Darjeeling: A history professor from North Bengal held the book launch of the history of modern China, 5th January 2021, at Salesian College Sonada where he was head of History department.
Visitor from Kolkata Salesian Father Dr. Joseph Thannickal released the book and handed the first copy to Director of Radio Salesian Fr. C.M. Paul.
The book, a Covid-19 lockdown effort by Dr Babu Joseph is entitled The Triumph of the Dragon: A Socio-Political History of China in the Modern Period.
The book published by Future Publishers Kolkata and authored by Dr. Babu Joseph one of three Vice-Principals at Salesian College Siliguri has 21 chapters and 278 pages.
Another Vice-Principal at Salesian College Siliguri Dr George Chempakathinal (Sociology) and Asst Prof. Manisha Pradhan (HoD History) edited the book.
After completing MA degree in History, Dr Babu Joseph completed M.Phil degree in Tourism, and PhD in Tourism Management from IGNOU.
“This book is mainly intended to be a reader for undergraduate students of various Indian universities especially those who have History as the major subject in graduation. It can also be a source book for all those who want to know the phenomenal growth of China as an economic and military power in the recent decades,” says author Dr Babu Joseph.
The book charts the developments of Chinese history from late 19th century, following the trajectory of historical development in the said space and within the time frame of over a 100 years looking at how the socio-political and economic landscape evolved.
The book also covers recent happenings in China including the hosting of the Summer Olympics in 2008, and the effective handling of the Covid-19 epidemic 2020.
“The topic-wise discussions make it very easy to follow, and the clarity in the language allows one to retain major information and debates,” says Dr Binayak Sundas of the Centre for Himalayan Studies in the University of North Bengal.
Dr. Sundas adds, “The citations within the book by the scholar-priest means that one gets a proper idea which book or books to read further if one is interested.”
As a special offer to students, the author says, “first 100 orders will be sent postage free at cost price of Rs. 300 only per copy.”
The anchor at the event was Assistant Professor Prayash Rai Head of History Department at Salesian College Sonada.