Saumyashree graduated in History from Jadavpur University. Currently, she is pursuing her postgraduate studies in the same subject. She received the Sylff Fellowship at the masters level to conduct a study on the malling of factories in post-liberalization era and how such projects are driven by the promise of a ‘world class’ city, both at ideological and material levels. Saumyashree intends to take up the story of labour of the Usha Factory and its changeover to the South City mall, along the stretch of the Anwar Shah Road, as a case study.

Winning this fellowship has been an important feat in Saumyashree’s life. As a researcher, Saumyashree feels the Sylff Fellowship will enable her pursue research on her favourite theme as well as provide an excellent opportunity to engage creatively with other disciplines which would enrich her perspective.

Her research interests involve exploring different aspects of socio-political and cultural processes, mostly of the colonial times of India. Urban history and history of art are some of her other academic interests.

Saumyashree has received training in painting from a very young age. She enjoys reading and has a penchant for music, films, and translating texts (from Bengali to English).

Email: shree.ghosh2010@gmail.com