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Why from—and not of?
Because we do not want to speak of the periphery as an object of study, nor claim to speak for those at its margins. We believe histories, memories, and knowledge can emerge from the periphery—shaping, questioning, and sometimes unsettling what we call the centre.
“From” is therefore a position, not a boundary: a way of listening to histories where they speak from.
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The mission of Voices from the Periphery is to advance interdisciplinary research and public scholarship on marginality through publications, oral archives, lectures, and collaborative fieldwork. With a primary focus on South Asia and an openness to comparative and transnational perspectives, the platform brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to produce and disseminate historically grounded, methodologically sound, and socially engaged scholarship.
iVoices from the Periphery envisions an intellectually rigorous and ethically grounded scholarly space that foregrounds subaltern histories and marginal voices while critically interrogating dominant historical narratives. The platform seeks to contribute to global debates on power, representation, and historical agency by treating the periphery not merely as a site of exclusion, but as a productive analytical framework for rethinking history, society, and knowledge.
iiThe poet and the historian differ not by writing in verse or in prose. The true difference is that one relates what has happened, the other what may happen.
Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.
Society does not consist of individuals, but expresses the sum of interrelations, the relations within which these individuals stand.
Be the listener of those silent voices.
Be the speaker of those silent words.
Voices from the Periphery
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It is truly inspiring for people like me, an old man, to witness such initiatives. Engaging with students always brings fresh perspectives and new ideas, which is both enriching and refreshing. As your name suggests, Voices from the Periphery holds the promise of uncovering and documenting the histories of marginalized communities, shedding light on stories that often remain unheard. This endeavor rekindles our hope in the youth of our country, reminding us that the next generation is committed to exploring and amplifying the voices that history has long neglected.
Professor Harbans Mukhia
Aayush and his team Voices from the Periphery serves as a vital bridge between the margins and the mainstream. We must recognize how most writings predominantly center on the mainstream, often neglecting the voices of the marginalized. Here, I hope we can discover a path toward truly understanding those who have long remained unheard.
Professor Ayesha Jalal
I deeply admire the initiative you have taken in establishing Voices from the Periphery. It is a commendable effort that creates a platform for uncovering, documenting, and analyzing the histories of marginalized communities—histories that have often been overlooked or silenced by mainstream narratives. I sincerely wish you all the best in this important journey, and I hope it continues to inspire meaningful discourse and critical engagement.
Professor Richard M. Eaton
I sincerely thank the Voices from the Periphery team for organizing these lectures and bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. I hope they will foster a space where everyone can share their own history.
Professor Ranabir Chakravarti
I am deeply moved by your commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and interrogating dominant historical narratives. Such interventions are not only intellectually vital but also ethically imperative in our fractured world. I look forward to witnessing the powerful work that emerges from your collective.
Homi K. Bhabha
Voices from the Periphery is a remarkable initiative that challenges mainstream narratives by bringing forth the histories and experiences of marginalized communities. By creating a space for critical engagement and meaningful discussions, this group is not only documenting the unheard voices of the past but also shaping the intellectual discourse of the future. It is truly inspiring to see young scholars take on such an important task, fostering a deeper and more inclusive understanding of history. Wishing the team great success in their journey of exploration and advocacy!
Professor Amiya P Sen