Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Umar Khalid's PhD Thesis Published Amidst Political Turmoil
Umar Khalid, a former student of JNU, has published his PhD thesis as a book.
He and two other students were arrested in 2016 and labeled as anti-national.
Despite facing challenges, including imprisonment, Khalid completed his thesis on Adivasi histories and the politics of power.
The thesis explores the complex relationships between Adivasis, the state, and capitalism.
Khalid's work is seen as an act of resistance against state power and propaganda.
The publication of his thesis highlights the struggles faced by students and researchers in India's political climate.
Umar Khalid's PhD thesis on Adivasi histories published as a book.
Arrested in 2016 in the JNU sedition case, labeled as anti-national.
Completed thesis despite imprisonment and challenges in conducting fieldwork.
Thesis explores the complex relationships between Adivasis, the state, and capitalism.
Publication seen as an act of resistance against state power and propaganda.
- Who
- Umar Khalid, Anirban, Kanhaiya
- What
- Publication of Umar Khalid's PhD thesis as a book
- When
- February 2016 (arrest), 2024 (publication)
- Where
- JNU, various locations in India
- Why
- To resist state power and propaganda, and to honor a promise made to fellow students
Academic Freedom and Resistance
Nationalism and State Power
Role of Universities
Academic Freedom and Resistance
Universities should be spaces for free thought and dissent, fostering academic freedom and critical thinking.
Nationalism and State Power
Universities should uphold national values and not be platforms for anti-national activities.
State's Role in Academic Pursuits
Academic Freedom and Resistance
The state should not interfere in academic pursuits and should protect the rights of students and researchers.
Nationalism and State Power
The state has a responsibility to ensure that academic institutions do not promote anti-national sentiments.
- Author
- Umar Khalid
- Thesis Topic
- Adivasi histories and the politics of power
- Publication Year
- 2024
- Incarceration Duration
- 6 years
- Arrest Year
- 2016
- Case
- JNU sedition case
- Key Locations
- JNU, Chaibasa, Ranchi, Patna, Kolkata
- Key Movements
- OccupyUGC, Adivasi movements