Opinderjit Kaur Takhar

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Wolverhampton's Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing. As Director of the Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies, she specializes in Sikh and Punjabi identity, caste/gender dynamics, and religious studies. Her work includes caste issues, Ravidassia communities, and UK Sikh policy frameworks.

• Education:
  • PhD in Sikh Studies (University of Wales)
  • MA in Indian Religions (University of Wales)
  • PGCE in Secondary Religious Education (Sheffield Hallam University)
• Languages: Punjabi (fluent), Hindi, Urdu

Research Focus: Takhar's work spans caste systems in Sikh contexts, gender dynamics, religious philosophy, and multicultural policy. She examines Ravidassia identity shifts and Punjabi Dalit experiences, while contributing to debates on UK caste legislation and Sikh political activism. Her recent projects include language politics in India and digital Sikhism.

Publications Trends: Over 15+ years, her scholarship systematically explores caste-religion-gender intersections, faith-based health initiatives, and global Sikh identity. Key contributions include the foundational text Sikh Identity (2005) and collaborative works on caste lived experiences.

Teaching & Supervision: Takhar teaches Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and supervises PhD projects on caste/gender issues. She integrates fieldwork into religious studies pedagogy.

Grants & Projects: Currently leads NIHR-funded dementia support research for ethnic minorities. Previously managed health/sports engagement grants with NHS, Wolves Foundation, and Birmingham City Council.