Sudhir Kakar (1938–2024) was an Indian psychoanalyst, novelist, and author known for his work in cultural psychology and the psychology of religion. Born in Nainital, India, his early life involved frequent moves due to his father's position as a magistrate. After receiving degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration, and later a doctorate in economics, Kakar was inspired by Erik Erikson to pursue training in Freudian psychoanalysis in Germany. He returned to India in 1975, establishing a psychoanalytic practice in New Delhi and later in Goa. Kakar held visiting professorships at numerous universities worldwide and was a fellow at various prestigious institutions.

His literary contributions often delved into the relationship between psychoanalysis and mysticism, examining figures like Swami Vivekananda, Mohandas Gandhi, and Ramakrishna. Kakar's novel "Ecstasy" explored the "soulscape of spiritual India." He also contributed to discussions on Indian psychology and attitudes. Kakar received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Boyer Prize for Psychological Anthropology and the Goethe Medal. His work was recognized by international publications as significant contributions to global thought.

A significant portion of Sudhir Kakar's scholarly output focused on the intricate connections between psychoanalysis and mysticism. He applied his psychoanalytic lens to analyze prominent spiritual figures, including Swami Vivekananda, Mohandas Gandhi, and Ramakrishna, exploring their inner lives and spiritual journeys. Kakar's novel "Ecstasy" was described as an exploration of the spiritual landscape of India, designed for both the skeptical and the mystical mind. While his psychoanalytic interpretations of mysticism were sometimes met with critical debate regarding their reductionist nature and the potential for spiritual experiences to involve regression, Kakar himself viewed spirituality as moments of deep connection with people, nature, art, music, and the Divine. His own spiritual perspective was shaped by a blend of his rationalist father and his religious mother.

Following his return to India in 1975, Sudhir Kakar established a psychoanalytic practice in New Delhi, where he worked for 25 years before relocating to Goa in 2003. He briefly served as Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology. Kakar's academic career included extensive international engagement as a Senior Fellow at Harvard's Center for Study of World Religions and as a visiting professor at universities in Chicago, McGill, Melbourne, Hawaii, and Vienna. He was also a fellow at institutions like the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton and the Wissenschaftskolleg in Berlin. His practice in Goa continued until his death, and he was also a visiting professor at Goa University.