ABSTRACT

This chapter profiles the life and work of Professor C. Parvathamma (CP), one of the pioneering sociologists of our times. Born in a remote village in the Davanagere district of Karnataka state, CP conquered poverty and all the accompanying hurdles to emerge as a distinguished scholar whose thoughts and writings have lived beyond her times. In her work, she de-constructed the myths and misconceptions surrounding such issues as caste-based reservation, socio-political relationships in rural India and inclusion of new groups into the tribal fold only to claim the benefits of reservation. CP’s works weave a continuous thread of activism and reflect her courage and the conviction she had for portraying social realities without mincing words. A scholar known for taking a stand, CP would never tread on the path of ‘compromise’. Her sociological journey will continue to serve as a model for generations of students and teachers of sociology and remind them that a true sociologist is one who has the ability to think differently and challenge stereotypes.