Indigenous Paradigm Matters: Reflections on the Doctoral Research Seminar

On 28 June 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, hostedan engaging session of its Doctoral Research Seminar Series, featuring Ms. Ringngheti Khenglawt,  a Research Scholar in Sociology at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore. Her academic interests span soap opera studies, ideology, gender, tribal studies, and popular culture, with a particular focus on the Mizo community. She has published several works examining the intersections of culture, identity, and media.

Her work reflects a commitment to understanding and representing indigenous perspectives, and she continues to contribute to the field through her research on indigenous methodologies, such as employing Titi as a method in Mizo studies. Her presentation, “Indigenous Paradigm Matters: Claiming Titi as a Method in Mizo Research”, offered profound insights into the epistemological and methodological significance of indigenous approaches in social research.

The seminar foregrounded Titi—a Mizo mode of conversation, humor, and the act of doing—as an indigenous methodological tool. Far from being trivial or informal, Titi emerged as a powerful entry point into Mizo knowledge systems, illuminating how oral traditions, humor, and relational accountability shape ways of knowing. In positioning Titi as method, Khenglawt challenged dominant Western paradigms of detached objectivity, underscoring the ethical imperative of research that is accountable to the community it represents.

What stood out was her emphasis on researcher positionality. As an insider to the Mizo community, she illustrated how her identity, relationships, and cultural embeddedness enabled interviews that unfolded in natural storytelling forms. This reflexive stance blurred the rigid lines between “researcher” and “researched,” urging us to rethink knowledge production not as extraction but as a relational, reciprocal practice.

Two key cases reinforced this paradigm:

• Tlawmngaihna (respect, reciprocity, and responsibility) as the moral fabric of Mizo life, highlighting indigenous ethics in fieldwork.

• Titi and humor as central to social life and research practice, showing how playful engagement carries serious cultural meaning.

The session also opened space for broader decolonial reflections. Indigeneity, as articulated by Ms. Khenglawt, is not merely an identity marker but a liberating epistemic force—rooted in struggle, community, and relational knowledge. It is at once resistant to colonial epistemologies and generative of new modes of inquiry that move beyond decolonisation toward emancipation.

For participants, especially those researching outside their own cultural contexts, the session was deeply humbling. It raised critical questions of responsibility, reflexivity, and giving back. The speaker’s reminder—“You as a researcher represent Mizo outside the land—know it and let it be known”—echoed as both an ethical call and a methodological anchor.

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) is focused on curating such intellectually vibrant spaces where postgraduate students can engage with grounded, context-specific methodologies. The seminar not only demystified indigenous research approaches but also made the research process more approachable, relevant, and ethically sensitive.

As we left the hall, what lingered was not just an academic takeaway, but a reminder: research is not neutral—it is always situated. And in that situatedness lies both our responsibility and our opportunity to practice sociology with sensitivity, humility, and criticality.

Exploring Gender and Emotions through Cinema: Screening and Discussion of Trevor (1994)

On 25th June 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted a movie screening and interactive session on the short film Trevor (1994), led by Dr. Sushma V. Murthy, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies. The session formed part of the department’s larger academic commitment to critical engagement with gender, identity, and social structures, drawing together students, Ph.D. scholars, and faculty members in a reflective dialogue.

The Academy Award–winning short film Trevor narrates the life of a 13-year-old boy who struggles with self-acceptance, same-sex desire, and rejection in a heteronormative environment. At once poignant and unsettling, the film foregrounds the themes of queerness, vulnerability, bullying, and the search for belonging. Its cinematic narrative provided a fertile ground for discussions around the intersections of gender, emotions, and cultural norms.

In her address, Dr. Murthy situated the film within a gender studies framework, foregrounding the idea of feeling “unhomely” within one’s body when societal expectations conflict with individual identity. She highlighted how emotions are deeply gendered, shaped by cultural scripts that valorize certain forms of masculinity while marginalizing tenderness, aesthetic sensitivity, and emotional openness in boys.

Her reflections emphasized that queerness must be understood not merely as a matter of sexual orientation but as encompassing broader emotional and expressive dimensions. This approach allowed participants to recognize how social structures frequently repress non-normative forms of expression, particularly in adolescence, where identity formation is at its most fragile.

The open conversation invited contributions from both students and faculty. Students reflected on the need for inclusive queer spaces and greater sensitization around gender issues. Notably, Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu (Department of Sociology) shared her insights around the evolving use of pronouns, underscoring how even within academic spaces, language becomes a site of negotiation and eventual transformation.

The session concluded with Dr. Suparna Mazumdar Kar, Head of the Department of Sociology, who underscored the importance of such engagements in bridging theory, empathy, and lived realities.

This event not only illuminated the psychosocial dimensions of gender identity and emotional well-being but also demonstrated the pedagogical power of cinema in social sciences. By situating Trevor within critical discussions on heteronormativity, toxic masculinity, and queer affirmation, the session deepened participants’ understanding of the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

The discussion further pointed towards the institutional responsibility of creating emotionally safe and inclusive environments, where individuals of diverse gender identities can flourish without stigma. In doing so, it reflected the department’s continuing commitment to critical pedagogy, social justice, and the cultivation of empathetic scholarship.

Embracing Wellness Through Yoga: Session by Dr. Aiswarya V R

On 18th June 2025, the Department of Sociology, organized an engaging orientation session titled “Embrace Wellness through Yoga Techniques” to mark the International Day of Yoga 2025. The event was conducted in Room C907, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, with 44 student participants in attendance.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Aiswarya V R (MSc, PhD), Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. With her expertise in psychology and student wellness, Dr. Aiswarya guided students through both the philosophy and practice of yoga, weaving together ancient wisdom with contemporary lifestyle needs.

The workshop was built around the Five Points of Yoga, a holistic framework that emphasizes:

1. Proper Exercise (Asana) – to keep the body flexible and strong.

2. Proper Breathing (Prāṇāyāma) – to enhance energy and focus.

3. Proper Relaxation (Śavāsana) – to reduce stress and refresh the mind.

4. Proper Diet (Balanced Nutrition) – to support overall health.

5. Positive Thinking and Meditation – to nurture emotional balance and inner clarity.

Students actively participated in gentle stretches, forward bends, and Trikonasana, while also practicing synchronized breathing techniques. Dr. Aiswarya further guided them through relaxation and mindfulness exercises, enabling participants to experience stress relief and improved bodily awareness in real time.

The session highlighted that yoga is not merely a fitness routine but a way of life, encouraging balance, self-awareness, and resilience. Students discovered how adopting yogic principles could support them in managing academic stress, emotional challenges, and lifestyle balance.

Feedback from the participants reflected that the session was calming, purposeful, and enriching, leaving many with a renewed perspective on integrating wellness practices into their daily routines.

The theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” served as a reminder that personal well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of society and the environment. By introducing students to yoga in the very beginning of their academic journey, the session underscored how education at CHRIST is not only about intellectual growth but also about nurturing the whole person—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of Sociology reaffirms its commitment to fostering holistic student development. In collaboration with the Department of Psychology, it continues to provide platforms where wellness, reflection, and academic rigor go hand in hand. Such sessions prepare students not only to succeed academically but also to navigate life with mindfulness, resilience, and social responsibility.

From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume

On June 14, 2025, the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted a highly engaging and insightful session titled “From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume.” The session was led by Ms. Suvira Srivastav, Professor of Practice at CHRIST University and former Publishing Director at Springer Nature, whose distinguished career spans over two decades in academic publishing and editorial leadership across global platforms.

Ms. Srivastav drew upon her vast experience to demystify the process of creating an edited volume, walking participants through each stage—from ideation and conceptualization to dissemination and impact. She elaborated on the distinctive role of edited volumes in academia, emphasizing how they serve as intellectual spaces that foster collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and critical engagement.

The discussion covered practical aspects such as:

• Structuring a call for chapters and framing it around a coherent theme.

• Curating contributors and ensuring academic diversity and quality.

• Managing peer review processes with fairness and transparency.

• Editorial strategies for balancing scholarly rigor with accessibility.

• The ethics of academic authorship and maintaining integrity in publishing.

Ms. Srivastav also addressed the broader ecosystem of academic publishing, reflecting on knowledge management, scholarly communication, and the evolving dynamics of global publishing platforms. Her reflections provided participants, particularly early career researchers, with clarity on how to move beyond the thesis and conceptualize their work for a wider scholarly readership.

For postgraduate students and emerging scholars, the session was both practical and inspiring. It offered a roadmap to navigate the complexities of academic publishing while underscoring the importance of collaboration, originality, and ethical responsibility. Many participants noted how the session illuminated the challenges and opportunities of editing scholarly collections, making the process more approachable and purposeful.

The Department of Sociology recognizes that academic publishing is a critical component of research training. Sessions like this align with our commitment to capacity-building, interdisciplinary knowledge creation, and preparing students for global research landscapes. By bridging theory with practice, this seminar reaffirmed the value of equipping young scholars with editorial and publishing skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“From Concept to Publication: A Guide to Edited Volume” was more than a technical workshop—it was a reflection on the power of academic collaboration and the ways in which publishing can shape disciplines, conversations, and communities of knowledge. The Department extends its gratitude to Ms. Suvira Srivastav for generously sharing her expertise and to all faculty and students who participated with such enthusiasm.

As the academic community at CHRIST continues to grow, we look forward to hosting more such initiatives that empower students to envision their research as meaningful contributions to global scholarly discourse.

Discussion Forum on "Justice in a Warming World: Kerala’s Climate Conversations"

 

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) organized a thought-provoking Discussion Forum titled "Justice in a Warming World: Kerala’s Climate Conversations" on the occasion of World Environment Day 2025. The event brought together the PG students, PhD scholars, and faculty to engage critically with the intersections of climate change, environmental justice, and policy. The session began with a warm welcome address by Rohitkrishna A, student council representative from 3MSOC, setting the tone for the discussions to follow. This was followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Anjali, PhD Scholar in the department. The forum was facilitated by Dr. Maya M, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, who opened the dialogue by sharing insights from her extensive fieldwork in Kerala, particularly with NGOs and tribal communities involved in eco-restoration initiatives. Drawing attention to the vulnerability of riverine ecosystems and referencing the Global Risk Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, she highlighted the growing ecological risks facing regions like Kerala. Dr. Maya presented a five-point framework to explain how human societies contribute to their own ecological and social degradation, three of which directly relate to environmental issues: environmental damage, climate change, and the structural inability of societies to respond effectively to environmental challenges. Using Kerala as a focal point, she discussed the state's geographical sensitivities, citing the Wayanad landslides as a warning about the region’s carrying capacity. The discussion also examined bureaucratic inefficiencies, policy gaps, and the tension between political interests and ecological priorities. She offered a critical analysis of the 2018 Kerala floods, characterizing it as a man-made disaster, and emphasized the urgent need for Integrated Water Resource Management. Further, the dialogue explored how policy framing shapes ecological crisis management and questioned the role of various stakeholders, including the state, local bodies, NGOs, and communities, in fostering environmental justice. A key takeaway was the need to address climate change not just as an environmental issue but as a matter of social and ecological sustainability. A short, impactful video presentation illustrated human contributions to ecological degradation, setting the stage for a reflective closing by Dr. Maya, who stressed the collective responsibility to prevent and manage ecological crises. The session concluded with an engaging Q\&A segment, where participants discussed tangible action models such as sustainable community development, and the role of local governance structures, including panchayats, civil society, and government agencies, in building resilience. The event ended with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Rohitkrishna A, marking the conclusion of an insightful and timely conversation on justice and climate change.