Development Studies: Developing innovative, evidence-based solutions to transform implementation efforts that promote sustainable development among India’s unique communities. Researchers explore these areas through: empirical studies, data analysis, modeling, and simulation techniques to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of different strategies and interventions. Key areas of investigation within the sustainable development research track include: Gender-based inequality Renewable energy systems Sustainable agriculture Circular economy Eco-innovation Climate change mitigation and adaptation Biodiversity conservation Sustainable urban planning Social equity
Our vision is to pioneer innovative research methodologies and solutions that foster sustainable community development, empowering diverse populations in India.
Mission: Advance Research Excellence: Conduct multidisciplinary studies, harnessing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to address complex societal challenges.
Collaborative Engagement: Forge partnerships with local communities, stakeholders, and global entities to co-create impactful solutions, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Knowledge Dissemination: Disseminate research findings through accessible channels, empowering communities with actionable insights and tools to drive positive change. Capacity Building: Empower local leaders and organizations by providing training, resources, and support, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience. Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Uphold ethical standards and promote sustainable practices in all research endeavors, prioritizing long-term community well-being.
Women’s Empowerment & Skill Development
Sustainable Livelihood & Community Resilience
Sustainable Livelihood: Skills, Policy, Governance, Social Change
Skill Development & Migration
Sustainability & Resilient Communities
Dr. Christopher Coley
TAG Lead
Social Sciences Research Lead, Amrita Institute for Advanced Research, Chicago, USA
Assistant Professor
School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Research interests: Anti-Poverty Interventions; Women’s Empowerment; Environmental Ethics; Vulnerability and Risk; Communities of Practice; Computerized Vocational Education and Training; Life Enrichment Education
christopher@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Kanagaraj Saminathan
TAG Co-Lead
Assistant Professor
Research Interests: Disability Issues, Disaster Management, GIS & Rural Development, Social Welfare Policy, Sustainable Rural Development, Women Empowerment, Youth Development
s_kangaraj@cb.amrita.edu
Kripa Gressel
Research Associate
Research Interests: Gender Studies, Personal and Social Values, Sustainable Development and Gender
kripag@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Srividya Sheshadri
Associate Director, Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Research Interests: Implementation Science for Community Development, Education, and Empowerment; Vocational Education and Life Skills Training; Exploring Applications of Social Data Science
srividyasheshadri@am.amrita.edu
Aswathi P.
Research Associate
Research Interests: Data Strategies and Tools; Computational Social Science; Data Value Chains; Knowledge Systems; Data Science; Machine Learning
aswathip@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Bhavani R. Rao
Dean
School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Director of AMMACHI Labs and the Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Research Interests: Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality; Learning Technologies; Vocational and Educational Training; AI and Robotics for Social Good; Disaster Risk Management
bhavani@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Sonali Pattnaik
Post Doc
Research Interests: Women’s Empowerment and Skill Development, Implementation Science for Community Development, Sustainable Development
sonalip@am.amrita.edu
Radhika Mohan
Research Associate
Research Interests: Resilience in Women, Family Well-Being, Safety and Security
radhikamohan@am.amrita.edu
Bhanu V. R.
Research Associate
Research Interests:
Community Development Implementation Sciences, Data Science, Mental and Community Health, Self-Help Groups
bhanuvr@am.amrita.edu
Nisanth M.
Faculty Associate
Research Interests: Child Rights & Child Development, Labour Issues, Urban Community Development
nisanthm@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Vivek Subramoniam
Lecturer
Research Interests: Social Work, Spirituality, Urban Studies & Habitat Studies
viveks@am.amrita.edu
T. Sathishkumar
Lecturer at the Department of Social Work
Coimbatore
Research Interests: Climate Change, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, NGO Management, Rural and Urban Programmes, Social Welfare
t_sathishkumar@cb.amrita.edu
Dr. Yamuna N. K.
Assistant Professor
Research Interests: Education, Skill Development, Rural Development, Self-Help Groups
yamunank@am.amrita.edu
Dr. Nimita Pandey
Assistant Professor
Social Data Science & Policy Dept, SSBS, Faridabad
Research Interests: Innovation Studies; Science & Technology Policy, Emerging Technologies & Sustainable Development; Feminist Science
nimitapandey@dl.amrita.edu
Dr. Drishti Marwaha
Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
Research Interests: Women’s empowerment, women and healthcare, health economics, gender economics
drishti.marwaha@ammachilabs.org
Shambhavi Susan Witt, MSW.
Senior Counsultant, Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, School of Social and Behavioural Science, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Research Interests: Social Work Administration Policy and Planning; Community Organizing; Gerontology; Self-determination and advocacy; Volunteerism and Volunteer Administration; Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality; Sustainable Livelihoods; Spirituality and Quality of Life.
shambavi.susan@ammachilabs.org
The Development Studies TAG is committed to exploring the intersection between national sustainable development objectives and pervasive social inequalities that impact the most vulnerable populations. While the focus is on the Indian and Global South context, there are universal applications. Further, as with all Amrita initiatives, the TAG researchers and associated Amrita departments will explore these commitments within dedicated projects and initiatives, whether as part of Amrita’s ongoing work in the Village Adoption projects, disaster relief work, or the ever-expanding M.A. Math humanitarian works. With this as the frame, the following research questions are proposed to guide the TAG:
Research Questions:
- How do gender-based inequalities impact the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives in India’s diverse communities, and what strategies can enhance women’s empowerment and skill development?
- What are the socio-economic and environmental impacts of adopting circular economy principles in India’s renewable energy and sustainable agriculture sectors?
- How can skill development programs and migration policies be optimized to promote sustainable livelihoods and community resilience in rural and urban areas of India?
- How can social equity be integrated into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while fostering resilient communities in India?
Impact Assessment of WADI:
The WADI project has helped to strengthen sustainable rural community income generation via agri-horti-forestry using the latest technologies.
- Using participatory approaches, the design and implementation of the project reflect the specific needs of the population by engaging all members in implementation.
- Existing collaborations are through the GOI National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, local NGO’s, and other Amrita departments.
- Future project expansion would benefit from national and global think-tanks and Policy consultants who can assist in translating WADI best practices into scalable policy and programme recommendations.
SDG Contributions: The project actively contributes to SDG 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, and 15. The primary contribution is to SDG 6- Safe Water and Sanitation and SDG 13- Climate action: via mass afforestation, sustainable agri-business, and addressing human-animal coexistence.
Impact Assessment of WISE
The WISE project advances women’s empowerment by improving water quality, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable development.
- Real-time, reliable data collected on water quality, particularly in low-resource communities.
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and enhanced governance within the water sector, and supporting the government to invest resources in water infrastructure.
- Future impact: Positive impact in the daily lives of hundreds of millions of households in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly women and girls who often bear the responsibility of water procurement, storage, and treatment.
SDG Contributions: SDG 5; SDG 6: Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water.
Impact Assessment of the Seaweed Project
The SEAWEED project empowers women and women’s groups through Amrita’s integrated vocational training approach focused on the blue economy and seaweed harvesting/processing.
- Successfully trained 64 women across 16 communities in sustainable seaweed farming.
- Over 10,000 kg of seaweed harvested, generating a total income of ₹1,93,960 for participants.
- 30 women received certifications from NSDC, enhancing their credentials and employability.
- Training in value-added product development, strengthening local stakeholder support, including government bodies, vendors, and research institutions.
- Future: Blue is the New Pink: Women Driving Sustainable Seaweed Cultivation and Climate Solutions that will focus on seaweed cultivation, seagrass meadows restoration and conservation, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture
SDG Contributions: SDG 5 (Gender Equlity), 8 (Decent Work), 14 (Life Below Water).
