Srinagar, Nov 10: The Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS), University of Kashmir (KU) began a two-day workshop on ‘Anthropology in Kashmir: Methodologies, Ethics, and Engagement for a Deeper Understanding of Kashmiri Society’ at the Main Campus on Tuesday.
The workshop aims to familiarise students and researchers with the methods and ethical considerations involved in studying society and culture.
It seeks to encourage field-based research, critical engagement with local communities and a deeper understanding of the social, cultural and lived experiences of people in Kashmir.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan said that understanding society requires careful research and meaningful engagement with communities. She emphasised the importance of documenting local experiences and perspectives through responsible academic work.
“Research must go beyond observation and engage with people’s lived experiences, respecting their voices and identities,” she said.
In his remarks Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, said that anthropology provides valuable ways of understanding social relationships and cultural practices and stressed on the need to encourage students to develop strong research skills and approach fieldwork with ethical responsibility.
In his address Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, noted that such workshops provide students and young researchers with an opportunity to engage with experienced scholars and strengthen their research approach.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Farhana Ibrahim, Social Anthropology, IIT Delhi, spoke about ethnography as a method of understanding society through close engagement with people and their everyday lives. She discussed the importance of fieldwork, observation, and building relationships with communities, while also drawing attention to the ethical responsibilities of researchers.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Director IKS KU and workshop convenor, Prof. Aijaz Ashraf Wani, said that the workshop was intended to strengthen the understanding of anthropological research methods and their relevance to studying Kashmiri society.
The abstract book and the fieldwork findings report by Anthropology students at IKS were also released on the occasion.
The inaugural session proceedings were conducted by workshop coordinator, Dr. Farrukh Faheem, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Wani, faculty members at IKS KU.
