Remembering Dr. M Kunjaman: A Trailblazing Economist and Dalit Thought Leader

Renowned economist and Dalit thinker Dr. M Kunjaman passed away at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and principled advocacy. Dr. Kunjaman, who secured the first rank in MA Economics from the University of Calicut, was the first Dalit student since KR Narayanan to achieve this distinction. He served as a lecturer at the Kariyavattam Campus of Kerala University for 27 years and later became a professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Maharashtra. Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Kunjaman was recognized with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Autobiography, sharing the honor with Dr. TJ Joseph for “Attupokatha ormakal.” His steadfast commitment to principles, even when offered prestigious positions like a Rajya Sabha membership, reflects his resilience against caste-based discrimination.

Dr. M Kunjaman’s life is a testament to his unwavering dedication to both academic excellence and social justice. His refusal to accept certain honors demonstrated his reluctance to be associated with accolades in the intellectual or academic realm. Despite facing societal challenges, he emerged as a respected figure, earning admiration from political leaders like EMS and VS. Dr. Kunjaman’s passing marks the end of an era for Dalit advocacy and principled scholarship, leaving a void in the intellectual landscape of the country.