Publications

Can local knowledge help uncover the hidden lives of elusive wildlife? Focusing on pangolins in Assam, this study explores how Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and community-held environmental values can inform the conservation of cryptic and threatened species. Drawing on insights from forest-dwelling communities, the research demonstrates that LEK is a powerful tool for detecting species that are otherwise difficult to monitor, with experience and age shaping recognition. At the same time, prevailing values linked to hunting and trade reveal complex conservation challenges. By bridging ecological knowledge with human values, this study highlights the need for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to conserving cryptic and threatened species.

The remarkable story of Kinnal toys, a unique and cherished handcrafted art form, can be traced back to the 15th century, coinciding with the glorious reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in southern India.  

In school classrooms, girls often do well in science-sometimes exceptionally well. They score high, answer confidently, and speak about careers in medicine, research, or environmental science with genuine enthusiasm. Yet as the academic funnel narrows, something shifts. By the time science reaches its more demanding spaces-research laboratories, doctoral programmes, institutional leadership-many of these young women are no longer there.Women are often excluded from high-visibility assignments or leadership roles on the assumption that they may not be “available.” 

Jeevika is a community-driven initiative on resilience at the intersection of multidimensional poverty and cross-border risk in North Bihar. Effective disaster risk reduction relies on community-led initiatives that leverage local knowledge and social capital to build lasting resilience. This blog post highlights that fostering grassroots action is essential for proactive adaptation and long-term safety.