Listed below is a summary of each research project completed under the advanced research youth fellowship programme 2009 – 2010:
Caste on the Web: This group examined the way in which caste identities get expressed in social networking sites such as Orkut and others. They evolved fascinating techniques of virtual ethnographic field-work and data collection.
Slum Rehabilitation Authority and Self Development Projects: This group of activists were involved in housing issues in Ghatkopar and Vikhroli and carried out an exhaustive study into self-development projects and intentions among the inhabitants.
Haunted Mumbai: This group explored stories, rumours and alleged incidents of supernatural phenomenon in and around Mumbai city. The aim behind this research project was to utilize data collected and draw linkages between myths and social and cultural realities in the city.
Corruption in Ration Shops: This group of researchers examined the way in which local neighbourhood ration shops are connected and disconnected with formal public distribution channels. Their attempt was to document irregularities in the process as well as understand and analyse these processes and irregularities. The ration shops were in the neighbourhoods from where the youth fellows come.
Organized and Unorganized Workers in the Khopoli Industrial belt: This enterprising group of industrial workers from Khopoli took their older research to a higher level by understanding the causes that perpetuate unorganized labour practices and also examine how unorganized labour can coordinate in other ways. They document the lives of organized and unorganized workers in Khopoli – where they come from.
Dreamscapes of Rag-picker children in Deonar: This group documented the dreams (at three levels – aspirations, psychological and fantasies) of children from the most marginal sections of urban life.
Mapping Spiritual Sites in Mumbai: This group documented new religious sites in Mumbai and how youth relate to them. The research project aimed to develop a foundation for researchers looking for material on urban religious practices.
Youth Activities in Kalyan: This group documented how youth organize, entertain themselves, converse and respond to issues in Kalyan – a city on the outskirts of Mumbai.
Alternative Careers for the Visually Challenged: This group of visually challenged youth documented and analysed the unusual career choices made by their colleagues and peers, their successes and failures.
Cycling in Mumbai: This project focused on the challenges in developing cycle routes and promoting cycling in Mumbai. This group of young activists was passionate about promoting cycling in Mumbai and researched ways and means of making this easier at a policy as well as practical level.
