Kolkata: On Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its initial roster of candidates for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. Alongside maintaining the presence of seasoned politicians, the BJP has also brought forth new personalities. Notably, the list includes individuals acknowledged not only for their political affiliations but also for their significant contributions across various domains.
Here’s one of its pick from West Bengal. Meet Dr Anirban Ganguly.
Who is Dr Anirban Ganguly
Dr. Anirban Ganguly serves as the Chairman and Trustee of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF), a New Delhi-based think tank associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accessible at www.spmrf.org. He holds membership in the BJP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and is a part of the Core Committee of the West Bengal State Unit of the BJP. Dr. Ganguly has dedicated his efforts to public policy and political research throughout his career.
Under his leadership as Director of SPMRF, the think tank has ascended to prominence, ranking among the top forty global think tanks with political party affiliations.
Also Read: Who is ‘Nirbhaya Didi’ — BJP’s Lok Sabha pick from Bengal
Early Life and Education
Dr. Anirban Ganguly, a prominent figure in Indian politics and intellectual circles, has a diverse and accomplished background. Born into a family with a rich legacy of activism and literature, Dr. Ganguly’s upbringing was steeped in intellectual pursuits and cultural heritage.
His great grandfather, Upendra Nath Bandyopadhyay, was a revolutionary and close associate of Sri Aurobindo, while his grandfather, poet Dinesh Gangopadhyay, was a renowned Bengali poet of his time.
Dr. Ganguly received his early education at the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education in Puducherry, where he excelled in languages, philosophy, history, and music.
Proficient in multiple languages including English, French, Sanskrit, and Bengali, Dr. Ganguly’s academic journey led him to earn a Master’s in International Relations from Annamalai University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication & Journalism from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and a Ph.D. in education, focusing on Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of national education.
Professional and Political Career
Dr. Ganguly’s career trajectory blends academic scholarship with political activism. He served as a Research Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), focusing on civilizational studies, governance, and politics.
His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his college years played a pivotal role in shaping his ideological orientation. In 2013, he was appointed as the Director of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF), the think tank affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dr. Ganguly’s leadership has elevated SPMRF to global prominence, with a robust publication program spanning ideological, political, and policy domains.
Political Engagement and Electoral Campaigns
Dr. Ganguly’s political engagement extends beyond scholarly pursuits. He is a member of the BJP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and has played a key role in the party’s activities in West Bengal.
His involvement in electoral campaigns, such as “Bengal for Modi – Modi for Bengal” during the 2019 general elections and the “Lokkho Sonar Bangla” campaign ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, underscores his commitment to effecting change in the region.
Literary and Academic Contributions
In addition to his political endeavours, Dr. Ganguly is an author and scholar. He has authored, edited, or co-edited several books on diverse subjects ranging from politics to education to foreign policy. Notable among these are “Modi 2.0: A Resolve To Secure India,” “Amit Shah and the March of BJP,” and “The Modi Doctrine,” which have garnered acclaim and become bestsellers in their respective categories.
Dr. Ganguly’s scholarly output also includes numerous papers, chapters, and monographs, reflecting his deep engagement with civilizational issues, politics, education, and culture.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
