Wilhelm von Pochhammer Memorial Lectures
Wilhelm von Pochhammer (1892-1982) was a German diplomat who not only served in India, but also became one of the most knowledgeable and ardent friends of India. He wrote extensively on India and devoted the years after his retirement to a political history of India entitled, “Indiens Weg zu Nation” (India’s Road to Nationhood).
Wilhelm von Pochhammer died on 13th November 1982. At a meeting held in his memory on 18th August 1983 it was decided to honour his memory by instituting an annual “Wilhelm von Pochhammer Memorial Lecture”.
So far 31 lectures have been delivered. These have been on a wide range of subjects and have been delivered by an equal number of distinguished scholars from India and Germany.
FIGS stayed in touch with his wife Maria von Pochhammer until shortly before her death in March 2002. Recordings of the lectures and texts were sent to her whenever possible.