Governing Council
Prof. V. Narayana Reddy, President.
Prof. V. Narayana Reddy is a renowned Professor of
Anthropology at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, and the Founder
Registrar of Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore. With an academic career
that includes roles as Associate Professor, Professor, and Registrar, Prof.
Reddy has made significant contributions to anthropology and higher education.
He earned his Ph.D. in Social-Cultural Anthropology from S.V. University,
focusing on the sacred complex of Tirumala Tirupati, and holds an M.A. with
first rank from the same institution. His scholarly work includes four
published books on development and empowerment, and he has led major research
projects funded by UGC, ISRO, and UNDP. Prof. Reddy’s leadership is marked by
his successful tenure as Dean of Resource Mobilization, where he enhanced
university infrastructure and academic programs. As Registrar, he was
instrumental in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and establishing
research facilities. Honored with the Andhra Pradesh State Best Teacher Award
and a national accolade from the India International Friendship Society, Prof.
Reddy is a distinguished candidate for Chairman/Vice-Chairman of the Andhra
Pradesh State Council of Higher Education.
Dr. Gandikota Ananda, Vice-President.
Dr. Gandikota Ananda is a
distinguished Social Development and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
Expert with over 17 years of experience at Feedback Ventures. Currently, he
leads various high-impact projects including the Output and Performance Based
Road Contract (OPRC) in Punjab, which spans 203.68 km of road improvements
funded by the World Bank. Dr. Ananda’s role involves preparing comprehensive
environmental and social reports, managing clearances, and ensuring compliance
with national and international guidelines. He has significantly contributed to
the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Programme (NCRMP), focusing on the
preparation and updating of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks
(ESMFs) and guiding State Project Implementation Units (PIUs) on environmental
and social management. Dr. Ananda’s expertise extends to socio-economic
assessments, resettlement planning, and public consultation. His past roles
include senior positions at SPAN/SNC-Lavalin in Ethiopia and Nios Web, where he
managed social impact assessments and development projects. His academic
background includes a Ph.D., M.A., and M.Ed., specializing in social
anthropology and development.
Prof. Bartholomew Crispin Dean, Vice-President.
Bartholomew Dean (Oxford MPhil, Harvard PhD) is an associate
professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Kansas and a
research associate of KU’s Laboratory of Biological Anthropology. He is also a
research affiliate at the Universidad Nacional de San Martín (Tarapoto, Peru),
where he directs the Anthropology Section of the Regional Museum. Additionally,
Dean serves as a Contributing Editor for Lowland South America in the U.S.
Library of Congress’ Handbook of Latin American Studies. His research
interests include the ethnology of the Peruvian Amazon, health, human rights,
political anthropology, social theory, and ethics. Dean has published widely,
including his notable works Urarina Society, Cosmology, and History in
Peruvian Amazonia (2009, 2013), a co-edited book, numerous articles, and
several textbooks. He is currently working on a monograph that explores social
trauma associated with political violence and civil unrest in the bajo (lower)
Huallaga Region of Peruvian Amazonia. Beyond his academic pursuits, Dean is
actively involved in human rights advocacy, contributing to the
understanding and promotion of indigenous rights and social justice.
Prof. Barnabas Danborno, Vice-President.
Prof. Barnabas Danborno, an esteemed scholar and leader,
holds a B.Sc. in Anatomy from the University of Maiduguri (1992) and has
significantly contributed to the field since joining Ahmadu Bello University in
1994. He earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Anatomy from the same institution,
completing his doctorate in 2008. Prof. Danborno is well-versed in diverse
academic areas, including gross anatomy, embryology, cell biology, genetics,
and biological anthropology. His dedication to teaching has seen him develop
and lead courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, fostering the
next generation of scientists. A notable highlight of his career is his
research on the biology of the Nigerian population using anthropological and
genetic approaches. Prof. Danborno’s extensive publication record includes over
100 scientific articles, and he serves on editorial boards for several
biomedical journals. His excellence in academia is matched by his leadership
roles, including President of the Anatomical Society of Nigeria and Vice
President of the Nigerian Society of Human Genetics. A passionate advocate for
STEM education, he co-founded STEM4GirlsNigeria, encouraging young women to
pursue careers in science and technology.
Dr. Pedarattaiah Gadde, General Secretary.
Dr. Pedarattaiah Gadde is a distinguished leader with
extensive experience in the religious and nonprofit sectors, specializing in
character advocacy, leadership coaching, and public speaking. He holds M.A.,
M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Anthropology from the University of Hyderabad,
where he developed a profound understanding of human societies and cultures. In
2002, Dr. Gadde founded PEACEMAKERS, a voluntary service agency dedicated to
promoting peace and community development. Building on this foundation, he
established the Global Peacemakers Fellowship and Global Peacemakers Alliance
in 2011, aiming to foster global collaboration for peace and social justice.
Dr. Gadde’s commitment to ethical leadership led to the creation of the
International Institute of Character Competencies (IICC) in 2018, focusing on
character development and ethical training to empower children, youth, and
adults to positively influence the world. In 2021, he founded the
Anthropological Association for Humankind (AAfH), leveraging anthropological
knowledge to address contemporary human challenges. He also played a key role
in establishing the International Institute of Anthropological Applications
(IIAA), a platform dedicated to undertaking issue-based anthropological
research and applying anthropological insights to solve practical problems. Dr.
Gadde’s initiatives continue to impact communities by promoting ethical
leadership and social harmony.
Prof. Anil Kishore Sinha, Joint Secretary.
Dr. Anil Kishore Sinha, born on October 5, 1958, is a
distinguished anthropologist with an extensive academic and research
background. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Ranchi University,
specializing in applied and action anthropology. Dr. Sinha’s teaching career
spans several decades, from lecturer roles to his current position as a
Professor at Panjab University, Chandigarh. He has authored 12 books and
published 113 research articles, contributing significantly to the field of
anthropology. His research interests include tribal societies, health and
disease, and socio-cultural dynamics. Dr. Sinha has successfully guided 17
doctoral scholars and 19 M.Phil. scholars, nurturing the next generation of
anthropologists. His research work has been supported by prestigious
organizations, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the University Grants
Commission. Dr. Sinha’s contributions extend beyond academia, addressing
pressing socio-cultural and health issues within India and globally. His dedication
to anthropology and his extensive body of work have made him a respected figure
in his field.
Dr. Ramesh Devarakonda, Joint-Secretary.
Dr. Ramesh Devarakonda is an esteemed Associate Professor at
the Department of Anthropology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India. He has
been a dedicated member of the faculty since 2000, specializing in social and
cultural anthropology. Dr. Devarakonda earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from
Andhra University in 2019, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence
and research. His research primarily focuses on the diverse tribal communities
of Andhra Pradesh, exploring their healthcare delivery systems, nutritional
status, educational levels, and socio-cultural factors influencing development.
Between 2017 and 2021, Dr. Devarakonda authored several journal articles,
including those published in The Oriental Anthropologist and Studies
of Tribes and Tribals. He has actively contributed to notable research
projects funded by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the UGC, New Delhi,
investigating topics such as the ethnographic study of the Mali community and
the impact of welfare programs on tribal development. In recognition of his
leadership, Dr. Devarakonda serves as Joint Secretary of the Anthropological
Association for Humankind (AAH) and has held key positions in departmental
committees at Andhra University.
Dr. Gorantla Thirupal, Treasurer.
Dr. Gorantla Thirupal is a distinguished professional with a
rich educational background and vast experience in public service. He holds a
B.Sc. in Botany, Geology, and Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Law degree, both
from S.V. University, Tirupati. Thirupal further enhanced his expertise with an
M.A. in Social Cultural Anthropology, a Ph.D. in Anthropology from S.V.
University, Tirupati, and a Higher Diploma in Cooperation from I.C.M.,
Hyderabad. His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his training
certificates in Disaster Management from S.I.R.D., Hyderabad, Urban Planning
and Management from M.C.R.H.R.D., and Promotion of Small Enterprises from
Durham University, United Kingdom. Dir.Thirupal’s professional journey includes
significant roles such as Divisional Cooperative Officer in Tenali, Project
Officer for the Overseas Development Administration in Vijayawada, and District
Cooperative Audit Officer in Guntur. He has served as Regional Manager of the
Andhra Pradesh Housing Federation in Kadapa, CEO of Jilla Parishad in Karnal
district, and Joint Registrar at the Legal and Vigilance Cell in Hyderabad. His
career culminated as the Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
Prof. P. D. Satya Pal Kumar, Executive Member.
Dr. P. D. Satya Pal Kumar is a Professor of Anthropology at Andhra University,
specializing in the study of social inequality, caste and tribe dynamics,
cultural capital, nomadic communities, and democracy and human rights. With a
strong academic presence, his research interests focus on exploring the social
and cultural structures that shape and influence Indian society. Dr. Pal’s
notable works include investigations into volume exclusion influences in the
spectral characteristics of DNA-amino acid complexes, and the effects of macromolecular
crowding on DNA-protein interactions, which have been published in reputable
journals such as Vibrational Spectroscopy and the Journal of
Fluorescence. His research extends beyond the laboratory, examining
cultural and social dynamics in India, highlighted by his studies on Ambedkar’s
exploration of cultural capital and the politics of exclusion, published in
journals like The Eastern Anthropologist and The IUP Journal of
History and Culture. Though his academic email is not verified, Dr. Pal’s contributions
to understanding the intersections of science and society position him as a
significant figure in contemporary anthropological and sociological research
Prof. Ravindranath Duggirala. Executive Member.
Prof. Ravindranath Duggirala is a renowned professor at the
Department of Health and Behavioural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences,
Texas A&M University-San Antonio. With a robust background in health and
behavioural sciences, he has significantly contributed to understanding the
complex interplay between genetics, environment, and health outcomes. Prof.
Duggirala’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including
epidemiology, public health, and behavioural sciences, with a particular focus
on the genetic and environmental factors influencing health disparities. He has
published extensively in prestigious international journals, sharing
groundbreaking insights that bridge the gap between behavioural science and
public health. Prof. Duggirala’s commitment to research excellence is evident
in his mentorship of numerous doctoral and MPhil scholars, fostering the next
generation of health and behavioural scientists. His contributions have been
recognized through various awards and grants, highlighting his dedication to
advancing knowledge in his field. As a thought leader, Prof. Duggirala
regularly presents his findings at international conferences, bringing
attention to critical issues in health and behavioural sciences, and continues
to inspire both colleagues and students alike.
Prof. Ruma Purkait,
Prof. Ruma Purkait is a distinguished academic currently
serving as the Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology at the
University of Allahabad. She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Delhi University and
a D.Sc. from Dr. H.S. Gour University, along with a qualification in Human
Rights for Open Societies from Utrecht University. Prof. Purkait specializes in
forensic anthropology, disaster victim identification, biometrics, human growth
and development, dermatoglyphics, and human osteometry. Her expertise has
earned her numerous accolades, including the International Young Investigator’s
Award by the International Association of Forensic Sciences in Tokyo (1996) and
a Visiting Fellowship at the University of Central Lancashire, UK (2009).
Nationally, she has received the V.B. Sahai Award from the Indian Academy of
Forensic Medicine (2001) and the UGC Research Award (2004). Prof. Purkait holds
a patent for an anthropometric tool and has led several notable projects,
including collaborations with the Federal Police of Belgium. Her scholarly
contributions include chapters in four books and nearly 50 journal articles,
presented at various international and national conferences.
Dr. Aneel V. B. Babu,
Dr. Aneel V. B. Babu is a distinguished anthropologist with
extensive expertise in development studies, public policy, and social research.
He holds an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of
Hyderabad, where his doctoral research, supervised by R. Siva Prasad, examined
the emergence of aquaculture and its impact on agrarian relations in a coastal
village of Andhra Pradesh. His work provides in-depth insights into the
socio-cultural dynamics of development and policy implementation.
Dr. Babu has had a significant career in public service and
research, previously serving as Deputy Director at the National Institute of
Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), Regional Centre, Mohali. He
has been instrumental in shaping public cooperation and child development
programs, focusing on program management, policy formulation, and impact
evaluation in public development sectors.
Currently, Dr. Aneel V. B. Babu serves as Joint
Director for Adolescent & Mental Health (AMH) at NIPCCD, New Delhi,
where he leads initiatives aimed at enhancing adolescent well-being and mental
health. His work emphasizes the integration of anthropological insights into
policy-making, ensuring culturally sensitive and effective development
interventions. Through collaboration with governmental and non-governmental
organizations, he continues to contribute to research, program implementation,
and capacity-building efforts in public health and social welfare.
Dr. Rector Arya,
Dr. Rector Arya, Ph.D., M.A., M.Ed., FTOS, Associate
Professor, Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences at College of Arts and
Sciences, Texas A&M University – San Antonio. Dr. Rector Arya is a
distinguished academic specializing in biological anthropology and population
genetics. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology and Population
Genetics from the University of Kansas in 1999 and completed a postdoctoral
fellowship in Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science
Center, San Antonio. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Arya’s research
primarily focuses on the genetic epidemiology of complex diseases, such as
diabetes and obesity, in diverse populations. His significant contributions
have advanced the understanding of how genetic and environmental factors
influence health, supported by numerous studies and publications. As a fellow
of The Obesity Society and a member of the American Diabetes Association, Dr.
Arya is actively engaged in promoting research within his field. His dedication
extends beyond research to education, where he mentors and instructs students
at Texas A&M University – San Antonio, inspiring future scientists and
researchers. Dr. Arya’s work continues to impact both academic and medical
communities, advancing knowledge in health and behavioral sciences.
Dr. Kiran Jayaram,
Dr. Kiran Jayaram is an accomplished anthropologist and
assistant professor at the University of South Florida, specializing in
migration, mobility, and education within Latin American and Caribbean
contexts. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Kansas, Dr. Jayaram’s
diverse educational background spans private and public institutions,
culminating in a Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology from Columbia University. His
research, conducted across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the United
States, challenges dominant narratives by illuminating marginalized
experiences.
Dr. Jayaram’s professional experience includes roles as an
assistant professor at York College (CUNY) and a postdoctoral fellow at
Université d’État d’Haïti. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including
grants from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the Fulbright Program. Notably, he
has co-edited “Keywords of Mobility” and “Transnational
Hispaniola,” contributing to critical dialogues in anthropological and
migration studies. Dr. Jayaram’s commitment to social justice is reflected in
his applied research on education, labor, and human rights for Haitian
migrants, making significant impacts in both academic and community spheres.
Dr. Praveen Hoogar, –Executive Member.
Dr. Praveen Hoogar serves as an Assistant Professor,
Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences, The Apollo University,
Chittoor-Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Praveen Hoogar is an academic and researcher
currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at
The Apollo University, Chittoor. Originally from Devarakonda village in
Karnataka, he completed his master’s and Ph.D. in Anthropology at Karnatak
University, Dharwad, focusing on the health-seeking behaviours of the Halakki
Vokkalu, a tribal community in Karnataka. Dr. Hoogar’s expertise extends to
qualitative data management, being a certified ATLAS.ti trainer in the
Asia-Pacific region. His prior roles include Assistant Professor and
Coordinator at the Centre for Bio-Cultural Studies at Manipal Academy of Higher
Education. He has also contributed significantly as a Teaching Assistant,
Research Associate, and field Investigator across various academic and
governmental institutions. An esteemed collaborator on the Global Burden of
Diseases project with the University of Washington, Dr. Hoogar actively engages
with professional organizations. He is the Ex-Officio Vice President of the
United Indian Anthropology Forum, a Governing Council Member of the Anthropological
Association for Humankind, and a Life Member of the Anthropological
Association, Mysore, and the Indian National Confederation and the Academy of
Anthropologists
Dr. Doraboina Udaya Kumar,
Dr. Doraboina Udaya Kumar is a distinguished anthropologist
with over 18 years of experience in teaching and research. He holds an M.Sc. in
Social Anthropology, a B.Ed., and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Sri Venkateswara
University, along with a Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Dr. Kumar’s work primarily
focuses on socio-cultural aspects of rural development, land acquisition, and
the empowerment of marginalized communities. His extensive ethnographic studies
include work on Scheduled Tribes, De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic
communities across India.
Dr. Kumar has held various academic and research roles,
including as a lecturer, research assistant, project coordinator, and academic
consultant. His research interests encompass Urban Anthropology (Pondicherry
University – Chennai Pulianthope), Development Anthropology, and Applied
Anthropology. He has worked on diverse projects, including those concerning
women, children, female sex workers, transgender communities, HIV/AIDS
prevention, and Covid-19 studies. Dr. Kumar also contributed to a UNICEF project
on child labor in Vikarabad.
He has published one book and nine research articles, and he
has presented papers at 20 national and international seminars, including in
Malaysia and Thailand. He is a life member of the Anthropological Survey of
India.
Dr. Raj Kumar Kattula,
Dr. Raj Kumar Kattula holds a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology
with a specialization in the anthropology of public policy from the University
of Hyderabad, supported by an ICSSR doctoral fellowship. He is UGC-NET
qualified and has published research articles and presented at conferences.
With six years of experience spanning academia and industry, Dr. Kattula has
worked at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute for Rural
Development and Panchayat Raj (NIRD & PR) and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National Police Academy (SVP-NPA). He has also served as a social and
livelihood expert at the Centre for Management and Social Research (CMSR),
leading projects in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Baseline Surveys,
Social Impact Assessments (SIA), and Livelihood Enhancement Plans (LEP). His
projects have been funded by ADB, AIIB, EIB, IFC, and JICA. Dr. Kattula is
skilled in Land Acquisition (LA), Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R),
Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), Gender Action Plans (GAP), and Indigenous
People Plans (IPP). Currently, he is directing a project funded by the
Department of Planning, Government of Telangana, to study the “Covid-19 Impact
on Workforce in the State of Telangana.