South Asian Studies Council organizes 16th Modern South Asia Workshop

The South Asian Studies Council organized the 16th annual Modern South Asia Workshop (MSAW) from June 11 to 13, 2026 at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

Eighteen advanced PhD students in humanities and social sciences programs were invited to present their original research on modern South Asia and receive feedback from peers and established scholars. Participants traveled from institutions across South Asia as well as in Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The workshop’s six panels focused on citizenship, the urban, law and trials, performance studies, work, and electoral politics.

This year’s Yale faculty discussants notably included two former MSAW participants—Anthony Acciavatti, Diana Balmori Associate Professor of Architecture, who participated in 2013; and Ameera Nimjee, Assistant Professor of Music, who participated in 2011. 

Additional faculty discussants included Adam Auerbach, Associate Professor of Political Science; Rohit De, Associate Professor of History and Chair of the South Asian Studies Council; and David Engerman, Leitner International Interdisciplinary Professor of History and Global Affairs.