began just after I completed my Post Graduation in Anthropology fromIGNOU wherein even the counsellors were not well versed with the subject in theonly Study Center for Anthropology at GDC Baramulla. I still remember theproblem I had to face in accomplishing my projects and dissertation for theaward of my Masters in Anthropology because of the hartals, curfews, lack ofinternet facility from time to time and opportunity to have field visits andabove all non-availability of an expert guide. And that is where I met EngineerIrfan who is a prominent social activist with a lot of experience in thefieldwork. I discussed the topic with him and he suggested me the best possibleway to complete the projects and also guided me everything that I can achievebeing an anthropologist and also helped me in my exams like NET-JRF and PhDEntrances which ultimately made me enthusiastic to go for higher studies in thesubject. Since he keeps on studying the people and the laws or policies thataffect them and can change their lives, he gave me ideas focused on socialanthropology.

   

It was difficult for me to go for a PhDbecause in Kashmir we don’t have any course in Anthropology in any of theUniversities and hence Engineer Irfan advised me to know more about theprofessors who had contributed chapters to IGNOU books. Here I came to knowthat Dr. Abhik Ghosh, a Professor at Panjab University Chandigarh, is havingspecialization in Social Anthropology which is of course of our interest aswell. Before contacting him I was afraid, thinking about his approach; but whenI called him for the first time in 2017 related to my admission in PanjabUniversity, he was so humble and looked so gentle while he said, “unfortunatelyI am not having any open seat for Ph.D. students as of now”. He looked busywhile he was travelling but still he responded with affection. This kindapproach had a deep impact on my future decisions and I decided to go for Ph.D.under Ghosh sir.

I did not lose hope and again in 2019 Iwent to the university to meet Ghosh sir. When we met him for the first time,he was so gentle that I had not even thought of. He gave me a patient hearingand his conversations with the people went deep into my heart and mind. Wespent very little time with him, but when you are influenced by greatpersonality every single talk makes a big story. He is very instrumental and weremember every talk he had with us. In the interview I felt that Ghosh sir isvery interested in giving opportunity to Kashmiri students and study tribes ofthe valley. He has studied tribes all around India. After my admission, Iattended a few of his classes and realized that he is the one who is passionateabout his student’s success; and breadth of his knowledge is sparking a passionfor learning. He is an incredibly open mind and is sensitive towards students.As a student I have realized how dedicated he is in his work.

Kashmir needs someone who can help inintroduction of anthropology as a discipline in a good way. Dr. (Prof) AbhikGhosh is a prominent figure in anthropology who is having immense impact on hisstudents and the discipline of anthropology which will definitely help in thegrowth of anthropology as a discipline in Kashmir keeping in view the widescope for exploration of human existence in the Karewas.

Muzamil Rashid is pursuing Ph.D. in Social Anthropology under Dr. (Prof.) Abhik Ghosh at Panjab University Chandigarh.

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