Current Sociology PhD Students

Arvind Geetha Christo

Arvind Geetha Christo

Arvind Geetha Christo

Sociology: Development, Development-induced Displacement, Conservation-induced Displacement, social movements, rural protests, indigeneity, and ethnography.

With a Master's in Ecology and Environmental Studies from Nalanda University, India (2017), Arvind Geetha Christo has embarked on an academic journey driven by a passion for understanding the intricate relationship between society and the environment. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology at George Mason University, Arvind is committed to contributing valuable insights to the field.

During his undergraduate years, Arvind immersed himself in a transformative internship at the People’s Archive of Rural India, working under the mentorship of P. Sainath, a distinguished figure honored with The Ramon Magsaysay Award, and Namitha Waikar. Here, he conducted an ethnographic study delving into the lives of the Kattunayakan tribal community, a hunting and gathering tribe in Kerala.

Arvind's proficiency in fieldwork studies and diverse research methodologies was honed during his dissertation work at Nalanda University. The focus of his research was on the environmental dimension of the People’s Science Movement, specifically the 'Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP),' and its role in the anti-displacement movement concerning the government-sponsored Silent Valley hydroelectric project in Kerala. In addition, Arvind independently undertook research titled “Development-induced Displacement: A Case Study of Kathputli Colony in Delhi,” shedding light on the post-displacement livelihood scenario of the Jhuggi Jhopri communities. This study was conducted in the context of the Delhi Development Authorities’ in-situ rehabilitation project.

Arvind approaches his academic pursuits with a dedication to unraveling the complexities of societal and environmental dynamics. As he continues to delve into the realm of Sociology and Anthropology, Arvind aspires to contribute meaningful insights that resonate with both academic circles and the communities he engages with.

Grants and Fellowships

Sustainability Summer Fellowship 2023, Institute for a Sustainable Earth.

Sustainability Summer Fellowship 2022, Institute for a Sustainable Earth.

 

Education

Ph.D. in Sociology, George Mason University (In progress). 

M.A. in Ecology and Environmental Studies, Nalanda University, Bihar, India. 

B.A. in English Language and Literature, Prajyoti Niketan College, University of Calicut, Kerala, India. 

In the Media

https://english.madhyamam.com/kerala/non-religious-non-caste-to-enjoy-economic-reservation-in-kerala-942334

https://theprint.in/india/kerala-temple-has-a-separate-toilet-for-brahmins-removes-board-after-social-media-uproar/376774/