Pooja Sagar

Pooja Sagar, a writer, educator and dedicated researcher, is immersed in the expansive domain of the history of medicine, with a focus on the contemporary lives of practitioners and patients in India, exploring the rich tapestry of cultures and knowledge exchanges. Currently undertaking her doctoral research at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), her work involves archiving and analysing oral histories, specifically those of distinguished Ayurveda and biomedical doctors in South India practicing integrated medicine.

Pooja holds a master’s in English language and literature from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Additionally, she earned a postgraduate diploma in cultural studies from the Center for the Study of Culture and Society (CSCS), Bengaluru. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary perspectives, providing a solid foundation for her exploration of the intersections between medical traditions. Trained in oral history under the guidance of eminent scholars such as Indira Chowdhury, Rob Perks, and Alessandro Portelli, Pooja brings a nuanced understanding to her archival and analytical work. This expertise enhances her ability to capture and preserve the intricate narratives of medical practitioners, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on integrated medicine.

Before joining IIHS, Pooja served as faculty and Head of Studies for the Creative Writing Programme, and General Studies (Foundation Studies) at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bengaluru. In this role, she played a pivotal role in developing the programme and curriculum for undergraduate students, offering guidance in creative writing forms such as short fiction, writing for games and graphic novels, editing and publishing. She was part of the Centre for Education Research, Training and Development (CERTAD) at Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Her diverse experiences also include roles as a Research Associate and Project Fellow at the Culture Industries Asia Research programme (CIDASIA) and as former a Doctoral Scholar at the Center for Studies in Culture and Society, Bengaluru.

At IIHS, Pooja plays a central role in anchoring the operations of both the Word Lab and the Library, contributing significantly to the publication and editorial operations at the institution. Her expertise guides the nuanced and sensitive directions of texts and publishing in the Word Lab, while her multifaceted skills in reading, writing, and translating in both English and Malayalam enhance her engagement with diverse literary and cultural contexts.