Pijus Ash

Pijus Ash (b.1974, India) is a researcher and journalist from India, who has an extensive background in the media industry. He spent over a decade as an Assistant Editor at The Times of India Group, India's largest media conglomerate, from 2012 to 2023. Currently, he is affiliated with the publication department of Ramakrishna Math, Bagbazar. Additionally, Pijus is a fellow at the Centre for Indological Studies and Research in Kolkata.

His research in MeetFactory focuses on the life of František Dvořák, a renowVned Czech painter, with a particular emphasis on Dvořák's interest in oriental spiritualism. Notably, Dvořák has also created portraits of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Maa Sarada, although this aspect of his artistic career has received limited discussion and documentation. During his residency at MeetFactory, Pijus will delve deeper into this specific phase of Dvořák's life. He plans to visit Czech museums, consult national and provincial archives, and engage with art historians to gather more information. Furthermore, Pijus aims to explore the profound connection between Dvořák and the Nobel laureate Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore.
 

EDUCATION
Pijus completed his graduation at the University of Calcutta in India. He was awarded a study fellowship from Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (Christian University of Applied Sciences) in the Netherlands, where he pursued global journalism and intercultural communication. 

Pijus has received specialized training in various areas of journalism, including environmental journalism from India's National Biodiversity Board and land rights reporting from the Thomson Reuters Foundation-Pulitzer Center.

 SELECTED WORKS
A selection of Pijus's journalistic works has been compiled in a book titled Durer Manush Dui Molate in Bengali. He actively contributes articles and features to prominent newspapers and magazines. 

His areas of interest in writing include the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement, Bengali literature, and intercultural exchanges. Pijus has a passion for photography, particularly capturing the essence of rural settlements and ancient cities in India. He has traveled extensively across Europe and Asia for both work and research purposes.

Date of residency: 14.03.2024 – 10.04.2024