This section is devoted to acknowledging the individuals whose lifelong dedication has significantly contributed to the academic enrichment of Indian diaspora studies. Among the numerous luminaries in the field, one figure stands out as both a personal inspiration and a beacon in diaspora studies: Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey. My initial exposure to the complexities of the Indian diaspora was during my master’s program, under the tutelage of Professor Dubey. The profound insights imparted by him were so compelling that they inspired me to pursue further research in this domain, leading to my decision to undertake a doctoral study on the subject. Fortuitously, Professor Dubey is also my supervisor during this pivotal phase of my academic journey.
As we initiate the publication of Pravasi Pulse, a magazine dedicated to exploring the diverse narratives of the Indian diaspora, it is apt to honour an individual whose scholarly contributions have not only inspired this venture but have also laid the foundational framework upon which we build. Professor Dubey, an eminent figure in International Relations and Diaspora Studies, has spent decades researching Indian migration, Indo-African relations, and the broader dynamics of diaspora communities. His distinguished career at Jawaharlal Nehru University, encompassing roles from Professor to Director of various centers of excellence such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Study (JNIAS) and the Special Centre for National Security Studies (SCNSS), highlights his unwavering dedication to academic leadership and excellence. His efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the Centre for African Studies at JNU, encouraging a significant number of scholars to explore not only African studies but also diaspora studies in their doctoral research.
As an author and editor, Professor Dubey has made invaluable contributions to the diasporic literature corpus, with seminal publications including: India and Africa’s Partnership: A Vision for a New Future (Springer, 2016) Trends in Indo-African Relations (Manas Publications, 2010) France and Africa: An Indian Perspective (Kalinga Publications, 2009) India and Francophone Africa under Globalisation (Kalinga Publications, 2009) Government and Politics in Mauritius (Kalinga Publications, 1997) Indo-African Relations in the Post Nehru Era (Kalinga Publications, 1990) Indian Diaspora Contributions to their New Home (MD Publications, 2011) Indian Diaspora in Africa: A Comparative Perspective Publications, 2009) Indian Diaspora: Global Identity (Kalinga Publications, 2003) Professor Dubey was also a member of the High-level Committee under the Vajpayee government chaired by L.M. Singhvi, which led to transformative measures in the Indian government’s engagement with its diaspora, including the implementation of Overseas Citizenship and the inception of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
In addition, Professor Dubey has authored numerous papers on African studies and the Indian diaspora and has served as the Book Series Editor for “Africa’s Global Engagement: Perspectives from Emerging Countries” by Palgrave Macmillan, Nature Springer, and as Editor-in Chief of several esteemed journals, including Africa Review (Routledge, U.K.), Diaspora Studies (Taylor and Francis, U.K.), Insight on Africa (Sage Publications), and the Journal of Global Diaspora Studies (World Association of Diaspora Studies, South Korea), all indexed in prestigious databases like SCOPUS and Web of Sciences. His role as an educator and supervisor is where Professor Dubey’s influence is most deeply felt.
Guiding numerous students through their M.Phil. and Ph.D. journeys, his mentorship has illuminated the path for emerging scholars, including myself. His commitment to academic rigor, critical thinking, and empathetic engagement with diasporic issues has left a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to have been mentored by him. (MD As Pravasi Pulse endeavors to interlace stories of migration, identity, and cultural exchange, we draw inspiration from Professor Dubey. His illustrious career, characterized by a steadfast dedication to diaspora studies and academic excellence, sets exemplary standard for us all. an Thus, it is with profound respect and gratitude that we dedicate the inaugural issue of Pravasi Pulse to Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey, a distinguished pioneer of Indian diasporic literature and a beacon for generations of scholars practitioners in diaspora studies.
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