On January 29th, 2025, the Sociology Economics Forum, in collaboration with the Manipal Centre for Humanities (MCH), successfully organized a one-day workshop titled Sociology in Practice: Learning Qualitative Research Methods at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. The event was attended by 25 enthusiastic students from the college who engaged deeply with the subject matter throughout the day.

The workshop commenced with an introductory session led by Dr. Ketaki Chowkhani, who provided a warm welcome to the participants and introduced them to the vision and initiatives of the Manipal Centre for Humanities. She then outlined the objectives of the workshop, emphasizing its focus on equipping students with practical insights into qualitative research methods across various sociological disciplines.

Session 1: Exploring Qualitative Research in Social Anthropology and Political Sociology

The first session was delivered by Dr. Anubhav Sengupta, who delved into the nuances of qualitative research within the fields of Social Anthropology and Political Sociology. His presentation highlighted key theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches that are integral to understanding human behavior, cultural practices, and political dynamics. Through engaging examples, Dr. Sengupta demonstrated how qualitative research serves as a powerful tool for uncovering complex social phenomena.

Session 2: Practical Applications in Medical Sociology and Urban Sociology

Following this, Dr. Jagriti Gangopadhyay took the stage to discuss the practical dimensions of qualitative research in Medical Sociology and Urban Sociology. She shared her expertise on how researchers collect data, analyze trends, and contribute to policy-making processes in these domains. Her session also shed light on the role of qualitative research in addressing contemporary challenges such as public health issues and urbanization. Dr. Gangopadhyay’s insights offered students a clear understanding of how academic research translates into actionable policies.

Afternoon Session: Emerging Trends in Sociology

In the afternoon, Dr. Ketaki Chowkhani returned to introduce the audience to an emerging subfield within sociology known as "single studies." This innovative approach focuses on in-depth analyses of individual cases or phenomena, offering rich contextual insights that complement broader research paradigms. Her session encouraged students to think creatively about designing their own research projects using diverse methodologies.

Interactive Session with Research Scholars

One of the highlights of the workshop was the interactive session with research scholars from the Manipal Centre for Humanities. These scholars shared their ongoing research work, offering valuable firsthand accounts of conducting qualitative studies. They addressed queries raised by the students, providing practical guidance on overcoming common challenges faced during fieldwork, data collection, and analysis. This interaction fostered a spirit of mentorship and inspired students to pursue their interests in sociological research.

The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, where all participants were recognized for their active involvement and learning. In his closing remarks, Dr. Kiran Prasad, Head of the Department of Sociology and coordinator of the Sociology Economics Forum, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Manipal Centre for Humanities for organizing this enriching experience. He emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts in nurturing young minds and fostering interdisciplinary learning.

The workshop on Sociology in Practice: Learning Qualitative Research Methods proved to be an insightful and transformative experience for the attendees. By bringing together esteemed faculty members and dedicated research scholars, it provided a comprehensive platform for students to deepen their understanding of qualitative research methodologies. The event not only broadened their academic horizons but also motivated them to explore the vast potential of sociology in addressing real-world issues.

Certificates