Sayed Raj Askari

Sayed Raj Askari is from the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, India, renowned for its Tehzeeb (Etiquette). He is a research scholar and serves as an Assistant Professor of English at Integral University, Lucknow, where he teaches literature and communication to undergraduate and master's students. His research focuses on African American Drama, which analyses the voices of African American Playwrights, from Lorraine Hansberry to the contemporary Jeremy O Harris. The plays help examine the political and social status of the black community in America. Given his academic reach, Sayed has also published papers on diverse topics such as Indian Philosophy and Resilience Studies, indicating his breadth of knowledge across various academic discourses.  

Sayed has been actively participating in cultural events and has made significant contributions by performing Nauhakhwani and Sozkhwani (Elegiac renditions) at Shia cultural gatherings in Lucknow. As a cultural ambassador and Hindi Language teacher at Yale, Sayed wishes to impart knowledge of Hindustani culture and its various artistic expressions. While doing so, he would love to engage in cross-cultural dialogue to gain a better understanding of cultures around the world.

On the other hand, Sayed is also a good singer and has a good command over Bollywood beats, so if a day feels hectic, he would surely lighten up the gathering with his soulful voice and charismatic personality.