srinivasu.nookarapu@uohyd.ac.in (or) nookarapu@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6491-4771
Mobile No.: 8919788604/ Landline: 040-23133059 (O)/23136251 (R)
Dr. Nookarapu Srinivasu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, where he has been serving since April 2023. A trained sociocultural anthropologist, he has over fifteen years of experience in teaching, research, policy engagement, and field-based practice. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a specialization in Educational Anthropology and an M.Phil. in Medical Anthropology. His research interests include sociocultural anthropology, anthropology of education, medical anthropology, tribal studies, ethnomedicine, indigenous knowledge systems, linguistic diversity, and community-based development.
Prior to joining the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Srinivasu worked extensively with governmental and non-governmental organizations at the state and national levels, contributing to research, policy, programme evaluation, and capacity-building initiatives. He has played a significant role in the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in Andhra Pradesh through curriculum development, teacher education, and community-based interventions. His research has primarily focused on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), other indigenous communities, and fishing communities, integrating ethnographic inquiry with applied and policy-oriented anthropology.
Dr. Srinivasu has authored several books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed research articles in the areas of anthropology, tribal studies, education, and indigenous health. His current research explores indigenous health systems, cultural resilience, anthropology of education, tribal development, fisheries anthropology, and the interface between traditional knowledge and public policy. He actively collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies, and development organizations to promote culturally responsive research and inclusive development through anthropological scholarship.
Ph.D. in Anthropology (Educational Anthropology), Andhra University, 2017
M.Phil. in Anthropology (Medical Anthropology), University of Hyderabad, 2010
M.A. in Anthropology (Social), University of Hyderabad, 2006
B.Sc. (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Applied Nutrition), Acharya Nagarjuna University, 2000
Adjunct Professor, Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission (TCR&TM), Visakhapatnam, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2020–2021)
Member, Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum, Lambasingi, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2021–2022)
Member, Sub-Committee on Tribal Education, Tribal Welfare Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2021)
Courses taught
Integrated Master's Programme (5 - Years):
Introduction to Social and Linguistic Anthropology (Semester I, 2023)
The Science of Human Being: Introduction to Anthropology (Semester I, 2025)
Practicing Anthropology (Semester IV, 2023)
Master's Programme :
Introduction to Social Anthropology (Semester I, 2023)
Qualitative Research Methods (Semester II, 2023)
Anthropology of Education (Semester III, 2024)
Medical Anthropology (Semester III, 2023 )
Ph.D Programme -Coursework
Advanced Research Methods. (January–May 2025; August –December 2025)
Other roles at the Department
Internship Coordinator (2024-Present)
Alumni Coordinator (2025-Present)
Research
Medical Anthropology; Tribal Studies; Anthropology of Education; Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE); Anthropology of Fishing; Ethnography; Qualitative Research Methods; and Applied Anthropology
Professional Experience
Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission (TCR&TM), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
2021–2023
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
2020–Present
Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission (TCR&TM), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
2020–2021
State Institute of Educational Management & Training (SIEMAT),
Office of Samagra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh
2011–2021
Tribal Cultural Research & Training Institute,
Tribal Welfare Department, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
2009–2011
Vignan Public School, Samalkot, Andhra Pradesh
2001–2004
Publications
a) Books :
Subba Reddy, K. V., Ananthasayanam Raju, M., & Nookarapu, S. (2023). Scheduled tribe social status verification: Issuance of scheduled tribe community certificates in the state of Andhra Pradesh: A compendium of acts, rules, government orders, guidelines, clarifications, court judgments, case laws, etc. Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission, Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam.
Nookarapu, S. (2018). Community participation in elementary education. Neelkamal Publications, New Delhi.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/411766776_Community_Participation_in_Elementary_Education
Sharma, B. V., & Nookarapu, S. (2018). Ethnomedicine: Studies among the tribes of Andhra Pradesh. Neelkamal Publications, New Delhi.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334612293_ETHNOMEDICINE_STUDIES_AMONG_THE_TRIBES
Nookarapu, S. (2018). Health care practices and ethnomedicine: A case study on primitive tribal people of Chenchus in Andhra Pradesh. Serial Publications, New Delhi.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330502550_HEALTH_CARE_PRACTICE_AND_ETHNOMEDICINE
M., B. B., Nookarapu, S., & Sing, A. (2016). Inclusive school in Andhra Pradesh. Save the Children India, Hyderabad. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330926549_Barriers_in_Making_the_School_Inclusive
Nookarapu, S. (2014). Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment under the domain of ethnomedicine. Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330502622_Etiology_Diagnosis_and_Treatment_Under_the_Domain_of_Ethnomedicine
b) Published in edited volumes:
Nookarapu, S. (2025). Anthropological evidence (Section III). In Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (Ed.), Bharatiya Bhasha Pariwar: A new framework in linguistics (Chapter 3, pp. 123–167). National Book Trust, New Delhi. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396462373_Anthropological_Evidence_Section_III_In_Bharatiya_Bhasha_Samiti_Ed_BHARATIYA_BHASHA_PARIWAR_A_New_Framework_in_Linguistics_Chapter_3_pp_123-167_New_Delhi_National_Book_Trust_NBT_India
Nookarapu, S. (2024). Exploring indigenous knowledge and healthcare practices among the Chenchus of Andhra Pradesh. In A. B. Otta, S. Reddy, & R. Lamba (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge systems and practices of PVTGs in India (Vol. II, pp. 291–298). Mayur Publications. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396462222_Exploring_Indigenous_Knowledge_and_Healthcare_Practices_among_the_Chenchu_of_Andhra_Pradesh
Sharma, B. V., & Nookarapu, S. (2013). A note on cognitive understanding of illness among the Gonds of Adilabad district. In V. K. Srivastava (Ed.), Tribes in India: Concepts, institutions, and practices (pp. 333–355). Serials Publications, New Delhi.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330502388_A_Note_on_Cognitive_understanding_of_Illness_among_the_Gonds_of_Andhra_Pradesh
Sharma, B. V., & Nookarapu, S. (2013). Health status and healthcare among the Chenchus. In H. K. Butt, V. R. Vijayendra, & P. C. Joshi (Eds.), Explorations in Indian medical anthropology and health sciences (pp. 188–197). Concept Publishing House, New Delhi.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330502180_Health_status_and_health_care_among_the_Chenchus_In_Explorations_in_Indian_Medical_Anthropology_and_Health_Sciences_eds_Bhat_HK_Vijayendra_VR_and_Joshi_PC_Pages_188-197_Publisher_by_Concept_Publishing.
c) Journal Articles:
Bonthu, A., & Nookarapu, S. (2025). Navigating health and illness etiologies among the fishing community of Palakayatippa in Andhra Pradesh. Man in India, 105(1–2). https://www.arfjournals.com/image/catalog/Journals%20Papers/MII/2025/No.%201-2%20(2025)/6-Health%20Fishing%20Community.pdf ; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396461871_NAVIGATING_HEALTH_AND_ILLNESS_AETIOLOGIES_AMONG_THE_FISHING_COMMUNITY_OF_PALAKAYATIPPA_IN_ANDHRA_PRADESH
Yalla, P., & Nookarapu, S. (2023). (2023). Community Participation in School Education: An Anthropological Perspective. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 29(2), 1306–1313. https://doi.org/10.69980/kuey.v29i2.12105. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/411764466_2023_Community_Participation_in_School_Education_An_Anthropological_Perspective_Educational_Administration_Theory_and_Practice_292_1306-1313_httpsdoiorg1069980kueyv29i212105
Sharma, B. V., Pukkalla, D., & Nookarapu, S. (2016). What matters in the schooling of tribal girls? A study in Visakhapatnam agency area of Andhra Pradesh. The Eastern Anthropologist, 69(2), 225–244. https://serialsjournals.com/abstract/92491_6.pdf; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346556900_What_Matters_in_the_Schooling_of_Tribal_Girls_A_Study_in_Visakhapatnam_Agency_Area_of_Andhra_Pradesh
Nookarapu, S., & Yalla, P. (2016). Geo-ethnic and cultural profile of Chenchus. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 21(5), 48–50.
Nookarapu, S., & Yalla, P. (2015). Ethnographic profile of Gonds of Adilabad district. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 4(1), 62–66.
Nookarapu, S., Umadevi, L., & Kavithakiran, V. (2015). School infrastructure facilities of KGBVs in Andhra Pradesh. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 5(1), 29–34. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330956749_School_Infrastructure_Facilities_of_KGBVs_in_Andhra_Pradesh
Nookarapu, S., & Umadevi, L. (2012). The personality of girls studying in primary schools. International Journal of Science and Research, 3(12), 230–233. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330957336_Personality_of_Girls_Studying_in_Primary_Schools
d). Contribution to the Development of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)
Contributed to the development and implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in Andhra Pradesh under the frameworks of Samagra Shiksha and the Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission (TCR&TM), aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Curriculum design and framework development for tribal language education
Textbook preparation and content development in selected mother tongues
Editorial review and academic validation of MTB-MLE instructional materials
Teacher training and capacity-building workshops for multilingual classroom implementation
Institutional collaboration between academic bodies and state-level educational agencies
Policy-level inputs supporting NEP 2020 emphasis on foundational literacy in home language
Contributed to policy documents on MTB-MLE, ST status verification, rural transport planning, and tribal education frameworks. Collaborated with government departments and NGOs for educational planning and evaluation.
Mentor and supervisor for the Integrated MA (IMA) Internship Programme, MA Anthropology fieldwork and dissertation supervision, and PhD research guidance in the Department of Anthropology. Actively coordinates student internships and field-based learning modules in collaboration with research institutions, government departments, and NGOs.
Anthropology in Contemporary Practice: Pathways for a Sustainable Future
Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad
Supported by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Dakshin Foundation, and Sthreesakti Pvt. Ltd.
Conducted in honour of Prof. B. V. Sharma
Post Congress – World Anthropological Congress 2023
Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad
In collaboration with MANUU, IIT Hyderabad, CESS, TISS, CDS, and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana
Right to Education Act: Issues and Concerns in Implementation
State Institute of Educational Management & Training (SIEMAT), Andhra Pradesh
In collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad
Supported by UNICEF and Save the Children
Craft Livelihoods in Transition: A Comprehensive Baseline Survey among Handloom Artisans in Venkatagiri and Srikalahasthi (Andhra Pradesh) and Gopalpur and Manjabandha (Odisha)
Sponsored Research Project under the Antaran Programme
Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation (Supported by Tata Trusts), Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Duration: December 2025 – February 2026
Status: Completed
Explicating Fishers’ Healthcare: An Anthropological Study on Marine Fishing Communities of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Funded by Institute of Eminence (IoE), Directorate of IoE, University of Hyderabad
Status: Ongoing
Evaluation of the ‘Driver Empowerment Programme’ Implemented by TRICOR, Government of Telangana
Funded by Tribal Cooperative Finance Corporation Ltd. (TRICOR), Telangana
Status: Completed
Evaluation of the Rural Transport Plan and Opportunities for Alternate Livelihoods for Scheduled Tribe Youth in Telangana
Funded by Tribal Cooperative Finance Corporation Ltd. (TRICOR), Tribal Welfare Department, Telangana
Status: Completed
Evaluation Study on Selected Tribal Villages under the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Grama Yojana in Khammam and Warangal Districts, Telangana
Funded by Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana
Status: Completed
A Historical Study of the Raju Kshatriya Community in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
Conducted by Social Tech Research Foundation (STRF), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad
Status: Ongoing
A Village-Level Study on Development Activities and Schemes in Telangana
Funded by Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana
Status: Completed
Membership in Professional Bodies/Societies
INCAA – Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists ;
IAA – Indian Anthropological Association
IAS – Indian Anthropological Society
ISS - Indian Sociological Society
AFI - Anthropos India Foundation
AIAER - All India Association for Educational Research
The government partners include the Tribal Welfare Departments of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, the Tribal Cooperative Finance Corporation Ltd. (TRICOR) of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, the Fisheries Department of Andhra Pradesh, and others.
Non-government partners include PRATHAM Education Foundation, Save the Children, Room to Read, the Coastal Resilience Network, LAYA Social Research Foundation (STRF), United Way of Hyderabad, and others.
Email: srinivasu.nookarapu@uohyd.ac.in / nookarapu@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 8919788604/9701929740
Landline: 040-23133059 (Office) / 040-23136251 (Residence)
Office: Office Room No. 209, Department of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences building, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India - 500 046
