About Pukar | partners for urban knowledge, action and research
Pukar | Partners for Urban Knowledge, Action and Research: Revolutionizing Urbanization through Community-Based Research
Pukar is an independent research collective and urban knowledge producing institution based in Mumbai, India. The organization conducts multi-sectoral, cross-disciplinary, community-based, participatory action research on issues related to urbanization and globalization. Pukar's mission is to empower communities by providing them with the tools they need to understand their own experiences of urban life and to advocate for change.
Founded in 2001 by a group of scholars and activists who were concerned about the lack of attention paid to the experiences of marginalized communities in Mumbai's rapidly changing urban landscape, Pukar has since grown into a leading voice in the field of community-based research. The organization's work is grounded in a commitment to social justice and equity, as well as a belief that knowledge production should be democratized so that it reflects the perspectives and needs of those who are most affected by social problems.
One of Pukar's key strengths is its ability to bring together researchers from diverse disciplines - including anthropology, sociology, geography, public health, architecture - as well as practitioners from various sectors such as NGOs (non-governmental organizations), government agencies or private companies. This interdisciplinary approach allows Pukar researchers to explore complex issues related to urbanization from multiple angles while also ensuring that their findings are relevant across different fields.
Pukar's research projects are designed with community participation at their core. This means that local residents are involved at every stage of the research process - from identifying research questions through data collection and analysis all the way up until dissemination. By involving communities directly in this way, Pukar ensures that its work reflects local realities rather than imposing external agendas or assumptions onto them.
Over the years PUKAR has conducted numerous studies on topics such as gendered violence against women living on streets; youth-led initiatives for sustainable development; the impact of urbanization on traditional livelihoods; and the role of public spaces in fostering social cohesion. These studies have not only generated new knowledge but also contributed to policy changes at local, national and international levels.
Pukar's work has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to research. The organization has received numerous awards, including the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective Institutions in 2008. Pukar's research findings have been published in leading academic journals as well as popular media outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera or BBC.
In addition to its research activities, Pukar also runs a number of capacity-building programs aimed at empowering communities with skills and knowledge that can help them advocate for their rights more effectively. These programs include training workshops on topics such as data collection methods or community organizing; internships for young researchers interested in pursuing careers in community-based research; and public lectures that bring together scholars, activists, policymakers and members of the general public to discuss pressing issues related to urbanization.
Overall, Pukar is an inspiring example of how community-based research can be used to promote social justice and equity in rapidly changing urban contexts. By placing communities at the center of its work, Pukar is able to generate new knowledge that reflects local realities while also contributing to broader debates about how we can create more just cities around the world.