We’re thrilled to launch the first edition of Con-GRA, a conference dedicated to graduate students in the social sciences—particularly economics, political science, and sociology—whose research focuses on contemporary South Asia.

Con-GRA offers a space where emerging scholars can share their work, receive thoughtful feedback, and engage in sustained, interdisciplinary conversations. We approach South Asia not as a regional case but as a site of theoretical innovation, where new questions, methods, and frameworks are emerging across disciplines.

This inaugural edition marks a commitment to building an enduring intellectual home for social science scholars of South Asia.

Con-GRA is centered on scholarly development and deep intellectual exchange.
Each paper receives 45 minutes of dedicated discussion, including a presentation, discussant feedback, and group conversation. Papers are shared in advance, and authors flag areas where they would value input. 

The conference welcomes a wide range of social science methods—from ethnography and archival work to field experiments and quantitative analysis. Learn more about our approach here.  

Con-GRA welcomes submissions from graduate students at all stages—completed papers, works-in-progress, or conceptual pieces. All selected participants receive fellowship support, including travel, lodging, and meals.