On May 30, 2023, Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS) hosted another series of Future Himalayan Research Seminar. Nolwen Vouiller, Psychomotor Therapist (Sorbonne University, Paris) and Anthropologist (UCLouvain, Belgium) and currently a third year PhD student in Anthropology (University of Liege, EHESS) shared experiences and insights from her ongoing PhD research on the topic: “From the River to the Shivers: The Construction of an Anthropological Thesis Subject in Bardiya National Park (BNP, Bardiya)”. Nolwen’s presentation was focused on intercultural subjectivity and multi-species relation captured over time and space. She shared methodological reflections and her engagement with the community people as well as their socio-cultural activities. Using Banbhoj Sthal (a picnic spot), located in the buffer zone of the Bardiya National Park, as an example of social space, she presented the evidences about how that particular space is separating and bringing together people and animals over the time.
Followed by the presentation was an insightful and interactive discussion session moderated by Dr. Anushiya Shrestha, Research Director of SIAS. The discussion emphasized the effectiveness of participant observation as a methodological tool for researchers to develop deeper insights rather than the use of structured interviews or surveys. Additionally, the discussion also highlighted that in sociological and anthropological research, it is crucial to pay attention on self-reflexivity and flexibility in methodology to contextualize our research.
