TISS Hyderabad faculty gets ICSSR grant for studying women in folk traditions

HYDERABAD: The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) on Friday awarded a prestigious grant to the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad faculty for a proposed study on the condition of women in various folk traditions. The grant was bestowed upon Dr. Sowjanya Tamalapakula, a faculty member at TISS Hyderabad, who leads the endeavor as Project Coordinator.

“I express my deepest gratitude to the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) for granting me the project funds for my proposed study on the condition of women in various folk traditions and the diverse (Trans)gendered identities such as Shivashaktis and Jogtas rooted in the ritualistic traditions of folk cultures. This opportunity will enable me to conduct a comprehensive exploration of the significance of these traditions, delve into the subjectivities of women within them, and digitally document the art forms and storytelling performances integral to the fabric of folk cultures and village life. Moreover, this research will allow me to explore the regional variations and similarities of folk cultures of subaltern religiosity across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka,” said Dr. Tamalapakula.

Dr. Tamalapakula, an Assistant Professor at the Hyderabad Off-Campus, believes it is paramount to study and conserve these lesser-known traditions and understand their coexistence with the larger traditions of India. The digital documentation of art forms, songs, poems, and storytelling methods will serve as a crucial step in creating a digital repository for the conservation of history and traditions, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Established in 1936, TISS is a multi-campus public University funded by the Government of India. Known for its academic excellence, TISS offers socially relevant academic programs and undertakes field action projects for social transformation, advancing the frontiers of knowledge through high-quality social research that impacts policies and programs. A pioneer in developing a unique pedagogy involving classroom learning blended with supervised field-based training and capstone projects, the Institute fosters critical thinking, people- centeredness, and innovation in all its activities. TISS has long been dedicated to championing social justice, promoting gender equity, and defending the rights of marginalized communities across India.

“For me personally, TISS has not only provided an intellectually stimulating environment but has also empowered me to serve rural communities with utmost commitment and diligence,” Dr. Tamalapakula concludes.