In the world of academia, few accolades hold as much prestige as the Julien Mezey Dissertation Award, and this year, the coveted honour found its way into the hands of an exceptional Indian scholar, Dr. Sabarish Suresh.
Recently recognised for his ground-breaking doctoral thesis, titled “The Unconscious of the Indian Constitution: Traumatic Histories and Repetitions”, Dr. Suresh has etched his name in the annals of history, receiving the 2023 Julien Mezey Dissertation Award from the esteemed Association for the Study of Law, Culture, and the Humanities (LCH).
The LCH’s annual award seeks to recognize and honour scholars whose dissertations transcend disciplinary boundaries and promise to advance interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of law, culture, and the humanities. Dr. Sabarish’s work did just that and captivated the Awards Committee with its profound insights and innovative approach.
Hailing from a small town, Dr. Sabarish’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Having completed his Doctoral studies in the Science of Law (JSD) and Master of Laws (LLM) in Comparative Legal Thought from the prestigious Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his pursuit of knowledge.
Dr. Sabarish’s dissertation, which delves into the depths of the Indian Constitution, brought forth a fresh perspective on its foundational principles. Employing an eclectic blend of psychoanalysis, legal history, visual studies, and jurisprudence, his work offered new pathways to apprehending the legal framework of a postcolonial nation. This interdisciplinary approach not only impressed the Awards Committee but also resonated with scholars and experts from diverse fields.
The ceremony honouring Dr. Sabarish took place at the University of Toronto in Canada, where he was officially recognised for his exceptional accomplishments. Joining the ranks of previous winners from prestigious Ivy League Institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Brown Universities, Dr. Sabarish’s feat is an inspiring testament to the value of perseverance and passion in scholarly pursuits.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that he is the first Indian to receive the Julien Mezey Dissertation Award. As such, his work on the Indian Constitution marks a significant milestone in the study of law and culture.
After completing a Postdoctoral Scholarship at the distinguished Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt, Dr. Sabarish is embarking on a new chapter in his academic career. He will be assuming the role of a Postdoctoral Fellow at the esteemed Faculty of Law in the National University of Singapore (NUS), an institution known for its commitment to excellence in legal research and education.
As Dr. Sabarish takes on this new responsibility, the academic community eagerly awaits the insights and contributions he will undoubtedly bring to the table. His journey is an inspiration to young scholars everywhere, encouraging them to push the boundaries of knowledge and strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Dr. Sabarish Suresh’s remarkable achievement in receiving the Julien Mezey Dissertation Award is a testament to his intellectual prowess, dedication, and ingenuity. His profound work on the Indian Constitution and its impact on postcolonial societies opens up new vistas of understanding and leaves an indelible mark on the realm of law, culture, and the humanities. As he embarks on a new chapter in Singapore, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the illustrious story of this trailblazing scholar.
