Critic, Conservationist, Changemaker: Jawhar Sircar’s Impactful Journey
From Bureaucrat to Rajya Sabha MP, Sircar champions heritage, social justice, and accountability while bridging the gap between politics and public engagement
Kolkata: Bengal has long been a cradle of intellectuals, contributing many great minds to India’s cultural and political landscape. Among these luminaries is Jawhar Sircar, a Rajya Sabha member from Bengal who stands out for his modesty and intellectual vigor. A bureaucrat-turned-politician, Sircar has an impressive background, having served as CEO of Prasar Bharti and as a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Sircar’s journey from bureaucracy to politics has been marked by a commitment to public service and intellectual discourse. As a prolific writer and a regular participant in city debates and seminars, the public intellectual brings a sober and thoughtful presence to discussions. His articles, published in prominent Indian media outlets such as The Indian Express, The Wire, and The Quint, reflect his deep understanding of various issues.
At 72, Sircar’s interests extend beyond politics. He is a nature lover and photographer, often sharing stunning images captured during his morning walks or travels to significant destinations. His Facebook posts, which offer detailed insights into the background of various Indian festivals, are well-received by his followers. Whether it’s a major celebration or a lesser-known festival, Sircar meticulously documents and shares the cultural significance, making his social media presence both informative and engaging.
Jawhar Sircar’s July 1 speech
The Xaverian remains deeply connected to his roots. Unlike many MPs who restrict their appearances to high-profile events, Sircar is a familiar face at smaller, yet meaningful gatherings in the city. His writings often focus on heritage conservation and giving voice to individuals who are overlooked by mainstream media. His accessibility and willingness to engage with the public are rare qualities among politicians today.
In his role as a Rajya Sabha MP, Sircar has made significant contributions. On July 1, during the Motion of Thanks for the President’s Address, he delivered a compelling speech lasting over 15 minutes. He addressed critical issues such as the potential risks of implementing three new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, and BSA), the need for prioritizing rail safety over bullet trains, and the government’s mismanagement of public funds to cover corporate losses and frauds.
His performance in the Rajya Sabha has been exemplary. According to PRS India, Sircar outperforms his peers on all important parameters, including attendance, participation in debates, and the number of questions asked. His scores surpass the national average, underscoring his commitment and effectiveness as a parliamentarian.
Jawhar Sircar as Rajya Sabha MP
When Sircar, the former CEO of Prasar Bharti, saw that Prasar Bharti had changed its logo color to saffron, he was one of the few voices to speak out against it, perceiving it as the saffronisation of the institution. His career in bureaucracy, spanning 42 years, was marked by dedication and service.
Sircar’s appeal extends across party lines. Despite being a former bureaucrat and a current Rajya Sabha member, he remains approachable and engaged with the public.
“We have also heard that he follows up on cases that he makes a note of and tries to get the work done, which is a rare thing among politicians these days. He shares good bounds with present bureaucrats and intellectual circle” says Bimal Sharma, a neighbor.
However, Sircar’s outspokenness has not been well-received at times by opponents as well as by members of his own party. As one of the harshest critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, he frequently faces trolling from the BJP IT Cell. Nonetheless, he continues to raise critical questions on the microblogging site. In 2022, he stirred the political waters further by publicly criticizing a faction of his own party, the TMC, calling it “completely rotten” and hinting at a possible departure from politics. His frustration was evident following the arrests of TMC leaders Partha Chatterjee and Anubrata Mondal on corruption charges, with Chatterjee serving as the education minister at the time.
