On the occasion of Ghana’s Independence Day, commemorated annually on 6th March, the Department of African Studies organised a reflective book discussion on “Food and Identity in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Ghana: Food, Fights, and Regionalism” by Dr. Brandi Simpson Miller, Assistant Professor of History and Assistant Director of the Center for Social and Racial Equity at Wesleyan College, Georgia, USA. Dr. Miller explored how everyday food practices in Ghana have shaped questions of identity, memory, and belonging across regions and generations. The session offered a fresh lens through which to understand Ghanaian history, connecting culinary culture to larger social and political narratives. 

  On 11th April 2025, the Department of African Studies, in collaboration with the University Diplomatic Dialogue (UDD), organised a book discussion to celebrate the 65th Independence Day of Senegal. The session focused on “Decolonizing Heritage: Time to Repair in Senegal” by Prof. (Dr.) Ferdinand de Jong from the Institute of Art History, Freie Universität Berlin. Prof. de Jong discussed the politics of memory and heritage in postcolonial Senegal, drawing attention to the urgent need for repair, restitution, and recognition in former colonial contexts. The event offered fresh perspectives on decolonisation beyond politics, showing how art, architecture, and cultural institutions shape national narratives in contemporary Africa. 

On 30th May 2025, as part of our University Diplomatic Dialogue (UDD) series and in commemoration of Ethiopia’s national month, the Department of African Studies hosted 

Dr. Samuel Andreas Admasie for an engaging online talk on his forthcoming book, The Ethiopian Labour Movement: Trade Unions, Collective Action, and Contestation, 1960–2020. Drawing on archival and field research, Dr. Admasie reflected on six decades of labour struggles in Ethiopia, offering insights into how trade unions and collective action have shaped the country’s political and social landscape

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As part of the University-Diplomatic Dialogue (UDD) initiative, the Department continued its engagement with Africa’s cultural and philosophical traditions through cinema. Following the earlier screenings of The Battle of Algiers and The Gods Must Be Crazy, Bab’Aziz: The Prince That Contemplated His Soul was screened on 21st July 2025 in the Committee Room. Directed by Nacer Khemir, the Tunisian film took viewers on a poetic journey through the desert, exploring themes of Sufi mysticism, memory, and the human spirit. The screening was followed by a meaningful discussion among students and faculty.

On 18th April 2025, to mark Zimbabwe’s National Day, the Department of African Studies, in collaboration with the University Diplomatic Dialogue (UDD), organised a screening of the Zimbabwean film Flame (1996), directed by Ingrid Sinclair. The film follows the lives of two women freedom fighters during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, portraying their courage, losses, and unwavering spirit. Set against the backdrop of war and resistance, Flame brought to light the personal dimensions of a national movement. The screening was followed by a discussion that allowed students and faculty to engage deeply with the film’s themes of resilience, gender, and memory in the context of African history.

On 20th May 2025, the Department of African Studies organised a special screening of The Fisherman’s Diary, a critically acclaimed Cameroonian film that tells the moving story of a young girl’s fight for education in a patriarchal society. The screening was followed by an interactive session with the film’s director, Mr. Enah Johnscott, who joined the audience for a thoughtful conversation on storytelling, social change, and the realities that shape education in parts of Africa. The event offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with African cinema and its power to reflect and challenge societal norms

On 25th April 2025, the Department of African Studies had the honour of hosting  Prof. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, along with Dr. Nelistra Singh Sooklal, for a special lecture titled “South Africa and the Global South: Challenges, Opportunities for Development and Cooperation.” Organised by the UDD team to celebrate South Africa’s Independence Month and in the spirit of the Bandung Conference, the event also marked over 70 years of the Department’s founding

Prof. Sooklal delivered a powerful lecture on the meaning of freedom and the need to reclaim the voice of the Global South. He spoke about BRICS as a platform for inclusive development and the urgent call for an Afro-Asian century. Dr. Nelistra Singh Sooklal offered a deeply moving reflection on the role of empathy, kindness, and shared purpose in building stronger societies. Together, their words left a lasting impression on all those present, reinforcing the importance of solidarity, historical memory, and partnership in shaping the future.

On 18th March 2025, the Department of African Studies organised a special lecture on “India–Ethiopia Relations in the 21st Century.” The talk was delivered by H.E. Mr. Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to India. Drawing on diplomatic experience and historical context, Ambassador Gebre spoke about the depth of India–Ethiopia ties, from shared anti-colonial solidarity to present-day cooperation in education, health, and technology. The session reflected the Department’s continued efforts to strengthen academic dialogue around India’s engagement with Africa.

On 18th March 2025, the Department of African Studies organised a scholarly discussion to mark Namibia’s upcoming Independence Day. The session featured Dr. Ndapewa Fenny Nakanyete from the University of Namibia, who spoke on Namibia’s path to freedom and the nation’s progress since independence. Drawing from both historical and contemporary perspectives, Dr. Nakanyete reflected on the significance of self-determination and the role of academic engagement in strengthening India–Namibia relations. The event offered a thoughtful space to honour Namibia’s national journey and deepen understanding of its place within the broader African context. 

   On 25th April 2025, the Department of African Studies had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Joe A.D. Alie, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sierra Leone, to commemorate Sierra Leone’s Independence Day. Professor Alie delivered an engaging lecture titled “India–Sierra Leone Relations: Historical Foundations, Contemporary Developments, and Future Collaborations.” Drawing on his expertise in history and international relations, he traced the shared colonial past and the parallel struggles for independence that laid the groundwork for mutual understanding between the two countries. He spoke about current areas of cooperation and encouraged deeper engagement in education, trade, and cultural exchange. His thoughtful reflections offered a meaningful tribute to Sierra Leone’s national journey and opened new doors for academic and diplomatic dialogue. 

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