Anandajit Goswami
Anandajit Goswami | |
|---|---|
 Anandajit Goswami | |
| Born | June 22, 1980 Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | PhD in Energy Economics (TERI School of Advanced Studies) MA in International Trade and Economics (Jawaharlal Nehru University) |
| Alma mater | Jawaharlal Nehru University TERI School of Advanced Studies |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, academic, researcher, author, musician, philanthropist, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Contributions to energy economics, sustainability policy, fiction writing, music for social causes, and founding the TOHRI Foundation |
| Website | https://www.anandajitgoswami.in |
Anandajit Goswami (born 22 June 1980) is an Indian economist, academic, researcher, author, musician, and philanthropist. He is widely recognised for his multidisciplinary work in energy economics, sustainable development, climate policy, and social empowerment. He serves as Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead at the Ashoka Centre for People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET) at Ashoka University, and as Professor and Director at the Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability (MRCPS) at Manav Rachna University. He is the founder of the TOHRI Foundation, a philanthropic organisation focused on sustainability, education, and community development.[1]
Early life and education
Anandajit Goswami was born on 22 June 1980 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He pursued higher education at prestigious institutions, completing his Master's degree in International Trade and Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and earning a PhD in Energy Economics and Policy from the TERI School of Advanced Studies. His academic journey laid the foundation for a career that bridges rigorous economic analysis with real-world sustainability challenges.[2]
Career
With over two decades of experience in sustainability science and policy analysis, Goswami has held key academic and advisory roles. He served as faculty at the TERI School of Advanced Studies for eight years. He has been actively involved in high-level policy research and has advised central and state governments on critical issues such as energy transition, climate action, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
His expertise has been sought by prominent national and international organisations. Goswami has contributed to projects supported by UNCTAD, UKAID, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, UNIDO, Copenhagen Consensus Centre, WWF India, and WWF Uganda. He also worked with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, leading TERI-Africa Initiatives. In India, he has provided inputs to NITI Aayog, the Atomic Energy Commission, Indian Railways, and governments of states including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh on energy policy and long-term transition strategies.[3]
Currently, he holds the position of Professor and Director at the Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability at Manav Rachna University, while also serving as Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead at Ashoka University and as Honorary Visiting Professor at IMPRI.
Research and publications
Goswami has authored or co-authored more than 50–56 peer-reviewed publications in reputed international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. His research spans economic modelling, energy policy, ecological economics, and sustainability science. He has also supervised one completed PhD thesis, with several others underway, along with 14 master's dissertations.
Selected academic works
- Fuel Pricing in India (TERI, 2017)
- Sustainability Science for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development (co-edited with Nilanjan Ghosh, 2014)
- Economic Modeling, Analysis, and Policy for Sustainability (co-edited with Arabinda Mishra, IGI Global, 2016)
Creative and fiction writing
An accomplished author, Goswami has written around 13 books, blending storytelling with themes of sustainability, gender, peace, and social awareness. Several of his works have received literary recognition.[4]
| Year | Title | Co-author(s)/Editor | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Pune Serial Killers | — | Srishti Publishers & Distributors |
| 2025 | Lucy Ebong Parabolar Shonghat | Debashis Chakraborty | Exceller Publications |
| 2024 | A Green Day: Embracing Climate Action (curated and edited anthology) | Jeevesh Gupta, Chittranjan Dubey | Hachette India |
| 2024 | Siddharth – The Soul Seeker | — | Locksley Hall Publications |
| 2021 | Lucy and the Rise of the Parabola (Lucy series - Book 3) | Debashis Chakraborty | Locksley Hall Publications |
| 2020 | Pink Gender: The Extended | — | Bigfoot Publications |
| 2020 | Pink Gender | — | — |
| 2020 | The Rise of Central Tendency | — | — |
| 2016 | Lucy and the Train: Tryst with Sustainability | — | TERI |
| — | Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence | Debashis Chakraborty | — |
Music and artistic contributions
Beyond academia and writing, Goswami is a passionate musician who channels his art toward social and environmental causes. His songs address pressing issues such as violence, gender equality, and climate change. As part of his band Justajoo, he has released numerous tracks on Spotify and other platforms.[5] Prominent tracks include:
- Maati – focusing on violence and social awareness
- Dhulokona – promoting gender neutrality
- Ek Malaal – highlighting climate action
- Ekta Khali Mukh
- Jacquelin
- Aisa bhi ho jaye kabhi
- Kumbher Coke
- Naam
- Fanna
- Darmiyaan
- Chand Jokhon Hobe Chaand
He has actively supported global youth-led movements including Extinction Rebellion, POP Movement, and Fridays for Future through his music. He was recognised by Jashn-E-Adab and the National School of Drama for his contribution to the unique poetry-music theatrical production Yuhi Sath Sath Chalte. He has been recognised by the World Sustainable Development Forum as a POP (Protect Our Planet) ambassador for his contribution to protect the planet through his music.
TOHRI Foundation and philanthropy
The TOHRI Foundation, founded by Anandajit Goswami, is a philanthropic organisation working across interconnected domains of sustainability, mental health, education, culture, and equity. Each initiative is rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with empathy, awareness, and collective action, inspiring a future where people and the planet thrive together.[6]For more information on the work of TOHRI Foundation, please visit www.tohrifoundation.com.
Key Initiatives and Projects
Wooden Dolls – At Burdwan
Natungram in Bardhaman is known for traditional Wooden Dolls. Owl sculptures from Natungram in Bardhaman district share iconic status in representing Bengal's handicraft. Besides owls, Krishna-Radha, king and queen dolls are traditionally made. The traditional designs based on culture and mythology, the richness of ideas, the brilliant combination of pure simplicity and glamour combined with the master craftsmanship of the crafts persons, result in an amazing work of art. The Foundation works to preserve and promote this rich cultural heritage.
A Green Day – The Journey and Origins
"To know the nature outside, we must first know the nature within."
A Green Day is more than a book — it's a green movement of thought and action. Conceived and co-edited by Prof. Anandajit Goswami, with Jeevesh Gupta and Chittaranjan Dubey, and published by Hachette India, it connects literature, ecology, and human consciousness. The initiative focuses on: - Environmental storytelling and ecological awareness - Green literature and creative sustainability discourses - Climate education and youth-led ecological action - Research and policy partnerships through A Green Horizons, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation
Cultural Storytelling – Rural Voices and Heritage
TOHRI Foundation proudly partners with the Ministry of Culture, IGNCA, and Tagbin under the Mera Gaon Mera Dharohar (MGMD) programme to preserve India's cultural wealth. Through field projects and digital mapping, the Foundation documents the living traditions, folk art, and oral histories of rural India. TOHRI Foundation is a project and field partner of The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and Tagbin towards the implementation of National Mission of Cultural Mapping under the prestigious Mera Gaon Mera Dharohar programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture of Government of India.
Smile for All – Lighting Lives Beyond Our Homes
Each Diwali, through the Smile for All campaign, the Foundation extends festive joy to underprivileged communities. In partnership with Sew in Style, the Foundation distributes meals, gifts, and essential supplies — lighting homes and hearts with compassion and hope.
Blooming Tan-Man – Healing Young Minds
A flagship mental wellness initiative, Blooming Tan-Man fosters emotional literacy, mindfulness, and creative healing for children in marginalized communities. In collaboration with Ekatra Foundation and Karma Foundation, it brings weekly sessions of music, art, and empathy training across schools and labor camps in Delhi NCR and Western India. The initiative has received recognition from Respect India Foundation (2025).
Championing Inclusion – Sports for the Differently Abled
In April 2025, TOHRI Foundation supported the National Level Athletic Meet for the Differently Abled at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, empowering over 200 athletes to compete with pride and dignity. The Foundation continues to advocate that inclusion is not charity — it is justice.
Cricket for Unity – Building Harmony Through Sport
Cricket speaks the language of unity. Through the Cricket for Unity initiative, the Foundation organized a cricket tournament across marginal districts of Bihar to promote social cohesion, teamwork, and inter-community harmony. This grassroots sports movement reflects the belief that shared joy and fair play can bridge divides and nurture peace in society.
A Day of New Beginnings
Inspired by the compassion of reformer Dhondo Keshav Karve, the Foundation hosted weddings for orphaned girls — ensuring they began their new journeys with dignity, safety, and social support. This initiative symbolizes empowerment through love and equality.
Integrated Data Visualisation and Decision-Support Dashboard Development
The Foundation designs and deploys interactive dashboards that transform complex datasets into actionable insights — enabling organizations and policymakers to make informed, real-time decisions aligned with sustainability goals.
Journal of Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Sciences (JLAIS)
Launched in collaboration with ABCONIndia Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and Spectrum Journals, JLAIS is an open-access, peer-reviewed platform connecting liberal arts, science, and sustainability to reimagine academic and interdisciplinary dialogue for modern challenges.
Art, Literature & Music for Change
Art drives emotion, and emotion drives change. Through literature, music, and cinema — from Siddharth: The Soul Seeker and Lucy Ebong Parabolar Shonghat to the peace anthem Maati — TOHRI Foundation celebrates creativity as an instrument of peace and social consciousness.
Research, Policy & Global Discourse
Through collaborations with global think tanks and universities, the Foundation brings India's voice to the world stage. From hosting the EURO International Conference 2025 at Eternal University to contributing to dialogues on environmental economics, sustainability, and bioeconomics, the Foundation strengthens bridges between knowledge and action.
Partnerships
The Foundation works across multiple domains including:
- Climate Action and Development Practice
- Education, Health, and Well-being
- Skill Building and Capacity Enhancement
- Policy Advocacy and Community Outreach
Recognition
The Foundation has received notable recognition, including: - Being selected as one of the 20 best startups of 2023 for its impactful SDG work - Three-time award recipient for its impactful SDG work - Recognition for the Blooming Tanman Initiative (2025) – Respect India Foundation.[7]
Awards and honours
Goswami's contributions have been recognised through numerous awards:
- Best Male Writer (Fiction) – Literary Wits Awards 2025–26
- Visionary Entrepreneurs to Watch (2025) – Corporate Connect
- Recognition for Blooming Tanman Initiative (2025) – Respect India Foundation
- Global Leadership on Sustainability and Energy Policy Award
- Climate Action Ambassador – Bharat Scouts and Guides
- Best Fiction Author (2020 & 2021) – Indian Digital Literary Festival
- Best Author (2020) – Literary Festival of India
- Selfless Social Service Award (2020) – All-India Human Rights Council
- POP (Protect Our Planet) Ambassador – World Sustainable Development Forum
He has also been honoured by Child Rights and You (CRY), WWF India, and other bodies for his work in human rights, child rights, and animal welfare.[8]
References
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-authors/anandajit-goswami-on-the-sequel-pink-gender-the-extended-and-why-he-used-the-counselling-room-as-a-metaphor-to-focus-on-the-human-mind-and-psychology/article31499691.ece
- ↑ https://www.anandajitgoswami.in/about.php
- ↑ https://acpet.ashoka.edu.in/our-team
- ↑ https://www.amazon.in/Anandajit-Goswami/e/B07VT8FPJB
- ↑ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4I6SCVIfyjH1Tmf97IJ7vY
- ↑ https://www.tohrifoundation.com
- ↑ https://www.tohrifoundation.com/projects.php
- ↑ https://dailypioneer.com/news/dr-anandajit-goswami-was-awarded-best-male-writer-fiction-at-the-literary-wits-awards-2025-26