25 West 43rd Street, 10th Floor, Room 1000 between 5th & 6th Avenues, Manhattan
Prof. Manu Bhagavan will present his biography, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (Penguin, 2023), based on eight years of research and using material in five languages from seven countries and over forty archives. Pandit ‘the most remarkable woman’ Eleanor Roosevelt had ever met, was a pioneering politician and diplomat celebrated internationally for her brilliance, charm and glamour.
Pandit’s life straddled the twentieth century, her own story intertwined with that of the modern world. She was India’s first woman cabinet minister, first ambassador to the United Nations and first ambassador to the Soviet Union. She was also the first woman elected President of the U.N. General Assembly. And yet her influence extended well beyond these formal roles. She grew to be one of the most influential international voices of peace while also paving the way for women across the world in many fields. Madame Pandit, as she was widely known, moved easily in global aristocratic circles, even as she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of suffering millions.
Manu Bhagavan is a renowned historian specializing in modern India, particularly the late-colonial and post-colonial periods. His research interests lie in human rights, internationalism, and questions of sovereignty. He currently holds the prestigious position of Professor of History, Human Rights, and Public Policy at Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center. Additionally, he serves as a Senior Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies.
Bhagavan is a prolific author with a distinguished body of work. One of his most acclaimed projects is the definitive biography of Madame Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, published in December 2023. This meticulously researched book, based on eight years of work, sheds light on the life of an incredible woman – India's first female cabinet minister and a pivotal figure in shaping the modern global order. Another noteworthy publication is "The Peacemakers" / "India and the Quest for One World," a critically acclaimed international history exploring India's quest for a world free from conflict. This book, along with his edited volumes like "India and the Cold War," showcases Bhagavan's expertise in international relations and India's role on the world stage.
Beyond his academic contributions, Bhagavan is a highly sought-after commentator on contemporary issues. He actively engages with the media, offering insights on matters related to India, human rights, and global affairs. His work has appeared in prestigious publications like The New York Times and Time Magazine, and he has been featured on prominent news channels like CNN and NPR. His expertise extends beyond traditional media, with his viral essay on the rise of global authoritarianism reaching a broad international audience.
