The Center for South Asia mourns the loss of Tony K. Stewart, who passed away peacefully on October 6th, 2024, at the age of 70. A distinguished scholar, author, and the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in Humanities Emeritus, Tony was a towering figure in the field of South Asian religious studies. He served as the chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt University, where his leadership and scholarly contributions left a lasting impact.
Tony was renowned for his pioneering research on Bengali religious narratives and his role in advancing the field of literary translation. His work reshaped the understanding of South Asian religious texts, bringing new insights into the complex interplay between literature, culture, and faith. His dedication to scholarship was matched by his commitment to mentoring, and he guided several generations of students and academics who continue to carry forward his intellectual legacy.
In addition to his scholarly achievements, Tony was instrumental in co-founding the South Asia Summer Language Institute (SASLI) at UW-Madison, an initiative that has been vital in promoting the study of South Asian languages. His visionary efforts helped create a space for scholars and students to engage deeply with the languages and cultures of the region.