Articles on My research

Friendships and “research methods”

Published by Vivek September 17th, 2009 in My research. 0 Comments

The temptation and pressure to confirm in one’s research topic is tremendous – especially if you are a PhD student. In the course of the last 3 years many of my friends have asked me to include some quantitative element in my research. When I tell them that it does not suit my [...]

My dissertation question

Published by Vivek November 23rd, 2008 in My research. 0 Comments

When it comes to provision of basic amenities India performs badly by any account. Roads, electricity, water, schools, primary health, nutrition programmes, other amenities most basic to people today are poorly provided in most parts of India. Facilities that exist too are badly maintained and are often dysfunctional. While this is true [...]

Overview of institutional change in Tamil Nadu & Governance

Published by Vivek November 23rd, 2008 in Governance, India and My research. 0 Comments

An overview of institutional changes in Tamil Nadu over two centuries that explains the state’s relatively good governance
Myron Weiner argued that India’s failure in providing universal education was due to the hierarchical mindset of the elite politicians and bureaucrats who did not consider it essential for children from the lower castes to be educated. [...]

On narrowing focus for dissertation proposal

Published by Vivek April 30th, 2007 in Academic Themes, My research and Naan fiction. 0 Comments

One of the biggest challenges in writing a proposal is to narrow down our interests to choose a topic
In three days, I would have defended my dissertaion proposal, and it feels good to think that I’ll get it out of my way. It looks like the proposal is one of the biggest time killers among [...]

Papers and Reports I was involved in

Published by Vivek February 21st, 2007 in Books, articles & talks, My research, Naan fiction, Right to Food Campaign, Right to food and Social Movements. 0 Comments

The right to food has been my main academic preoccupation so far. The following are some of my pieces (many co-authored) on various themes surrounding the issue.
Citizens’ Initiative for the Rights of Children Under Six. 2006. Focus on children under six. Delhi: Circus.
This report looks at the status of children under six, and the [...]