In a moment of pride for Goa’s academic and cultural communities, Assistant Professors Dr. Tanvi Bambolkar and Ms. Gauravi Khaunte from the Government College, Quepem, Goa, presented their collaborative research at one of the world’s most esteemed academic forums — the 28th European Conference for South Asian Studies (ECSAS) held in Heidelberg, Germany.
Their paper, titled “Expression, Agency, Identity: Studying Dhaalo, A Gender Exclusive Folk Dance of Goa,” was part of a specially curated panel that attracted 32 abstract submissions from across the globe. Only eight papers were selected for presentation, making their inclusion a significant academic milestone. This recognition not only highlights the scholarly depth of their work but also puts the spotlight on a lesser-known Goan cultural form on a global platform.
Dhaalo is a traditional folk performance in Goa, practiced exclusively by women, often during festivals or community gatherings. Dr. Bambolkar and Ms. Khaunte’s research delves deep into the significance of this art form — examining it as a space where Goan women express themselves, negotiate collective and personal identity, and assert agency within the boundaries of tradition and community. Their analysis situates Dhaalo within the broader discourse of gender studies and performance theory, drawing connections between folklore, cultural continuity, and social structures.
Presenting at ECSAS — one of the most prestigious conferences for South Asian Studies — allowed their research to reach an international audience of leading scholars, anthropologists, and cultural historians. The conference serves as a critical platform for new research in South Asia’s diverse cultures, and their participation reflects the increasing global relevance of regional and local traditions in academic dialogue.
This achievement also demonstrates the potential of collaborative research from state-run institutions in India to contribute meaningfully to international academic forums. Their presentation is not only a personal academic success but a cultural milestone that brings Goan folk traditions — particularly those centered on women’s expression — into a global scholarly conversation.
