Global Warming And Cultural Heritage Focus Of CSULB’s Annual Solanki Lecture

India-West Staff Reporter

LONG BEACH, CA –The Yadunandan Center for India Studies at California State University, Long Beach hosted the 22nd annual Solanki Lecture, featuring distinguished historian Dipesh Chakrabarty as the keynote speaker.

This year’s lecture drew a diverse audience of students, faculty, and local community members. In his address, Professor Chakrabarty explored the intersection of climate change and cultural history, focusing on the global warming-induced threat to the supply of conch shells—objects of deep religious significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Chakrabarty used the conch as a focal point to examine broader environmental and historical themes. He discussed the biological evolution of the conch, linking it to changes in oceanic conditions and the broader impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. He also traced how the harvesting and cultural use of conch shells have shifted over time, shaped by both ecological pressures and market dynamics.

By weaving together scientific and historical perspectives, Chakrabarty argued for the need to rethink traditional approaches to history. He called for a model that integrates environmental changes with cultural and religious narratives—especially as societies around the world face increasingly complex ecological challenges.

The lecture was met with great interest and sparked lively discussion among attendees. Chakrabarty’s reflections underscored the importance of understanding the deep connections between human history and the environment in order to shape a more sustainable future.

Chakrabarty is the Lawrence A. Kimpton Distinguished Service Professor of History and South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, and a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy.