Sudhir Kakar, one of India’s most renowned psychoanalysts, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and thought-provoking writings that explored the depths of Indian culture and psyche. Known for fusing Western psychoanalytic tools with Eastern knowledge, he made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of Indian identity, sexuality, and societal dynamics.
Born into an affluent family, Kakar’s path to psychoanalysis was an unconventional one. Initially studying engineering, he found his true calling after meeting Erik Erikson, the renowned American psychoanalyst. Kakar became Erikson’s apprentice, embarking on a journey that would shape his career and profoundly influence his perspectives on Indian society.