Ram Guha needs no introduction – Indian historian, Environmentalist, Writer and public intellectual whose research interests include social, political, contemporary, environmental and cricket history.
What makes him special for Kodavas is that his godfather was a scientist who wrote an ‘incomparable classic on Indian food’ – “Indian Food: A Historical Companion” – none other than K (Konganda) T Achaya – known by his middle nickname Thammu. Thammu Achaya was a food scientist, an expert on oilseeds. Dr Achaya published two other major books with the OUP, titled A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food and The Food Industries of British India.
Renowned Indian historian, columnist and thinker Dr. Ramachandra Guha has been selected for the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award – Karnataka for the year 2025 by the Government of Karnataka.
This prestigious award, presented annually by the Department of Information and Public Relations, is conferred upon individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions in spreading the values of Mahatma Gandhi’s life in society.
The State Government has organised various programmes to meaningfully celebrate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, with the participation of the public, as well as school and college students across the state. As part of this celebration, Dr. Ramachandra Guha has been chosen for this year’s award in recognition of his role in sowing Gandhi’s philosophy, values and socially conscious thoughts in the minds of the people.
Dr. Guha has earned international recognition through his extensive research and writings on modern Indian history, political movements, environmental struggles, and cricket.
Some of his notable works include:
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India After Gandhi (History of India after Independence)
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A Corner of a Foreign Field (Social history of Indian cricket)
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Gandhi Before India (First volume of Gandhi’s biography)
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Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World (Second volume of the biography)
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The Unquiet Woods (Study of grassroots environmental movements)
These works not only enrich historical studies but are also written in an engaging style that makes them accessible to general readers, inspiring reflection and debate in society. In particular, Dr. Guha holds a unique place for his deep analysis of Gandhian philosophy and its interpretation in the context of contemporary India. His two-volume biography of Mahatma Gandhi has been translated into Kannada and several other languages.
Through this award, the State Government aims to introduce Gandhi’s ideals to the younger generation and reinforce the values of truth, non-violence, peace and service. The conferring of this award on Dr. Ramachandra Guha serves as an inspiration for the dissemination, dialogue, and study of Gandhian principles in society, said Hemant M. Nimbalkar, Commissioner, Department of Information and Public Relations, in a press release.
Just as an aside, met Ramachandra Guha few weeks ago at Honore Bakery…. he is a regular customer and well-wisher for seeded sourdough bread. honore.in
He appreciated the quality of the breads and remarked that it was difficult to find such high quality bread anywhere in Bangalore.