Cultural Conservation, Community Collaboration
Dr. Harshit Sosan Lakra, a distinguished scholar and Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), has a rich academic and professional journey focused on interdisciplinary research and community engagement. Born on January 3, 1977, Dr. Lakra is a proud member of the Oraon Tribe, resonating deeply with her research and community involvement.
With a robust educational background, Dr. Lakra attained her PhD in Architecture and Planning from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in October 2019, delving into the intricate dynamics of indigenous communities’ perception of association with a place, cultural capital, and enabling environments in urban contexts. Prior to her doctoral studies, she pursued a Master’s degree in Regional Planning from Cornell University, specializing in City and Regional Planning with an International Studies concentration. Her academic journey also includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Planning from the Center for Environment Planning & Technology (CEPT), and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT).
Dr. Lakra’s academic pursuits are intertwined with her passion for community-driven research and social impact. Her doctoral research, informed by nearly a decade of engagement with indigenous youths across various states in India, exemplifies her commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as environment, indigenous rights, gender, and disaster management.
Currently, Dr. Lakra leads multiple research projects aimed at empowering tribal communities and fostering sustainable development. Noteworthy among these is her pioneering work in Jharkhand, focusing on developing a Tribal Development Index in collaboration with the Ram Dayal Munda Tribal Research Institute. Additionally, her initiatives in Odisha and Manipur highlight her dedication to co-creating solutions with local communities, ranging from prototyping indigenous dwelling units to fostering cultural exchange and education.
Beyond academia, Dr. Lakra’s impact extends to various professional spheres. She has been recognized for her remarkable contributions, receiving numerous awards for her research, teaching, and community engagement efforts. Her leadership roles in professional associations and memberships in prestigious institutions further underscore her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the field.
Dr. Lakra’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars is evident in her role as a mentor and educator. She has developed online courses, facilitated international collaborations, and mentored numerous students and researchers in their academic and professional endeavors. In summary, Dr. Harshit Sosan Lakra incorporates the spirit of academic excellence, social responsibility, and community leadership. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities exemplify her as a beacon of inspiration in the field of architecture, planning, and beyond.