Professor and Provost (fmr.) Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

Usha Nayar received her Ph.D from University of Allahabad, India in 1973. She is the former Provost of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India and Part Time Professor at the New School for Public Engagement, Graduate Program in International Affairs as well as Adj. Professor at Adelphi University's Ruth S. Ammon School of Education. These New York Universities bring their unique perspectives to Education and Policy which are Dr. Nayar's specializations.

Some other areas of specializations include: yoga studies from a life course perspective, developmental social psychology, social research with a special focus on qualitative methodologies, social issues related to vulnerable and marginalized groups, media, information, and communication technology for the social sciences, capacity building of organizations and self-help groups, and building social capital in communities. 

Dr. Nayar has served as an expert for World Health Organization in the area of Mental Health and Social Change. Besides this, she has worked closely with United Nations' bodies as well as international networks in building and sustaining child friendly policies and research. She is recently serving as the Chair for Stigma & Discrimination group, USAID, Global Health Evidence Summit. 

Among other international board and consultancy roles, Dr. Nayar has contributed to the formulation of many policies in India, such as the National Youth Policy, National Policy for Population and Family Welfare, and the National Child Labor Policy. She is on the expert committee of the Commonwealth Youth Development Index based out of London, United Kingdom. Additionally Dr. Nayar serves as the President Nominee for universities in India. 

Dr. Nayar is pleased to announce the release of her book titled Child & Adolescent Mental Health, SAGE Publications.

Her most recent research studies besides the book mentioned above include: 

“Empowering Slum Communities in Mumbai: Understanding Participation of Children from Children’s Perspective” (An Asia Pacific Region study that includes India, Thailand, Australia, China and  Sri Lanka)

“The Influence of Information and Communication Technologies on Children and Adolescents’ Life”

“New Information Technology and the Young Generation: Evolving Identities and Values in Mediated Environments”

“Building and Bridging Social Capital in Urban Slums Settings;” “Health Status of Adolescents and Youth in Greater Mumbai” 

“Social Development of Adolescents.”

For recent presentations at conferences, please visit www.usnayar.com's homepage for links, information and downloadable work. 

Areas of Specialization

Yoga, Happiness from a Life Course Perspective

International perspectives on Childhood & Adolescents 

International Social Policy, Research & Advocacy

Social research with special focus on qualitative methodologies

Social issues related to vulnerable and marginalized groups

Media, information and communication technology and young people

Capacity building of organizations, self-help groups and communities towards enhancement of social capital.