Ongoing Projects
Media, Civic Literacy, and Political Participation in Seemanchal Districts of Bihar (Dr. Arun Oraon)
Media in any country is more than just a medium for those residing there. It directly impacts all areas of their lives, helping to inform, educate, and entertain citizens. The press also encourages and inspires change in people. In the 21st century, an era where information revolution, technological progress has introduced a new dimension regarding information among people and brought significant changes in the information field. In this context, media literacy is not just a skill but also a necessity for individuals and communities to cope with the information bombardment in the age of technology. This is especially true for the border districts of Bihar, where the state’s literacy rate is relatively low. This study aims to empower the community and individuals in the Northeastern districts of Bihar with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically analyse, evaluate, and understand media messages, considering the region’s unique socio-cultural, economic, and linguistic characteristics.
Biodiversity Conservation: Health and Wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples (Dr. Vincent Ekka)
This study is place-based research, a collaborative effort involving global research across 26 countries. Faculty members from the University of Alberta, Canada, are the lead researchers coordinating the study. The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, where indigenous scholars from various universities in India collaborate in the planning and implementation of the study. The Indian researchers aim to study biodiversity conservation on two pathways: (1) Biodiversity Conservation: Food Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing; and (2) Biodiversity Conservation and its Interface with Language, Culture and Wellbeing. The place-based research study spans from 2021 to 2027, divided into three phases: Capacity Building, Indigenous-Led Place-Based Research, and Policy Transformation.
Crime Against Women in India: A Comparative Study of Delhi and Kolkata through the Lens of Culture (Dr. Minakshi Sardar)
Violence against women (VAW) is historically rooted, causing serious concern across all societies and cultures. The phenomenon of Femicide, which refers to the gender-based intentional killing of women, has emerged as a distinct field of study. Studies have suggested that femicide constitutes one of the cruelest forms of VAW and needs to be addressed through proper mechanisms. This project undertakes two major metropolitan cities, having one of the highest records, as its case studies. The study makes a comparative assessment of the pattern of femicide in the broader backdrop of VAW through a socio-anthropological approach. The study aims to understand how culture influences the status of women and the prevalence of VAW in these two metropolitan cities.
‘Socio-cultural Distancing between Religious Communities in India: A Study among College Youth.’ (Prof. Lancy Lobo, Dr. Minakshi Sardar & Dr. Yatish Kumar)
This research-oriented project aims to investigate and understand the factors that contribute to social distancing among social groups from diverse religious communities. This study focuses mainly on college-going youth. The youth population is crucial; they form the backbone of society and will be the future stakeholders in shaping and reshaping modern-day India. This study investigates how youth perceive religious beliefs, practices, prejudices, stereotypes, and labels prevalent among people, the socio-political awareness level, and the role of religion in present-day India. The study’s observations and findings will enable us to understand the causes of social distance and religious polarization. It will bring suggestions to help reduce social distance, bridge the gap, and promote tolerance, cooperation, integration, and harmony among social groups.
Gender and Elderly Abuse: A Study of Elderly People Living in Old-Age Homes in Delhi (Dr. Yatish Kumar)
Globally, elderly abuse is becoming an increasingly serious issue, particularly for older women. Recent studies show that older adults face various forms of abuse, such as neglect, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation, often committed by caregivers or family members. This project seeks to identify the root causes of elderly abuse and understand its severe impact. It will focus on older adults residing in government-, private-, and NGO-operated care homes. Lastly, the study will highlight the importance of institutional and residential support systems in safeguarding their safety, rights, and sustainable well-being.
Climate Crisis: Causes and coping mechanisms for heatwave, pollution, and water scarcity in Delhi (Dr. Yatish Kumar)
This project provides a detailed understanding of climate change and its profound impact, particularly on workers in Delhi's informal sectors. The project’s primary objective is to explore how community preparedness and institutional support systems can mitigate the impacts of climate change and facilitate effective adaptation strategies. The project is structured into several key chapters. It will utilise a combination of primary and secondary data to understand the causes and consequences of climate change for marginalised communities. The study’s objectivity will be examined through field work, case studies, group discussions, and interviews.
Assessing the Health and Well-being of Migrants in Brick Kilns: A Study from the Lower Gangetic Plains of West Bengal (Dr. Pintu Paul)
This study focuses on seasonal migrant labourers working in brick kilns—one of the most vulnerable and invisible segments of the informal workforce in India. These workers, many of whom belong to marginalised social and economic groups, often face hazardous working conditions, a lack of legal protection, and poor access to basic services like healthcare, sanitation, and housing. By identifying key health challenges, occupational risks, and institutional neglect, this study will raise the voices of these often-overlooked migrant workers.
Mapping Socio-Economic and Cultural Dynamics of Street Vendors in Delhi (Dr. Pintu Paul)
This study aims to understand the socio-economic conditions and cultural dynamics of street vendors in Delhi, aiming to understand the complex realities of informal urban livelihoods. By combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, the research explores the demographic profiles, income patterns, work conditions, and social networks of vendors. It also examines how cultural factors, such as community ties, caste, and migration histories, influence work practices and economic strategies. The study highlights the challenges faced by street vendors, including legal vulnerabilities, limited access to public services, and social marginalization, while also emphasizing their resilience, adaptive strategies, and contributions to the urban economy. Findings from this research can inform policies aimed at inclusive urban development and the protection of informal workers’ rights.