Suvadip Bhattacharjee Writes

This is the story of a woman who joined the world of academics with unwavering determination and perseverance. Her name is not easily found in the history of post-independence Bengal. Also, the events in her life are not fully traceable, at least to me. However, she left a fascinating legacy that women's studies researchers may find intriguing. She is Ms Kajal Sengupta (1931−2006), the first female teacher in the legendary Presidency College, Kolkata. The history of teaching English literature in this college goes back to 1828 when Presidency College was known as Hindu College. Since then, the Department of English is bestowed with a long list of eminent teachers and students who have contributed to the development of English studies in this country. Till the mid-twentieth century, this college had only male professors although many of them were involved in women’s emancipation and liberation. Women could only enter Presidency College as students or researchers. Naturally boys outn...