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)
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• 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)