Department of Sociology
Dr. Manisha Rao
Dr. MANISHA RAO PROFESSOR & HEAD DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI Room No, 131, 1st Floor, Ranade Bhavan Department of Sociology University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India-400098 Email: manisharao.rao@sociology.mu.ac.in Dr. Manisha Rao is Professor & Head at the Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai. She obtained her Ph.D. from the Department of Sociology, University of Pune and an M.Phil. from the Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. Her research and teaching focus on the intersection of environment, gender, development, agrarian issues and social movements. The social and ecological politics of the Uttara Kannada district of the Western Ghats remain an area of interest and field research. The British Library Endangered Archives Programme Round 21 for 2026-’27 has approved her Grant proposal for support. Further, she has successfully completed Research Projects awarded by Indian Institute of Technology, Indore’s JayaPrakash Narayan National Centre for Excellence in the Humanities; Indian Council of Social Science Research [I.C.S.S.R.] New Delhi and by the U.G.C Area Studies Centre, Centre for Canadian Studies, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. She has supervised several M.Phil. & Ph.D. scholars. She has developed new skill based courses under NEP 2020 such as Academic writing, Feminist epistemology and interdisciplinary courses such as Debating the Commons and Sociology of Food Systems. She is on the Board of Studies of colleges under University of Mumbai, S.P. Pune University & S.N.D.T. Women’s University as well as on the Syllabus revision committee of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is the Convenor of RC-11, Sociology of Environment of the Indian Sociological Society. Her research has been published in international and national journals like the Sage Journal of Developing Societies, Sociological Bulletin, and International Quarterly for Asian Studies among others. Her edited book ‘Reframing the Environment: Resources, Risk and Resistance in Neoliberal India’ was published by Routledge in 2021.
Dr. Balaji Kendre
Dr. Balaji Namdev Kendre (MA, PhD), Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai. I have been teaching sociology for more than 22 years at Post Graduation level. Experience: Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology from 2019 to 2022. In charge Chair professor Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies 2018 to 2021, In charge Coordinator Master of Social Work programme (2018 to 2021). Chairman Board of Studies in Sociology, Member Academic Council, Member Research and Recognition Committee of University of Mumbai (2019 to 2022). Research: till date twelve Research Scholars have completed their M.Phil. and Ten Research Scholars have completed their Ph.Ds. under my guidance. Completed two minor and one major research projects. Written 15 Research Articles, One independent and 3 edited books. Member Managing Committee of Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi. Teaching and Research Interest include Migration Studies, Media and Communication, Law and Social Change, Marginalized Groups and Communities in Indian Society, Academic Writings etc. Email: balaji.kendre@sociology.mu.ac.in and bnk2830@rediffmail.com
Prof. (Dr.) Rita Malache
Dr. Rita Malache Designation: Professor Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai Former Coordinator (I.C), Department of Master of Social work (MSW), University of Mumbai (2022-2023) Dr. Rita Malache is an eminent academic leader and Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Mumbai, possessing over 18 years of distinguished postgraduate teaching and research expertise. Renowned for her extensive scholarship on tribes in India, tribal women, gender dynamics, and marginalized communities, she has successfully guided multiple doctoral scholars, authored and edited high-impact books, and published numerous papers across reputable journals. Her profound contribution to higher education and social change is underscored by an impressive track record of leading major national research projects funded by ICSSR and UGC-IMPRESS, serving on vital statutory bodies like the Board of Studies across multiple institutions, and receiving prestigious national honors including the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Excellence Award (2026) and the Fatima Shaik National Best Teacher Award. Educational Qualifications Ph.D. in Sociology (Jan 2017) NET (June 2007) & SET (Feb 2007) M.A. in Sociology (69%, April 2007) B.A. (70%, April 2005) Research Interests & Expertise Dr. Malache's academic focus centers on the structural and cultural dynamics of marginalized populations, with specialized focus areas including: Tribes in India, Tribal Sociology, and Tribal Women NT–DNT Communities & Sociology of Marginalized Groups Globalization, Social Movements, and Gender Issues Human Rights of Weaker Sections Academic & Leadership Timeline With nearly two decades of teaching at the postgraduate level, Dr. Malache has held several prestigious roles within and outside the University of Mumbai: Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai (Oct 2025 – Present) In-charge Head, Department of Sociology and Arabic Studies, University of Mumbai (May 2025) Former Coordinator (I.C.), Department of Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Mumbai (2022 – 2023) Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai (2022 – 2025) Assistant Professor (Regular), Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai (2009 – 2022) Regular Lecturer, Shivaji University, Kolhapur (2008 – 2009) Regular Lecturer, S.N.D.T. College of Arts & S.C.B. College for Women, Mumbai (2007 – 2008) Research & Publications Dr. Malache is an active researcher driving impactful academic inquiries through projects and scholarly literature: Key Statistics Journal Publications: 15 Conference Presentations: 50 Book Chapters: 4 (in edited books) Research Mentorship: 6 Ph.D. scholars enrolled, 1 degree completed Featured Authored/Edited Books Global Dimension and Transition of Tribal Development, Value Publications, New Delhi (2021) Research Projects Director (Ongoing): Major Research Project funded by ICSSR, New Delhi (2026–2028) Co-Director (Completed): Major Research Project funded by IMPRESS UGC, New Delhi (2019–2021) Principal Investigator (Completed): Minor Research Project funded by UGC-SAP Phase-III, University of Mumbai Awards & Honors Dr. Malache’s outstanding contributions to education and social sciences have been recognized with several prestigious national honors: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Excellence Award – Utthan Foundation, Delhi (2026) Rashtriya Adivasi Samajratn Purskar – All India Adivasi Employees Federation, Nagpur (2023) Fatima Shaik National Best Teacher Award – Mukta Foundation, Maharashtra (2022) National Samajratna Award – Niranjan Dhara Institute & Shivshahi Foundation (2021) UGC-FIP Fellowship Award (2014 – 2016) Institutional & Administrative Responsibilities Dr. Malache contributes significantly to policy, curriculum development, and university governance: SC/ST Cell Committee Member, University of Mumbai (2025–Present) Member, Board of Studies (BOS): University of Mumbai (2023–Present) Homi Bhabha State University, Elphinstone College (2020–Present) Vice Chancellor Nominee (BOS - Sociology): S.N.K. Thakkar Thanawala College, Thane (2024–Present) B.K. Shroff College, Kandivali (2023–Present) Editorial Work: Editorial Board Member of the Quarterly Tribal Journal "Godhan" (Since 2016) Executive Member: University of Mumbai Academic Staff Association (UMASA) (Elected 2022, Co-opted 2019) Seminar & Conference Organization She has conceptualized and coordinated numerous high-impact national seminars, workshops, and prestigious memorial lectures, including: Coordinator: 3rd Patrick Geddes Memorial Lecture (2026) Organizer: Workshop on “Fluid Gender Identity” (2026) Organizing Committee Member: National Seminar on Tribal Identity (Janajatiya Asmita), Deities, and Their Cultural Significance (2025) Convener: National Conference on “Making in Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Tribal Women and Entrepreneurship in India” (2023) Convener: National Seminar on “Tribes in Transition: Issues and Challenges in the Era of Globalization” (2017)
Sr. Prof. Dr. B.V. Bhosale
Prof. B.V. Bhosale is a distinguished sociologist and currently serves as Professor & Head, Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai. He holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pune, with research expertise spanning the sociology of informal sector, industry, labour and globalization, urban sociology, and tourism economies. Throughout his academic career, he has held prominent positions at institutions such as Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College (Goa), Chetna college, (Mumbai) University of Pune, and University of Mumbai. His contributions to Dalit studies, informal sector economies, and the socio-economic transformations of mega cities—particularly Mumbai—are widely recognized. Prof. Bhosale has authored and edited several influential books, including Charmakars in Transition (2003) Mobilisation of Backward Communities in India (2004) Informal Sector in India: Challenges and Consequences. (2010) Sociology of Dalit Literature (2014) and Dalit sahitya ka samajshastra (2015) His international academic engagements at leading institutions, delivered lectures in Industry and labour studies at Ottovon Guericke University of Magdeburg, Germany, 21st October to 24th November, 2002., Lectured in Department of Sociology and English at Ottovon Guericke University of Magdeburg, Germany, and 29th November. To 23rd December. 2004. Visited University of Picardie, Amiens, and was invited to present findings on “Social Representations of Globalisation”, at Maison de sciences, Paris, 25th March 2006 to 31st March 2006. Visited China (Beijing and Shanghai) as Member of Delegation for Sino-India Cooperation to visit China organised by Chinese Academy of Sciences 22nd to28th April, 2015. Participated in the seminar on Sino-Indian Strategic exchanges and cooperation organized by national Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Chaired a session on “Challenges on Social development and Social Security and Cooperation between China and India.” 2015. Visited Department of Economic Sociology at St - Petersburg State University with support of Khamovniki Foundation for Field Research and Discussion on craft labour held at St- Petersburg, Russia from 17th to 27th April, 2017. Visited Department of Economic Sociology at St. Petersburg State University, Russia for field research and Delivered lectures on labour in India from 13th April 2018 to 19th April, 2018. Visited Universita Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy, as Visiting scientist from 15th June 2018 to 15th July 2018. Participated in the Academic leadership Development Programme (Under LEAP) organised by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in Collaboration with Said Business School, University of Oxford during February 03-19th, 2019 in New Delhi and University of Oxford, UK. Presented Paper on Digital Economy and Labour in India, in the 13th St. Petersburg. International labour forum, Expo Forum, Russia. Organised by the Government of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg State University and Expo Forum International, with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Russian Federation, February 28th 2019 – March 1st 2019 Visited Universita Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy, as Visiting Professor 20th May to 28th May 2024, delivered Seminar “Understanding Development in India: Balancing Expansion and Sustainability” on 22nd May, and The Labour Market in India and Socio-Environmental Sustainability on 28th May, 2024. Academic Leadership Development Programme (LEAP), Oxford Module, Said Business School *University of Oxford, Education Executive, 2019 In addition to his departmental leadership, Prof. Bhosale serves as IC Director of the School of International Relations and Strategic Studies and IC Chair Professor at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies, University of Mumbai. Email: bvbhosale@sociology.mu.ac.in / bvbhosale@hotmail.com Cell: +91 9224014294 Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E), Mumbai – 400 098.
Dr. Joseph M.T.
Dr. Joseph M.T. veered onto to the avenues of academics in sociology later in his career. He completed M.A. in Sociology from University of Mumbai and M.Phil. and Ph.D. from University of Delhi. He is a Ph.D. supervisor since 2013 and has supervised the successful completion of four M.Phil. and four Ph.D. dissertations. For the M.A. programme he takes courses in sociological theory, Indian sociology, cultural anthropology, ethnography, and sociology of religion. He has designed and introduced two courses recently namely “caste in contemporary India” and “sociology of constitutional democracy” and a two-credit course “virtual sociology.” His research interests are centred around Sociology of Religion. He is co-editor with Prof. Gita Chadha of the volume Reimagining Sociology in India: Feminist Perspectives. Routledge, 2018. He is convenor, Research Committee 06 – Sociology of Religion, Indian Sociological Society. Email: dr.josephmt@sociology.mu.ac.in
Dr. Sonali Baliram Wakharde
Dr. Sonali Wakharde, Ph.D. (2018), UGC-NET (2007), SET (2006), M.A. (2005- University Topper). She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai since 2013. She is in charge Coordinator of Department of Social Work at University of Mumbai from 1st March, 2024. She has completed her Ph.D. on topic “Jalsandharan Karyakramatil Mahilancha Sahabhag Samajshastriy Abhyas (Vishesh sandarbh Nanded Zilha)” (Women’s participation in water conservation programme A Sociological study special reference to Nanded District) from Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded in March, 2018. She has completed a ‘Diploma Course in Women Empowerment and Development’ and also completed a ‘Certificate Course in Gender and Development’ at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded. Her areas of interests are Gender Studies, Rural Sociology, Tribes in India, Education and Society, Human Rights and Marginalized Groups and Communities in India. She has participated in various national and state level seminars, workshops and conferences and presented research papers. Her articles published in reputed Marathi journals such as Parivartanacha Watsaru, Yojana, Samaj Prabodhan Patrika, Shikshan Sankraman, Jalsanvad and Marathi newspaper Sakal and her research papers published in reputed online journal ‘Economic and Political Weekly Engage’, an international journal ‘The Eastern Anthropologist’ and Indian Sociological Society’s E-journal Explorations. She has worked as an Assistant Editor for ‘Sambhashit’ A Peer- Reviewed Research Journal in Marathi Language Published by University of Mumbai. She has organized a Gender Sensitization Workshop on 'Women, Water and Livelihoods' and a National Seminar on ‘Understanding agrarian crisis in India: perspectives from gender and other marginalized locations’ at Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai. She is a life member of Indian Sociological Society and Marathi Samajshashtra Parishad.