PhD Students

Currently in the process of becoming a researcher in education policy with the aim to strengthen the link between research and policy. Apart from work, you will find me pestering my friends with a dozen questions, defending the difference between veg biryani and veg pulav and having the best time of my day on the badminton court every evening!

After completing my Bachelors and Masters in Mathematics, I started teaching as a Math teacher. While interacting with students, I became a part of Center for Creative Learning, IITGN, where I explored how hands on learning engages teachers as well as students. My area of interests lies in Math education, interest and engagement in classrooms and hands on activities. I enjoy bird watching and crocheting.

Adyasha holds a Master’s degree from IIT Gandhinagar and a Bachelor’s in Technology. She has been a literature enthusiast from an early age, and it is her passion for reading and writing led her to shift her focus toward the study of literature. Adyasha enjoys crafting poetry and prose, and is currently exploring the art of storytelling, a recent interest she is eager to develop further.

I have completed my B.A.in History and M.A in archaeology from the University of Calcutta and MPhil in archaeology from Deccan College and Post Graduate institute Pune. I have hands-on training in handling archaeological samples from various premier laboratories in India and abroad. Last year, I worked as a visiting researcher at Archaeological Research Laboratory, University of Stockholm, Sweden. My research interest centres around the field of protohistory, ceramic archaeology, archaeological sciences, survey methods, geoarchaeology, and ethnoarchaeology. In my doctoral programme I aim to use the biomolecular components lying in the organic residue as a tool to understand the economic and subsistence practices associated with a protohistoric and technological traditions of a number of sites.

Aniket Roy is presently a PhD scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. Previously, he worked as a visiting scholar at Presidency University, Kolkata. Aniket’s research focuses on the intersection of Continental Philosophy and Global Modernism. He has obtained his Masters degree from the Department of English, University of Calcutta. Aniket’s research interest comprise Continental Philosophy and Autobiographical Studies, Twentieth Century Literature, Modernism and Postmodernism, Bengali Vernacular Literature and World Literature.

I completed my BTech in Mechanical Engineering from the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam and attained a Master of Social Work- Community Organization and Development from Manipal University. My area of interests lies in tribal development studies, inequality, and marginalized communities.

Anupam is a physicist by training and a Social Epidemiologist by choice. Anupam’s recent works include the inquiry of psychosocial wellbeing and ageing of middle-aged to older queer adults in India, psychosocial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic across social groups in India, intimate partner violence in the aftermath of natural disasters in India, and effects of reservation-based discrimination in Indian institutions. His papers on these topics have been published in reputed journals such as PLoS ONE and Ageing International (Springer). He loves solitary walking during his leisure.

An avid writer by passion and a researcher by education, I am a Ph.D. student in Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. My research focus is Science Communication. I have worked as a Senior Project Associate (Writer and Editor) in External Communications at IITGN (2019-20). I completed my M.Tech (2016-18) in Biological Engineering from IITGN, and my B.Tech in Biotechnology from Amity University (Lucknow, U.P.). I believe that crisp discussions among researchers and academicians from different disciplines with each other and with the common public will eventually facilitate the advancement of all. This is what attracted me to my current area of research in the first place.

Arindam Goswami is a doctoral student in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Gandhinagar. He has a Masters degree in English and American Literature from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His research interests include Studies of Indian Travel Narratives and Indian English Literature.

I have done my Integrated Masters in Language Sciences from University of Hyderabad. Currently, a researcher in the field of Linguistic Anthropology. My research interests include Linguistic Landscape, Digital Landscape, Semiotics, Multilingualism.

I enjoy singing, reading non-fiction, and practicing yoga. Singing helps me express myself creatively, while reading expands my knowledge. Yoga helps me relax and stay healthy.

Bhavna’s research focuses on lived experiences, body-embodiment and environment from a socio-anthropological lens. An Alumni of MSU Baroda and CUG, Gandhinagar, Bhavna has been exposed to a variety of learning opportunities in research studies on adolescents, youth, maternal and reproductive health, tribal studies and has also taught and tutored papers in sociology at Navrachana University, Vadodara and University of Auckland, New Zealand. She holds UGC-NET Certificate in Sociology and was awarded with ICMR fellowship for Social Sciences in 2014. In her spare time you will see her gardening, baking and volunteering.

Research interests- Avant-garde literature and Bengali modernism

I have completed my graduation and masters in History from Banaras Hindu University. I am a bibliophile and music enthusiast. My research interests focus on subaltern experiences, especially exploring the intersectionalities of gender and displacement.

Dalia completed BA English from Stella Maris College, Chennai and graduated from IIT Gandhinagar with MA Society and Culture. For her master’s dissertation she worked on life histories to understand reconciliatory mechanisms among the Ilankai Tamil Diaspora in the United States of America (2019). For her doctoral project she continues to work on conflict and accountability in post-war Sri Lanka. Her research interests are the civil war of Sri Lanka, Memory and Narrative, Enforced disappearances and conflict-driven spatial identities.

Researcher in the field of Development Economics. BSc and MSc in Economics from University of Calcutta. Currently a doctoral student in Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. My research interest lies in the areas of Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Local Governance and Economics of Discrimination. I have also worked as a Senior Executive in Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP before joining IIT Gandhinagar. Outside academia, I am an avid chess enthusiast. At different turns of life, I have tried to become a theatre practitioner, a poet, or a fiction writer, but failed so bad that decided to become an economist instead. Nevertheless, theatre, films and novels continue to be my breathing space till date.

I completed my Bachelor’s in Sciences from the Department of Geography at Presidency University where I also continued with my MSc in Geography. As a student of social and human geography I developed a keen interest in studying and understanding various social process in the context of space and environment. I joined IIT Gandhinagar as a Master’s student in the discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences in the year 2018. Since then, my research interests has been around the idea of ethnicity and how indigenous cultures and traditions define and shape the identity of various communities. I joined PhD in the year 2021 and am currently working on inter-ethnic relationships in the eastern Himalayan hinterlands.

Cycling and movies keep me rolling and inspired.

I competed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Delhi, and have an active interest in Cognitive science (of science), Philosophy of science and engineering, and the learning sciences. Outside of work, I enjoy baking and learning new languages.

Khushboo Sahrawat joined the PhD program in Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar in May 2022. Her research explores the experiential aspects of social exclusion, approached through a multidisciplinary lens: autobiographical narratives, digital media, and network studies. Outside of academia, she leads the women’s squash team at IITGN. Khushboo holds a B.A. in English from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, and an M.A. in Society and Culture from IIT Gandhinagar.

I am a Ph.D. student at IITGN. I completed my B.A. in Economics and later pursued an M.A. in History. I am currently researching on the Food History of Maharashtra. I am a professionally trained German and Mandarin language teacher and taught for five years before joining the doctoral program. Apart from History and learning languages, I love reading mythology and courtroom dramas. I am an avid baker and love to cook. Stand-up comedy and movies are my all-time favorites.

Hi, This is Manas. I have graduated in History from Visva Bharati in 2016 and completed my Master’s in the same subject in 2018 from University of Hyderabad. I have a wide range of research interests. However, to narrow it down, I am more inclined towards Subaltern Histories and the History of Medicine. My hobbies include playing football and watching movies. I also have immense interest towards Astronomy. It is extremely difficult to name a particular book as my favourite read. However, If I have to name one, I will choose, “Pale Bule Dot- A Vision of the Human Future in Space” by Carl Sagan.

Product design, Pedagogy

A ‘Romantic’ at the core, Manoj is a doctoral student in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology – Gandhinagar. He is a casual newsreader at All India Radio in Delhi. Manoj has taught in both government and private academic and non-academic institutions. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English Honours and Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi. In his M. Phil in English from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, Garhwal University in Uttarakhand, Manoj submitted his dissertation titled “A Poststructuralist study of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.” He has also qualified the UGC NET. He also holds a post-graduate diploma in Radio and TV Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi.

Asim is an inquisitive ethnographer with a research interest in exploring the cultural heritage of indigenous communities, specifically in the borderlands of the Himalayas. He has an interest in ethnoarchaeology, crafts specialisation and sustainable heritage. His research revolves around understanding how Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) can integrate with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve sustainable solutions for living. Asim holds a master’s degree in Society and Culture from IIT Gandhinagar and a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He has authored two books, namely “Aashnai” and “Khwabon ka Karwan”. He is also interested in Urdu Poetry, Screenplay writing, and theatre. Asim loves travelling and learning new languages.

Passionate about exploring the intricate dynamics of Indigenous rights and conservation conflicts, I am motivated to uncover the nuanced relationship between humans and the environment. When not engrossed in research, I recharge with an occasional camping adventure, indulging in my love for football, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a good book or movie.

A professional social worker and public health researcher, Nilesh Vilas Thube is a doctoral student in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. His doctoral study focuses on Climate Change Impact on Vulnerable Communities in Health Perspectives in Gujarat state. He has a M.Phil degree in Planning and Development from IIT Bombay. His undergraduate and master’s degree both completed in Social Work (Medical and Psychiatric social work). Prior to joining IIT Gandhinagar, he worked at Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG) as a research consultant and contributed in several health research projects in urban, rural and tribal settings of Gujarat. He was also placed as a Research Fellow for Ahmedabad based project by University of Boon, Germany which largely focused on water and sanitation. His broad area of experience and research interests span across different aspects of Social Epidemiology such as malaria outbreak, heat wave impacts, diabetes prevalence, maternal health, sanitation, health education, social factors for communicable and non-communicable diseases, health and environment.

I have done MA and M.Phil in English language and literature. Currently, a research scholar in the field of gender studies. Research intersts include gender studies, specifically transgender studies and transgender life narratives.

MA from School of Arts & Aesthetics, JNU. BA (H) in History from St. Stephen’s College (DU) Research interests- Theatre and performance studies, Cinema studies, Philosophy

Poorva is a doctoral student from the Archeological Sciences Centre in the discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences. She completed her MA in A.I.H.C. and Archaeology from Deccan College, Pune. She has participated in excavations and explorations of archaeological sites in India as a part of her training. Her research interests include Art History, Indology, and Iconography. She is currently working on the art traditions of the Chalukyan and Hoysala dynasties as a part of her doctoral program.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in B.Sc Forensic Science from Adikavi Nannaya University, Andra Pradesh, and a Master’s degree in MA in Applied Criminology and Police Studies from Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice, Jodhpur. I am also a UGC JRF in Criminology (2022). What interests me is the breaking of the law, the making of law and the reactions towards this breaking and making. My Research interests are Green Criminology, Criminal Justice, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Human Rights.

I’m Saurabh, a doctoral student at IITGN. I earned my first Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from CSJMU Kanpur. Later, I pursued another Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Archaeology and Ancient History from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. My research interests include archaeozoology, environmental archaeology, and prehistoric cultural transitions. I have hands-on experience with collagen fingerprinting or ZooMs as a biomolecular approach to species identification of animal bones and mineralogical analysis of ceramics using XRD, SEM, and other novel methods.

Shweta Singha is a doctoral candidate in Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. She is working on understanding the intricate web of acculturation within tribal communities. Her research explores the nuanced interactions among sub-tribes, between tribes, and non-tribal communities, shedding light on how these dynamics shape identities and relationships. She holds a B.A. (H) in Geography from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and an M.A. in Urban Policy and Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She also has two years of experience in government consulting, where she was part of the Monitoring and Evaluation team at NITI Aayog for the 15th Finance Commission. If she is not on campus, you will probably find her enjoying the peace and beauty of the mountains.

Sohini has received her degree in Bachelor of Arts in English from Banaras Hindu University in 2017 and her degree in Master of Arts in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad in 2019. She is currently a first year PhD student in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her research interests include Indian English Literature, regional literature and rural narratives. In her copious free time she enjoys reading books and watching films, web series and documentaries. She has a knack for travelling and loves simple conversations over a cup of tea.

Hey! I’m Sreelakshmi, from Thrissur, Kerala. I completed my BA in Archaeology and Museology from Madras Christian College, Chennai, and my MA in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Madras. I’m a doctoral scholar at the Archaeological Sciences Centre, researching the Culinary Archaeology of Ancient Tamilakam. Before starting my doctoral journey, I had the opportunity to work with the Tamilnadu State Archaeology Department in the Kodumanal Excavation and with the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, Chennai. My academic interests include Culinary Archaeology, Public Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, Experimental Archaeology, Culinary Tourism, Archaeotourism, Museology, Field Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Megaliths, and Cultural Heritage. Outside academia, I have a deep love for videography, flower gardening, organic farming, and travelling. Cooking is another passion of mine, especially when it involves experimenting with new recipes. I’m all about that slow and sustainable vibe—taking life one step at a time and finding little ways to stay connected with nature everyday.

I am from Jharkhand. I did my Bachelor’s from Ranchi Women’s College, and Master’s from Central University of Jharkhand in English Literature. My research interests include Tribal Literature, African Literature, Anthropology of Death, Cultural Anthropology.

Tanisha is a doctoral student in Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. She has done her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in History from Presidency University, Kolkata. Having a keen interest in history, culture and politics, Tanisha is interested in cultural history and art history. She is currently working on history of Partition of 1947 and the aftermath of it. She is also a trained dancer and loves to dance and visit museums.

I am a professional social worker (Master of Social Work) graduated from Pondicherry University, Puducherry in the year 2017. The broad area of my research interest is ‘Sustainable Development’ which can be narrowed down to Indigenous Livelihood, Environment, Social Exclusion, and Inclusive Policies, Youth and Child Development, Women Empowerment, and other areas which fall under development sector. It was through my internship at NERCORMP – III (North-Eastern Community Resource Management Project – Churachandpur) that I developed the interest to do extensive research on indigenous livelihood and environment. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar.

My academic journey has been shaped by a profound interest in social issues and their intersection with everyday life. Prior to my doctoral journey, I earned an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Social Science from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Additionally, I hold an MA in Social Work from TISS Guwahati. My academic interests are particularly centred on the complex borderlands between India and Myanmar. I find myself captivated by the socio-economic dynamics, displacement, and migration patterns within these regions. Beyond the academic space, I am passionate about sports and music. I particularly enjoy playing football and badminton. Moreover, I have a keen interest in Western music and gospel music finding joy and inspiration in its diverse genres. Balancing my scholarly pursuits with these recreational activities offers me an enriching both my mind and spirit. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing insights into both my research and my personal interests.

I have completed my M.Phil in English Literature from The University of Burdwan in the year 2019. My research interests include border studies, feminist and postcolonial literature(s). I like poetry, fiction and movies. My favourite authors include Margaret Atwood, Art Spiegelman, Joe Sacco, Sadat Hasan Manto, Khaled Hosseini, Haruki Murakami, and Franz Kafka, to name a few.

Ungka received her Master’s degree in Archaeology and Heritage Management from DIHRM in 2016. In 2017, she joined the Institute of Archaeology, ASI, for a Postgraduate Diploma. She has also worked as a Research Assistant with the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam, for the World Heritage Project, Charaideo, in 2020- 2021. She has done archaeological fieldwork in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Western UP; including excavation in the site of Barnawa, Uttar Pradesh, Alichinga Tengani, Assam, and Charaideo, Assam. She has participated in lithic, bead-making, and epigraphy workshops and structural and chemical conservation training. Her research interests revolve around megalithic traditions, and she is currently working on the ethnoarchaeological aspect of it for her PhD in Arunachal Pradesh. She has developed an interest in archaeomalacology while at the Institute, which she intends to pursue further.

I love playing badminton and all outdoor activities.

Researcher in the field of Linguistic Anthropology. Masters in Linguistics from JNU. Worked with Central Institute of Indian Languages as a resource person for langauge documentation. Currently working on language ideologies and how they operate in creating and negotiating linguistic identities and associated discourses. Areas of research interest: Language endangerment and revitalisation, Plurilingualism, Pragmatics, Language structure.