Umadevi N
Ph.D., REVA University, BangaloreUmadevi N
Ph.D., REVA University, BangaloreMy primary research interests lie in Indigenous literatures, Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental humanities, and English language teaching and communication. I am particularly interested in exploring the intersections of literature, ecology, memory, cultural heritage, and education. Indigenous communities possess rich bodies of knowledge that have evolved through sustained relationships with their land, environment, cultural practices, oral traditions, and collective memories. My research is concerned with how Indigenous literature can serve as a space for preserving, negotiating, and transmitting ecological knowledge, cultural memory, and community histories.
My doctoral research, Memory, History, Legacies: Evaluating Ecology-Based Performances of the Past in the Works of Easterine Kire, examined the intersections of memory, history, Indigenous identity, ecology, and cultural inheritance in the literary works of an Angami Naga writer. Building on this work, I am interested in exploring how Indigenous knowledge systems can contribute to contemporary discussions on sustainability, environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and education.
Alongside my literary and interdisciplinary research, I am developing an interest in English language teaching, communication skills, and innovative approaches to language pedagogy. I am particularly interested in exploring how language learning can become more learner-centred, inclusive, experiential, and relevant to students’ academic and professional contexts. I am also interested in communication apprehension, confidence in using English, academic and professional communication, and pedagogical approaches that support learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. I also have an emerging interest in exploring traditional Indian performance forms such as Yakshagana through interdisciplinary and pedagogical perspectives, particularly in relation to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its emphasis on Indian knowledge systems, cultural rootedness, and holistic education. Through interdisciplinary research connecting language, literature, culture, and education, I hope to contribute to more meaningful and inclusive approaches to learning and teaching.
Dr. Umadevi N is an Assistant Professor of English at Chanakya University, where she teaches English language and communication to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She holds a Ph.D. in English and is UGC-NET qualified, with over nine years of teaching experience across school, pre-university, and higher education.
Her research interests include Indigenous literatures and knowledge systems, environmental humanities, English language teaching, communication, and interdisciplinary approaches to education. Her doctoral research, Memory, History, Legacies: Evaluating Ecology-Based Performances of the Past in the Works of Easterine Kire, explored the intersections of memory, history, ecology, and Indigenous cultural inheritance. Her research has been published in Scopus-indexed journals, including the Journal of Dharma and Metszet: The Hungarian Journal of Architecture. She has also authored English Grammar Book for Competitive Exams (2024).
Before joining Chanakya University, Dr. Umadevi served as an Assistant Professor at REVA University and has taught across diverse educational contexts. Her current academic interests include English language pedagogy, academic and professional communication, and interdisciplinary approaches to education.
- Ph.D., in English – [REVA University, Bangalore, 2026]
- UGC-NET in English – [2021]
- M.A.; in English – [Jyoti Nivas College, Bangalore, 2009]
- B.A., [English, Psychology, Computer Applications, School of Social Work, Roshani Nilaya, Mangalore, 2007]
- B. Ed., [English and Social Studies, Venkateswara College, Bangalore, 2017]
- “Ethics in Indigenous Knowledge System: A Study of the Changing Dynamics of Naga Philosophy of Life and Religious Practices.” Journal of Dharma, Vol. 48, No.1 (Jan–Mar 2023), pp. 85–106. (Scopus-indexed Q1).
- “Sustainable and Vernacular Architecture of the Khonoma Village.” Metszet – A Hungarian Journal, Vol. 14, No.5 (Oct 2023), pp. 34–39. (Scopus-indexed Q3).
- English Grammar Book for Competitive Exams, Deepthi Sri Publications, 2024.
- Publication of English Grammar NCERT Series Fortnight Magazines for UPSC, KPSC, PSI, PDO, Group-C, FDA, SDA, TET, HPTR, and other competitive exams.
- 27th National Rank, Teachers Olympiad – Senior Secondary English Category
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – Arizona State University, Online Programme via Coursera (Currently pursuing)
- Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Umadevi is a Yakshagana artist and an avid visual artist. She has created over 40 acrylic paintings and has showcased her work at various art platforms, including Chitra Santhe, Bengaluru.