Indian-American Professor Shailaja Paik Awarded $800,000 MacArthur "Genius" Grant

Shailaja Paik, an Indian-American professor, has been awarded an $800,000 "genius" grant by the MacArthur Foundation for her significant research and writing on Dalit women. This prestigious fellowship honors individuals with extraordinary achievements and potential.

Focus on Caste Discrimination

The MacArthur Foundation praised Paik’s work, saying she helps people understand the ongoing issues of caste discrimination and the factors that keep untouchability alive. Her research shows how gender and sexuality affect the dignity and identity of Dalit women.

Academic Background

Paik is a distinguished research professor of history at the University of Cincinnati, where she also serves as an affiliate faculty in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as Asian Studies. Her recent project examines the lives of women performers in Tamasha, a traditional form of folk theatre predominantly practiced by Dalits in Maharashtra.

Critique of Cultural Narratives

In her work, Paik critiques the state's attempts to reframe Tamasha as a respected cultural practice, noting that the stigma associated with Dalit performers persists. She authored the book "The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India," which explores these themes in depth.

Personal Background

In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Paik shared her connection to her research, revealing that she is a member of the Dalit community and grew up in a slum area of Pune. Inspired by her father's commitment to education, she pursued her master’s degree at Savitribai Phule University in Pune before earning her PhD at the University of Warwick in the UK. She has also served as a visiting assistant professor of South Asian history at Yale University.

About the MacArthur Fellowships

The MacArthur Fellowships, often referred to as "genius" grants, have been awarded since 1981 to individuals across various fields, including academia, arts, and activism. The selection process is anonymous and based on recommendations; there are no applications or lobbying for the grants, which are disbursed over five years.

Notable Previous Recipients

Past MacArthur Fellows include renowned writers, economists, mathematicians, and community organizers, highlighting the diverse talents recognized by the foundation.

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Paik's groundbreaking work continues to shine a light on the experiences of Dalit women, contributing to important discussions on caste, gender, and social justice in India.