Ruchi Sinha, PhD is a social work educator focused on interdisciplinary research in justice, public health, and social work. With nearly three decades of experience, she brings a rich academic background to her teaching, holding a Psychology degree from the University of Delhi, an M.A. in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and an M.Phil. and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University in India. Dr. Sinha’s career is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted nature of issues such as structural violence and human rights violations and the crucial role of social work in addressing these challenges. She is particularly noted for her work foregrounding criminal justice social work, focusing on police social work and developing rightsbased child protection frameworks for law enforcement agencies. Her expertise extends to integrating academic insights with practical applications, as evidenced by her frequent training at police academies, child rights organizations, and initiatives addressing violence against women. Her involvement as a founding member in various forums underscores her commitment to fostering change, systemic reform, and empowerment. Her research contributions are both extensive and impactful. Dr. Sinha was the co-principal researcher for the national study on human trafficking in India, offering an in-depth analysis of trafficking in vulnerable districts. She has served as a Research Project Advisor for innovative initiatives aimed at combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse and conducting surveys on public perceptions of SMART policing. Her work on the Global Evidence Review for Child Protection, focusing on India, further highlights her role in advancing research and policy development. Dr. Sinha’s extensive publication record and research endeavors demonstrate her dedication to understanding and addressing violence at multiple levels, including family and gender violence. Pekham Basu, PhD is a social work educator whose initiation in the field was through the “Special Cells” working in the area of violence against women and children. Over her two-decade career, Dr. Basu has made significant contributions to the fields of violence against women and children, social entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility. Her work encompasses extensive field research and advocacy, addressing critical issues related to the rights and welfare of quarry and mineworkers. Dr. Basu has also collaborated with various funding agencies and corporate entities to drive impactful social change. She completed her undergraduate studies in History at Loreto College, Calcutta, India, where she developed a foundational understanding of historical and socio-cultural contexts. She earned her Master of SocialWork degree from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, where she honed her expertise in social justice and community work. Her doctoral research, titled “Widows of the Mine – Undercounting Silicosis and Its Impact on the Widows of Mineworkers,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the occupational health challenges and labor rights violations faced by mineworkers in Rajasthan, with a specific focus on the misdiagnosis of silicosis and its impact on their families, particularly the women and the widows, using the lens of structural violence. At present she is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Equity and Justice for Children and Families within the School of Social Work at the TISS, Mumbai, India. Her commitment to advancing social equity and justice is reflected in her scholarly contributions and her ongoing efforts to improve the lives of marginalized communities.
