Prof. Samaddar initiated his discourse by highlighting the notable dearth of political contemplation on the notion of responsibility. He drew attention to the prevalent association of power with sovereignty, which often fails to encompass the concept of responsibility. Within this context, he underscored that power is frequently characterized as transgressive, and frequently measured by its ability to evade constraints, resulting in an inherent potential for violence.

The colonial concept of responsibility, he stated, was structured around a hierarchical framework: the Home Ministry in London held responsibility for Indian affairs, Indians were accountable to the colonial government for their behavior, and the Crown assumed responsibility for civilizing India. This framework was tested during famines, leading to disputes among colonial rulers regarding who should bear responsibility for widespread hunger and the determination of eligibility for food aid. These colonial tensions compelled Indians to recognize the power embedded within the concept of responsibility, inspiring them to foster solidarity and establish mutual aid committees for relief campaigns. Prof. Samaddar advocated for a more nuanced interpretation of responsibility through the lens of post-colonial perspectives. He argued that responsibility must be contextualized against the backdrop of historical processes such as decolonization, structural reforms, environmental crises, and the rise of neoliberalism.

A critical lesson gleaned from the lecture emphasized the urgent need to center our attention on the intricate dynamics of power and responsibility at the local level, particularly in the context of the protection of individuals forced to migrate. Prof. Samaddar placed significant emphasis on the fact that the burden of protection disproportionately rests on the margins of society.

The lecture delved deeper into the often-overlooked historical aspects of sovereignty intertwined with responsibility. It brought attention to the emergence of a dual persona, that of both migrant and refugee, within the current global panorama. This emergence is intricately influenced by various factors, including the forces of globalization, intense conflicts, breaches of borders, and an economic framework that selectively incorporates migrant labor.

The lecture delved into the intricate connection between autonomy and responsibility. Prof. Samaddar underscored that these concepts do not exist in isolation but rather interlace in unpredictable and profound ways. According to his perspective, responsibility becomes an integral component of the ‘government of the living.’ It not only serves as a guiding force but also nurtures a sense of community and solidarity among individuals.

Solidarity, as defined by Prof. Samaddar, emerges from what he aptly terms ‘practical ethics’ – a form of conduct shaped by contingency, historical context, and practical considerations, particularly in the aftermath of a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, notably in India, provided a striking illustration of this phenomenon, unlike any seen before. In times of crisis, a remarkable pattern of solidarity unfolds within the public life of marginalized communities.

During moments of crisis, a wellspring of collective solidarity is activated. This solidarity finds its heroes and heroines in frontline workers, encompassing doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, and community workers. These individuals assume pivotal roles within the landscape of solidarity, embodying a form of ‘social capacity’ and exemplifying the ‘biopolitical nature of a collective’ during times of crisis.