Prof. Manjula Bharathy is a distinguished academic, researcher, policy practitioner, and social development professional serving as Professor at the School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on gender, decentralized governance, climate change, feminist political ecology, participatory planning, and community development. She has successfully connected academic research with grassroots interventions and public policy.

Research Excellence & Innovation

Prof. Bharathy has undertaken pioneering research on climate-induced high-tide flooding in Kerala, with particular emphasis on the gendered vulnerabilities of coastal women. Her participatory research frameworks have enabled women to identify climate risks, strengthen livelihood strategies, and develop community-based resilience mechanisms. Her work contributes to a rights-based and justice-oriented understanding of climate adaptation.

Policy & Governance Contributions

Her research and field-based interventions have had significant policy relevance. Her work on climate-induced high-tide flooding contributed to evidence and advocacy surrounding the Government of Kerala’s recognition of the phenomenon as a state-specific disaster in January 2026. She has also contributed to decentralized and participatory governance through national-level advisory responsibilities, including service on committees related to grassroots planning and Panchayati Raj.

Leadership & Professional Excellence

During her tenure as Chief Operating Officer of Kudumbashree Mission, Government of Kerala (2013–2015), Prof. Bharathy designed and implemented several innovative programmes. These included micro-level planning in tribal hamlets, non-formal learning initiatives for Paniyar communities, and the Development Praxis Diploma that trained Kudumbashree women as grassroots researchers. She also conceptualized community theatre, radio, and anti-trafficking initiatives and developed participatory governance tools such as the Crime Mapping Index.

Community & Societal Impact

A major strength of Prof. Bharathy's work is her commitment to community empowerment and inclusive development. Her research and interventions have supported coastal and tribal women in becoming active participants in planning, climate adaptation, and governance. Her scholarship demonstrates how research can translate into practical improvements in the lives of marginalized communities.

International Recognition & Creative Contributions

Prof. Bharathy was a Fulbright Fellow in Gender Studies at Rutgers University (2019–2020) and has been invited to speak at internationally recognized institutions including the London School of Economics, University of Toronto, and University of Rosario. She has also contributed to knowledge dissemination through documentary filmmaking. Her documentary XXWhy, addressing transgender issues, received national and international recognition and was screened at numerous international film festivals.

Publications & Knowledge Contributions

Prof. Bharathy has contributed substantially to scholarship on decentralization, gendered governance, participatory planning, and feminist political ecology. Her notable books include Brick by Brick: Democratising Local Governance in Kerala (2022) and the edited volume Tribal Development in India: Shifting Boundaries, Contested Terrains (2022). Her recent research includes work on democratizing inclusive planning and the People’s Plan Campaign in Kerala.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award

Prof. Manjula Bharathy is highly eligible for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on her outstanding combination of research excellence, leadership, innovation, and societal impact.

• Research Excellence: Significant scholarly contributions to gender, climate change, decentralization, governance, and feminist political ecology.
• Innovation: Developed participatory and interdisciplinary approaches connecting community knowledge, gender justice, climate resilience, and governance.
• Professional Leadership: Held senior academic and institutional leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer of Kudumbashree Mission.
• Policy Impact: Her research and community-based evidence have contributed to important policy recognition and disaster-governance initiatives in Kerala.
• Women’s Empowerment: Her work has strengthened the participation, agency, and resilience of women in coastal and tribal communities.
• International Recognition: Fulbright Fellowship and invitations from prominent international academic institutions demonstrate her global scholarly standing.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Books, peer-reviewed research, documentaries, and innovative communication initiatives have broadened the societal reach of her scholarship.

Prof. Manjula Bharathy is a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels, particularly for her interdisciplinary research, innovative contributions to gender and climate justice, leadership in participatory governance, international recognition, and demonstrable impact on women and marginalized communities.