AMI Visiting Fellow
Dr Zairu Nisha
Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Hosted by: Muslims, Societies, & Cultures
Fellowship Dates: November 2025
Biography
Dr Zairu Nisha joins us from the Department of Philosophy at Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, where she serves as Assistant Professor. Her visit marks an exciting addition to AMI’s vibrant research community, bringing fresh perspectives to ongoing conversations in philosophy, ethics, and interdisciplinary scholarship.
Dr Nisha holds a distinguished academic background, having earned her B.A. (Hons) in Philosophy from Banaras Hindu University, an M.A. from the University of Allahabad, and both her M.Phil. and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Her doctoral work examined Shankar and Kant’s Concept of Reality, extending into the fields of Indian Feminist Bioethics and the Philosophy of Technology.
Her research spans a wide intellectual landscape, including Indian and Western Philosophy, Bioethics, Feminism, Continental Thought, Philosophy of Technology, and Philosophical Counselling. Dr Nisha has shared her scholarship at numerous conferences, seminars, workshops and lectures around the world, earning recognition for her scholarly versatility and depth.
During her fellowship at AMI, Dr Zairu Nisha participated in the following events:
Fellowship Experience
Before arriving at Al-Mahdi Institute for my one-month Visiting Fellowship, I expected an intellectually engaging environment where I could focus on my ongoing research, interact with scholars working in related areas, and access resources that would help me refine my ongoing work. I also anticipated opportunities for meaningful academic conversations and interdisciplinary insights.
My experience not only met these expectations but went beyond them. The Institute provided an academically vibrant and supportive space, where interactions with faculty and fellows enriched my research in significant ways. The gender openness, guidance, and collegiality I received, along with access to resources and constructive discussions, made my fellowship both productive and deeply rewarding.
My impression of Al-Mahdi Institute is highly commendable. AMI maintains a strong academic vision grounded in rigorous scholarship, open inquiry, and respectful interdisciplinary dialogue. Its activities—from conferences, seminars and workshops to research discussions—reflect a well-structured and intellectually vibrant academic culture.
The academic and social environment is both stimulating and welcoming. Faculty members and researchers are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in academic growth. The atmosphere encourages critical engagement, interdisciplinary exchange, and thoughtful reflection.
The broader AMI community is warm, inclusive, and collegial. The balance between academic seriousness and social openness creates an enriching experience that extends beyond formal engagements. Overall, my time at AMI has been meaningful, productive, and deeply rewarding.
During my Visiting Fellowship at Al-Mahdi Institute, I was involved in a range of academic and community-engaged activities. I participated in the international conference hosted by AMI, where I presented my work and engaged in rich discussions on the intersections of religion, technology, and contemporary social change. I was also actively involved in the Institute’s research seminar series, which offered an excellent space for scholarly exchange and constructive feedback.
Beyond these formal events, I delivered a community talk that enabled me to connect with a wider audience and reflect on the broader social implications of my research. The fellowship also provided dedicated time to focus on writing and developing my research articles accepted by prestigious journals and continuing my major ICSSR project on Muslim women and reproductive health.
A significant milestone during my stay was presenting a major research project proposal, which has since been accepted by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR). The intellectually stimulating environment at AMI played an important role in shaping and strengthening this proposal.
Equally enriching was the opportunity to meet and interact with scholars and academicians from various universities and institutions. These conversations broadened my perspectives, opened up potential avenues for collaboration, and contributed meaningfully to my overall academic experience.
