Assoc. Prof. Dr Mahruba Mowtushi - Literature and History - Best Researcher Award

Brac University - Bangladesh

Author Profile

📚 Early academic pursuits

Mahruba t. Mowtushi's journey into academia began with her outstanding performance in her gce o'level and a'level examinations at maple leaf international school in dhaka, bangladesh. excelling in subjects like english literature, biology, and history, she demonstrated her early passion for literature and the humanities. she pursued her ba (hons) in english literature at queen mary, university of london, graduating with first-class honors in 2010. mahruba continued her academic excellence by completing an ma in english: writing in the modern age from queen mary in 2011 with distinction. she crowned her academic achievements with a phd in comparative literature from king’s college london in 2016, funded by the prestigious king’s overseas research studentship. her thesis explored the unique theme of “africa in the bengali literary imagination from calcutta to kampala (1928-1973),” reflecting her interdisciplinary approach and global perspective.

🎓 Professional endeavors

Mahruba has carved a distinguished career in academia, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to education and research. beginning as a lecturer in the department of english and humanities at brac university in 2011, she went on to serve as a teaching associate at king’s college london during her doctoral studies. upon returning to bangladesh, she joined the university of liberal arts bangladesh as an assistant professor, where she contributed significantly from 2017 to 2020. since 2023, she has been an associate professor at brac university, where she continues to inspire students with her knowledge and dedication. her academic journey is marked by a balance of teaching excellence and administrative acumen.

✍️ Contributions and research focus

Mahruba's research is a fascinating intersection of comparative literature, postcolonial studies, and cultural history. her doctoral work shed light on the nuanced representations of africa in bengali literature, offering a unique lens to view cultural connections between south asia and africa. this research highlights her ability to bridge gaps between geographies, cultures, and Literature and History historical contexts. she is deeply committed to exploring how literature reflects societal transformations and cultural identities, making her work a valuable contribution to global literary studies.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Throughout her academic journey, mahruba has earned accolades that underscore her scholarly excellence. her phd was funded by the competitive king’s overseas research studentship, an Literature and History acknowledgment of her research potential and academic merit. graduating with distinction during her master’s program and achieving first-class honors in her undergraduate degree further highlight her academic brilliance.

🌍 Impact and influence

Mahruba's work has had a lasting impact on both her students and the academic community. as a teacher, she inspires critical thinking and a love for literature among her students. her Literature and History interdisciplinary research has opened new avenues for understanding the cultural interplay between africa and south asia, enriching the field of comparative literature. by mentoring young minds and contributing to global literary discourse, she continues to influence the next generation of scholars and educators.

🌟 Legacy and future contributions

Mahruba’s legacy lies in her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through literature. her unique research focus positions her as a pioneer in her field, and her teaching continues to shape the academic landscape in bangladesh and beyond. looking ahead, mahruba is poised to expand her research horizons and contribute further to comparative literary studies, leaving an indelible mark on the academic world.

Notable Publications

Title: Speak True to the People: Radio Pakistan and the Making and Unmaking of a National Soundscape
Author: Mahruba Mowtushi
Journal: South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies
Title: Africa in the Bengali Imagination
Author: Mahruba T. Mowtushi
Publisher: Book
Title: Ganesh Bagchi and Narratives of Longing and Belonging in Uganda, 1948–1964
Author: Mahruba T. Mowtushi
Book Chapter: Africa in the Bengali Imagination
Title: Nations and Identities in Transition
Author: Mahruba T. Mowtushi
Book Chapter: Africa in the Bengali Imagination
Title: Space, Place and the Body
Author: Mahruba T. Mowtushi
Book Chapter: Africa in the Bengali Imagination

🌟 Early academic pursuits

Kamal Salhi's academic journey began with a unique blend of traditional and secular education. Growing up multilingual, he mastered berber, arabic, and french, which formed a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary expertise. His early education included studying the qur'an at a liberal zawiya school while excelling in a secular, french-based system. transitioning to higher education, salhi pursued law and politics at the university of aix-en-provence. his diverse academic interests expanded further as he trained in cinema and theatre, producing plays and documentaries that explored cultural and political themes.

🎭 Professional endeavors

Salhi holds an interdisciplinary chair in francophone, postcolonial, and north african studies at the university of leeds, where he has shaped an innovative academic field. his career has seen him take on professorial roles across north america, europe, and north africa. his teaching portfolio is rich with courses on cultural anthropology, islam in performance, language policies, and the representation of women in postcolonial contexts. his creative contributions include staging plays and co-directing a franco-berber film, highlighting his commitment to integrating academic inquiry with artistic expression.

📚 Contributions and research focus

His research focuses on postcolonial cultures, cultural anthropology, and the performing arts, particularly in north africa and the middle east. salhi’s work investigates the enduring impact of colonial legacies on contemporary visual, literary, and performative cultures. his scholarship develops new conceptual frameworks that challenge traditional disciplines, emphasizing the North African Studies intricate relationship between politics, aesthetics, and cultural production. he has also contributed significantly to educational materials, aiming to transform language and cultural policies in postcolonial societies.

🏅 Accolades and recognition

Salhi’s dedication to education and mentorship has been widely recognized. he received the partnership award for postgraduate research supervision in 2017 and 2019. his innovative teaching North African Studies methods earned multiple nominations for inspirational and transformative education. these accolades reflect his profound impact on students and colleagues, cementing his reputation as an influential academic and mentor.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his research, salhi sheds light on the cultural dynamics shaped by colonial histories, emphasizing their continued relevance in today’s political and artistic landscapes. his North African Studies interdisciplinary approach bridges literature, drama, history, and political science, fostering a deeper understanding of francophone and north african cultures. salhi’s work has resonated globally, influencing scholars, artists, and policymakers alike.

📖 Legacy and future contributions

Kamal Salhi’s legacy lies in his pioneering interdisciplinary methods and his ability to merge academic rigor with creative exploration. his work on cultural representation, language policies, and the performing arts continues to inspire new generations of scholars. with his ongoing contributions to research and education, salhi ensures the sustained relevance of postcolonial studies in a rapidly changing world.

Notable Publications

Title: Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World: Performance, Politics and Piety
Author: Salhi, K.
Journal: Not applicable (This is a book).
Title: Introduction: The paradigm of performing Islam beyond the political rhetoric
Author: Salhi, K.
Journal: Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World: Performance, Politics and Piety (Book chapter).
Title: Recontextualizing and reconfiguring cultural identity in contemporary North Africa
Author: Salhi, K.
Journal: Matatu
Title: Religion
Author: Salhi, K.
Journal: A Historical Companion to Postcolonial Literatures - Continental Europe and its Empires (Book chapter).
Title: Visualising postcolonial cultural politics in Algeria: From state cinema to cinéma d'auteur
Author: Salhi, K.
Journal: Journal of North African Studies