An Economic Festschrift by Fr. Felix Raj

Antonita  M. Devotta

A festschrift in honour of Prof. Raj Kumar Sen, titled Indian Economy: Economic Ideas, Development and Financial Reforms was released on the 30^th of March 2008 at St. Xavier’s School AV room. The volume, consisting of twenty-six research papers, is compiled and edited by Dr. Fr. J. Felix Raj, S.J. A unique feature of this festschrift is that the authors of the various essays in the volume belong to the common category of research scholars of Prof. R. K. Sen and all these essays are indicative of their respective areas of research under the guidance of Prof. Sen, who has completed forty-four years of committed service in the field of economics.

The occasion of book release was graced by His Grace, Lucas Sircar, Archbishop of Kolkata, as chief Guest. Prof. Asis Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University presided over the function. Other eminent personalities included Fr. George Ponodath, S.J., Rector of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Prof Alok Ghosh, a noted economist and Dr. S.S. Kothari, former MP. The Archbishop congratulated the scholars on their efforts and encouraged research in the field of economics as he deemed it “essential and instrumental in the growth of the nation”.

Prof Asis Banerjee observed “It is probably one of the very rare occasions on which research scholars of a mentor have come together to publish their theses in honour of their Guide”. He also commented on the efforts of the scholars “which provide a possible solution to the economic problems of our nation”. While Fr Ponodath expressed his appreciation for the diversity of the topics covered in the book, Prof Alok Ghosh congratulated Prof Sen on his excellent guidance and praised the editor, Fr. Raj for taking on the mammoth task of going through large theses, condensing it and making it more easily comprehendible.

            The book presents a comprehensive scenario of the various aspects of our country’s and state’s economy in an analytical way. The absence of a complex jargon in the highly empirical essays makes it easy for beginners as well as advanced level learners to benefit from it. The volume contains a diverse range of topics compiled under four broad sections, namely (a) Indian Economic Ideas; (b) Indian Economic Development; (c) Financial Reforms in India and (d) Economic Development in West Bengal.

The list of contributors in this book include some well known citizens of our country such as, Dr. S.S. Kothari (renowned M.P. and columnist), Fr. Felix Raj, S.J.(Vice Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata),  Dr. Ratan Lal Basu (noted economist and Principal of a college in Kolkata), Dr. K.N. Bhattacharya (former Gen Manager, SBI) and a few other scholars.

The editor, Dr. Fr. J. Felix Raj, S.J., most renowned as the Vice Principal and former Rector of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, is also the Secretary of the Bengal Economic Association since 2005. He is a well-known writer and has presented papers at the World Congress of International Economic Association, Morocco and has also been the keynote paper writer of the Silver Jubilee Conference of the Bengal Economic Association.

Apart from his involvement in academics, Father Raj is associated with a number of philanthropic activities and has initiated the NGOs, Parivartan and Snegam. He is also the mastermind of the highly successful Prayas project, which is concerned with imparting primary education to village children. Father Raj is also the Director of the Goethals Indian Library and Research Society and the State Advisor of the All India Catholic University Federation.

The book is published by Deep & Deep Publications Pvt. Ltd. and is priced at Rupees One thousand and five hundred.

Antonita M. Devotta

3^rd Yr Eng Hons,

St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

Phone no: 09831702667

Email: madonna_9787@hotmail.com