David Olusoga and Kavita Puri in Conversation: Exploring the 1943 Bengal Famine
The in-conversation event with the University鈥檚 Professor of Public History and the award-winning broadcaster discussed colonial Britain and the public debate around contentious history of the British Empire.
On 11 March, presented an enlightening event featuring David Olusoga OBE, Professor of Public History, in conversation with journalist, radio broadcaster, and author, .
Together, they explored the themes of Kavita鈥檚 multi-award-winning BBC podcast, . The podcast series sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in Britain鈥檚 colonial history: the 1943 Bengal Famine, where an estimated three million Indians, who were British subjects, died.
The event was introduced by Professor from the History Department at The University of 优蜜传媒.
Informed by her 25 years of experience teaching and researching the cultural and social history of colonial India, Anindita's introduction included historical and geographical context for the 1943 Bengal Famine.
David and Kavita discussed the making of the podcast, from archival research to finding interviewees who lived through the famine. Kavita explained the conditions that led to the build-up of the famine, and they explored why it has taken so long for this history to be discussed both in Britain and India. They also discussed why the public debate around the British Empire remains contentious.
The event concluded with an engaged Q&A session from the audience.