Arun Mahanand

Biography

I am currently a PhD scholar in Criminology at the University of Essex. With a strong academic background in Social Sciences, Social Work and Criminology, I hold an MA in Social Work with a specialization in Criminology and Justice from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, India. I also hold an undergraduate from Kalahandi University, Odisha, India in Political Science (Hons.). Besides my academic accomplishments, I developed an early interest in the intersection of politics and its profound implications on society. As a result, I emerged as a student leader dedicated to not only fighting for the rights of my fellow students but also advocating for the rights of the broader community which has been historically ignored by the mainstream society. I have also dedicated more than two years of my career to working directly within the criminal justice system as a criminal justice social work fellow, providing crucial social and legal support to needy prisoners at Mumbai Central Prison, Maharashtra, India. This experience has allowed me to witness first-hand the complexities and challenges faced by those affected by crime and criminal justice. process. My time as a criminal justice social worker has enhanced my understanding of the unique needs of marginalized individuals within the system. It has also provided me with valuable insights into the social and systemic factors that contribute to inequality and injustice to the marginalised. Through my work, I strived to promote the rights and entitlements of marginalized communities, advocating for fairness and equitable treatment within the criminal justice system. Drawing on my prior work experiences, I embarked on a journey to obtain a PhD in Criminology, driven by a desire to expand my understanding and make meaningful contributions to the field. My doctoral research is centred around the exploration of discrimination within the Indian criminal justice system, specifically from the perspectives of released prisoners.

Qualifications

• M.A. in Social Work with Specialisation in Criminology and Justice Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India (2018)

• B.A in Political Science Hons. Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna, India (2016)

Thesis