Professor Gouranga P. Chattopadhyay was a distinguished Indian anthropologist, academic and pioneering behavioural scientist who made a lasting contribution to management education and organisational studies in India. Born in Calcutta on April 29, 1931, he lived an intellectually rich life dedicated to understanding human behaviour, leadership, relationships and society. Prof. Chattopadhyay began his academic journey studying chemistry at Vidyasagar College but later turned to anthropology, earning his M.Sc. and D.Phil. from the University of Calcutta. After working with the Anthropological Survey of India and the Delhi School of Economics, he joined IIM Calcutta in 1964 as a founding member of its Behavioural Sciences group, which later developed into Organisational Behaviour. His most significant contribution was introducing the Tavistock tradition of Group Relations to India in 1973. Through experiential conferences at IIM Calcutta, he encouraged a deeper understanding of authority, leadership, group behaviour and the hidden psychological forces influencing organisations. He served the institute for over 26 years and was also its Dean of Academic Programmes. His academic career extended internationally, including teaching at Manchester Business School and Swinburne University, and serving as a UNDP adviser in Tanzania. He authored five books and published more than 100 professional papers. Beyond academics, he was a poet, literary translator, yoga practitioner and independent thinker. His extensive interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita explored the subject of critical decision-making. He believed in questioning established ideas and encouraged students to think freely, participate in open debate and develop independent perspectives. Remembered for his intellectual curiosity, humility and warmth towards students, Professor Chattopadhyay represented a rare combination of academic excellence and creative exploration. Prof. Chattopadhyay passed away at his home in Kolkata on August 13, 2026, at the age of 95. His legacy lives on through his writings, students and pioneering contribution to behavioural science and Group Relations in India.

• Found in

  • Item 875
    

    Annual Sports day at Emerald Bower. Barun De on the victory stand, flanked by Gourango Chattopadhyay and Yoginder Alagh. Peter Rousello (MIT) is seen second from left
  • Item 209
    

    Jati Sengupta, Ravi Matthai and Gourango Chattopadhyay, at the convocation of IIM Calcutta

• Interview

  • Item 1230
    

    Audio: Interview with Gourango Chattopadhyay (January 2012)

• Interview Transcription

  • Item 1285
    

    Transcription : Interview with Gourango Chattopadhyay (January 2012)

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