CHSS Grantee Session: Music of the Mountains—Narh Sur/Narh Stunai in Koh-e-Sulaiman

Session Lead: Mr. Ashraf Kakkar

In the first session of the day, Ashraf Kakkar presented his research on the traditional music of the Koh-e-Sulaiman region, focusing on Narh Sur/Narh Stunai, a unique form of music native to the mountainous communities. Kakkar’s work shed light on how this music not only serves as a cultural expression but also plays a vital role in the social fabric and oral history of the region. His session highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous cultural practices and demonstrated how local music can be a powerful tool for both storytelling and community cohesion.

CHSS Grantee Session: Politically Engaged Theatre and Research Methodology

Session Lead: Dr. Qaisar Abbas

In the second grantee session, Qaisar Abbas shared his research on politically engaged theatre, with a particular focus on the methodologies employed in exploring this genre. Abbas discussed the intersection of art and activism, illustrating how theatre can be a medium for political expression and social change. His presentation emphasized the critical role of rigorous research methodology in documenting and analyzing the impact of politically engaged performances, both in terms of audience reception and broader societal influence.

Session 1: Gendered Knowledge in Academia and Beyond

Session Lead: Dr. Hadia Majid
Reading: Lanu Kim: Gendered Knowledge in Fields and Academic Careers

The day began with Dr. Hadia Majid, an expert in gender studies, leading a session that explored the concept of gendered knowledge. Drawing from Lanu Kim’s work, the session delved into how gender shapes not only the creation of knowledge but also the trajectories of academic careers. Participants reflected on their own experiences, discussing the challenges and opportunities of addressing gender biases in their respective fields. Dr. Majid guided them through strategies for recognizing and dismantling these barriers within academia.

Session 2: Multidisciplinary Research—Tackling Wicked Problems

Session Lead: Dr. Nauman Faizi
Reading:

1. Najiyah Martiam: Religion and Disaster: The Merapi Volcano Eruption
2. Ethical Action in an Ambiguous World

In this session, Dr. Nauman Faizi led participants through the intricacies of tackling “wicked problems”—complex, multifaceted issues that require a multidisciplinary approach. Using case studies such as the Merapi Volcano Eruption, the session illustrated how religious, ethical, and cultural dimensions intersect with scientific responses to disasters, emphasizing the need for researchers to engage across disciplines when addressing global challenges.

Session 3: Decolonization and Academic Disciplines

Session Lead: Dr. Manan Ahmed
Readings:

1. Bernard S. Cohn: Colonialism and Its Forms of Knowledge
2. Michel Rolph Trouillot: Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History
3. Manan Ahmed: Area Studies

Dr. Manan Ahmed concluded the academic sessions by engaging participants in a critical examination of how colonial legacies continue to shape academic disciplines. Drawing on the works of Bernard S. Cohn and Manan Ahmed, this session challenged participants to rethink the historical foundations of their fields and consider how to decolonize knowledge production. The discussion centered on dismantling these colonial structures to create more inclusive and diverse academic narratives.