Exploring the Unconscious: Sudhir Kakar’s Legacy in Psychoanalysis and Culture

On February 14, Christ (Deemed to be University) hosted a profound and intellectually stimulating event—The First Sudhir Kakar Memorial Lecture and Dream Analysis Workshop. This event was a tribute to the remarkable legacy of Dr. Sudhir Kakar, a pioneering figure in psychoanalysis, and was attended by esteemed scholars, students, and dignitaries. The session brought together academia, psychoanalysis, and cultural introspection, making it a significant occasion for those interested in the intersections of psychology and human experience. 

The event commenced with a captivating tabla performance by Prapti Bhattacharya, setting the stage for an immersive intellectual and cultural experience. The invocation of the Goddess of Knowledge, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, marked the beginning of the event. Dr. Baiju Gopal, the organizing chair, expressed his honor in hosting the inaugural Sudhir Kakar Memorial Lecture at the School of Psychological Sciences.

The memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. Katharina Kakar, his beloved wife and the director of the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis and Culture, on the thought-provoking topic: “Can You Prepare for Death?” The event was presided over by Dr. (Fr.) Jose CC, Vice Chancellor of Christ University.

Adding to the event’s significance, the Selected Writings of Sudhir Kakar (The Mind in the World), published by Oxford University Press, was officially released, cementing his intellectual contributions. Following this, a two-day Dream Analysis Workshop by the distinguished psychoanalyst Dr. Jhuma Basak and Dr. Katharina Kakar commenced, providing participants with valuable insights into the depths of the unconscious mind. 

Several distinguished guests graced the occasion, including:

• Dr. (Fr.) Jose CC (Vice Chancellor, Christ University)

• Dr. Katharina Kakar (Director, Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis and Culture)

• Dr. Jhuma Basak (Training Analyst, Chair of the IPA Psychoanalytic Society)

• Dr. Surekha (Dean, School of Psychological Sciences)

• Dr. Sudesh (HOD, Social Sciences) 

A personal anecdote by Dr. Baiju Gopal reflected on Sudhir Kakar’s association with Christ University, dating back to 2008. His work helped in establishing a robust psychoanalytic presence at the university, which continues to thrive. 

Founded in May 2024, the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis and Culture (KCPC) represents a pioneering initiative to integrate cultural narratives into psychoanalysis. Dr. Katharina Kakar, a distinguished scholar in Indian Art History from the University of Berlin, has been instrumental in shaping the center’s mission. The KCPC fosters a global approach to psychoanalysis, emphasizing cultural awareness and the lived experiences of people in non-Western societies.

The center actively supports:

• Public lectures and awareness programs

• Research fellowships in psychoanalysis

• Cross-cultural engagements with myths, stories, and parenting practices

• Collaborations with scholars worldwide

Through these initiatives, KCPC is redefining psychoanalysis, making it more inclusive and representative of diverse psychological landscapes.

The event revisited Sudhir Kakar’s immense contributions to psychoanalysis, particularly his emphasis on non-Western perspectives. His work challenged Western psychoanalytic axioms, bringing an Indian perspective to the discipline. His book, Young Tagore, explored Rabindranath Tagore’s engagement with nature and spirituality at Shantiniketan, reflecting Kakar’s broader interest in the intersections of psychoanalysis, art, and culture.

Dr. Jhuma Basak, an esteemed psychoanalyst and editor of Kakar’s memorial volume, shared her insights on dream analysis and the psychoanalytic journey. She highlighted that Kakar's work often explored the unconscious processes that govern our lives, including the acceptance of mortality. She noted that Kakar’s journey was intertwined with Erik Erikson’s work and deep explorations of Oedipal themes.

One of the most profound themes of the lecture was the question: Can we prepare for death? According to Dr. Katharina Kakar, living fully in the present moment is the key to embracing mortality. She referenced Eastern philosophies that emphasize mindfulness, spirituality, and the transient nature of life.

Key takeaways from the session included:

• “A rich inner life means a life well-lived.”

• Being mindful and cherishing the small moments is essential.

• Dreaming allows individuals to connect with deeper aspects of their psyche.

• Creativity is imagination having fun.

• “One thing we are unable to do is to fully imagine our own death.”

A particularly poignant moment was the discussion of Kakar’s final years. He was diagnosed with throat cancer, likely a consequence of his evening smoke and drink habits. However, he never resisted life’s inevitable cycle. Instead, he believed, “Life shrinks and expands based on our level of awareness.” 

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of a documentary titled “The Stem Between Lotus and Mud”, which is currently in development. This documentary aims to chronicle Sudhir Kakar’s life, his contributions to psychoanalysis, and his engagement with Indian spirituality and culture. The project is expected to explore the intersections of psychoanalysis, creativity, and the unconscious, shedding light on the themes that defined Kakar’s work. 

The session included numerous thought-provoking quotes that highlighted the event’s depth:

• “The power of imagination allows us to expand beyond the norm.” – Dr. Katharina Kakar

• “Creativity arises in spirituality, transcendence, and death.”

• “We dream our lives throughout our days and years, and perhaps we become what we imagine.”

• “The spirit expands when someone truly listens.” – Ernest Hemingway

• “Dying empties the self of its past.”

• “Between every existing moment, there is a gap that follows.”

• “If we are truly there in the moment, we will be prepared for death.”

• “Life will break you. Being alone can also neither save nor destroy you; it is love, connection, and feeling that truly define our existence. You have to love, you have to feel. You are here to be swallowed up. - from Louise Erdrich's novel "The Painted Drum."

Sit beside an apple tree and listen to the apples falling and be mindful, and be in the present moment.

A powerful closing anecdote described a monk who, while falling off a cliff, saw a strawberry and put it in his mouth, savoring its sweetness—symbolizing the beauty in fully experiencing the present moment.

The lecture emphasized that Sudhir Kakar did not resist life, nor did he resist death. He embodied the philosophy that one must burn with purpose and desire, cherishing every moment. 

Christ University, in line with Kakar’s ideologies, has established research labs such as Antar Drishti, dedicated to psychoanalytic and cultural exploration. The event’s success signals a growing interest in culturally relevant psychology, ensuring that Sudhir Kakar’s intellectual contributions will inspire generations to come.

For those who wish to engage with Kakar’s work further, the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis and Culture (KCPC) provides a rich repository of research, discussions, and collaborations. You can explore more at KCPC Website.

As the seminar beautifully concluded, one message remained clear:

“Between every existing moment, there is a gap that follows. When the dreamer awakens, there is an in-between space. Life is about living within that space—fully aware, deeply engaged, and creatively alive.”