On October 9, 2025, Prof. Rumki Basu had the profound honor of delivering the esteemed Thiru M. Bhaktavatsalam Endowment Lecture on National Integration at the University of Madras, Chennai. This prestigious lecture, titled “Democracy, the State and the Citizen in the Asian Century,” served as a vital platform to address the evolving relationship between governance and citizenship within the context of Asia’s rising global influence. This engagement marked Prof. Rumki Basu’s inaugural visit to the Department of Politics & Public Administration, an institution renowned for its rich academic heritage.
The session fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, characterized by an exceptionally high caliber of discourse. Prof. Rumki Basu was particularly impressed by the depth of engagement shown during the Question and Answer session, where students posed insightful inquiries reflecting a sophisticated understanding of contemporary political challenges. The lecture attracted a diverse audience, including faculty and students from various departments and colleges across Chennai, whose contributions added significant breadth to the stimulating discussion on national integration and democratic resilience.
The event proved to be an enriching experience, reinforcing the importance of academic dialogue in bridging the gap between theoretical political frameworks and the practical realities of the modern state. Prof. Rumki Basu noted that the enthusiasm of the participants highlighted a strong commitment to exploring the legal and social blueprints that will define the Asian Century.
