Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), founded in 1949, has played an influential role in the intellectual history of independent India. Each week it brings together academics, researchers, policymakers, independent thinkers, members of NGOs and political activists for discussions on topics ranging from economics and politics to sociology and culture. Through EPW we have experienced first-hand what it’s like to live and breathe Indian intellectual culture today!
EPW is a global phenomenon
Over the last half century, EPW has grown into a global force. Its articles cover an array of subjects such as politics, economics, culture and the environment.
This makes the magazine an invaluable platform for stimulating debates on a range of topics. Furthermore, it serves as an outlet for young social scientists and political activists to showcase their research.
Established on a shoestring budget and supported by its editors, EPW has remained an independent labour of love for decades. However, its existence as an institution that meets India’s intellectual needs may soon become outdated as it struggles to remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
EPW, unlike many key academic journals with established succession plans, lacks such a structure. As a result, Ram Reddy the editor of EPW recently stepped down under controversial circumstances.
It is a forum for debate
Over half a century, EPW has remained an unparalleled forum, uniting academics, researchers, policy makers, independent thinkers and members of non-governmental organisations and political activists for discussions spanning economics, politics, sociology culture environmentalism – plus many other fields.
It is an impressive publication for many reasons, one being its lack of commercial support over these years. Instead, it relies solely on circulation sales and limited advertising revenue to survive. Unlike rival publications like the New Statesman or Le Temps Moderne, it has never received any grants from abroad.
EPW was established by economist Sachin Chaudhuri in 1949, shortly after India gained independence. At that time, the EW served as a platform for intellectual debates on the future shape of its new nation.
It is a source of information
Since 1949, The Economic Weekly and later EPW, have played an essential role in India’s intellectual history. For over five decades it has been a platform that brings together academics, researchers, policy makers, independent thinkers and members of non-governmental organisations for debates that span various disciplines such as economics, politics sociology culture and the environment.
Over the past half century, EPW has thrived and grown on the strength of dedicated staff and a close-knit community. Free from commercial backing, it relies solely on circulation sales and limited advertising for its survival; an example to other independent publications across various fields. According to Scopus data, it is currently the most cited journal in its category with an impact score of 13609. Its year wise Impact Score (IS) stands at 61.
It is a source of inspiration
For over 50 years, The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) has been publishing weekly magazine articles on politics, economics, culture, and the environment. Additionally, it hosts debates on these subjects for academics, researchers, policy makers, and independent thinkers to discuss relevant matters.
Since 1949, The Economic Weekly and later as The Economic and Political Weekly, have held a unique place in intellectual history of independent India. For half a century it has brought together scholars, scientists, strategy wizards, autonomous minds, members of non-governmental organisations and political activists to discuss financial matters, government policies, human sciences and culture. Students and professionals alike find inspiration in The EPW as it gives them up-to-date knowledge about their environment.
