Prof. T.K. Oommen, one of India’s foremost sociologists and public intellectuals, passed away early this morning, leaving behind a formidable legacy of scholarship, public engagement, and institutional leadership. In an academic career that spanned over half a century, he did not merely interpret society — he sought to accentuate its truths, inequities, and possibilities.
There are two definitions of identity politics. The first is the effort to secure the rights denied to some on the basis of their identity—defensive identity politics. The second is that which seeks domination on the basis of identity—aggressive identity politics. Aggressive identity politics espoused by the majority is thought to be ‘natural and benign’. And identity politics, as practised by the blacks, the Asians, the minorities and the disadvantaged, is thought to be ‘dangerous, indulgent and damaging’.
It is an assertion of my identity, of my birth and upbringing, of my family and culture, of my dream and desire.