The academic world mourns the passing of Professor Tharailath Koshy Oommen, a distinguished sociologist, prolific author, and Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who passed away on 26 February 2026, in Gurugram at the age of 88.

Born on 16 October 1937, in Kerala, Prof. Oommen’s journey from Kerala University to becoming the 12th President of the International Sociological Association (1990–1994) was marked by an unwavering commitment to understanding the complexities of social structures. His career, spanning decades at Delhi University and JNU, shaped generations of scholars.

In 2008, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for his monumental contributions to the social sciences. His seminal research on national identity, citizenship, and social movements remains foundational to the field.

Beyond his academic tenure, Prof. Oommen was a pillar of the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), New Delhi. As a member of the Executive Council and the Advisory Board of the Journal of Peace Studies, he provided the intellectual scaffolding for our mission. He was a constant source of inspiration for all of us at ICPS; his vision and his ideas will continue to guide us in our future endeavours.

His passing leaves a void that will be felt from the halls of JNU to the global sociological community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless students whose lives he touched.