Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR)

Profile

I conduct research in the field of international development, and have a particular interest in the dynamics of social movements and nonviolent conflict resolution. My current research focuses on active frames of nonviolence in the Tibetan freedom movement, while previous publications have included analyses of religion and social justice in the anti-caste struggle in India. Past research has also included educational and gender issues in India.

Qualifications

• MSc (Distinction) in Anthropology and Development (LSE)
• BA (Hons) in Sociology and English (University of Newcastle)

Research Clusters

• International Development Studies and Security Issues (IDSSC)
• Women’s and Gender Studies

Discipline Areas

• International Development 
• Anthropology
• Area Studies

Research CV

Current Research Projects

• PhD on the Tibetan freedom movement and nonviolent conflict resolution

Journal Articles

• Forthcoming (with Bradley, T.) ‘The people know they need religion in order to develop’: Religion’s capacity to inspire in Pune’s slums. European Journal of Development Research.
• 2012 (with Rew, M. (first author)) ‘Pro-poor? Class, gender and authority in faith-based education in Maharashtra.’ Development in Practice 22: 5-6.
• 2012 (with Bradley, T.) ‘Buddhist Engagements with Social Justice: A Comparison between Tibetan exiled Buddhists in Dharamsala and Dalit Buddhists of Pune.’ Economic and Political Weekly 47: 1.

Book Chapters

• Forthcoming (with Bradley, T.) ‘The place of practical spirituality in the lives of Dalit Buddhists in Pune’ in Zene, C, (ed) The Political Philosophies of Antonio Gramsci and B. R. Ambedkar: Itineraries of Subalterns and Dalits. Routledge Advances in South Asian Studies.

Papers Given

• 2011 ‘Strategic fundamentalism: connections between poverty, gender and Hindu nationalism’ at The Centre for the Study of Religion, Conflict and Cooperation Conference ‘The Power of Religion: Towards Peace and Moderation or Violence and Extremism?’ London Metropolitan University.
• 2010 ‘Buddhist Engagements with Social Justice’ at the Development Studies Association (DSA) Conference ‘Development Paths: Values, Ethics and Morality.’ Westminster, London.
• 2010 ‘Religious and spiritual capital in Buddhist faith-based-development’ at the International Association of the History of Religions (IAHR) Conference ‘Religion: a Human Phenomenon.’ University of Toronto, Canada.
• 2010 ‘Caste and Buddhist identity in the development context: views from Pune.’ Religions and Development Research Programme Conference. University of Birmingham.
• 2010 ‘Buddhism and development in two Indian communities’ at the Religions and Development Research Programme Research Seminar. Manuski Centre, Pune, India.
• 2010 ‘Religious Values and Development: a Study of Buddhism(s)’ at the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies Conference ‘Plural Societies and Imperatives of Development: Religions, Communities, Citizenship.’ Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India.
• 2007 ‘Women’s empowerment and religion in India’ at the Human Development and Capabilities Association Conference ‘Faith and Development.’ London Muslim Centre, Whitechapel, London.

Other Publications

• 2011 (with Bradley, T.)  Working Paper 51: ‘Relationships between Hindu religious teachings, values and concepts of development.’ The Religions and Development Research Programme. DFID/University of Birmingham.

Relevant Positions

• Research associate, 2007 – 2010: DFID/ University of Birmingham: ‘Religions and Development Research Programme.’