معرفی
Kikee Doma Bhutia is a Researcher and India Coordinator at the Asia Center, University of Tartu. She holds a PhD in Folkloristics from the University of Tartu (2022), focusing on the Lhopos of Sikkim. Her research spans folklore, geopolitics, and Buddhist studies, with a focus on Himalayan cultures, ethnic identity, and sacred landscapes.
Education:
- PhD in Folkloristics, University of Tartu (2016–2022)
- Master’s in English Literature, North-Eastern Hill University (2011–2014)
- Bachelor’s in English Honors, Sikkim University (2008–2011)
Research Interests: Folklore studies, political science, South Asian studies, Himalayan geopolitics, Buddhist practices, and cultural sustainability. She explores topics like ritual practices, ethnic identity, and the intersection of religion and environment in Sikkim and the Himalayas.
Recent Articles/Themes: Her work examines geopolitical tensions in the Himalayas, the role of vernacular symbols in crises, and the transformation of sacred landscapes. Recent presentations include analyses of India-China border conflicts, soft power dynamics, and the cultural implications of proverbs and rituals.
Awards:
- 2021 Khyentse Foundation PhD Scholarship
- 2018 Best Paper Prize, Belief Narrative Network
Teaching & Outreach: Guest lectures on South Asian culture and folklore at institutions like University of Sapienza (Italy) and Stella Maris College (Chennai). Organized workshops on India’s foreign policy and podcasts discussing academic challenges in folklore studies.
Projects: Leading projects on China-India geopolitical dynamics and the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor. Collaborates on studies about China’s soft power in Estonia and regional security.
Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Asia Center and the Folklore Institute at the University of Tartu, contributing to interdisciplinary research on cultural and geopolitical issues.
