Current Projects
Dr Bhogal is researching the preservation of intangible heritage, deeply rooted in the historical and spiritual context of Punjab, through childbirth, child-rearing, and homemaking practices, drawing upon traditions and the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib. This project will explore how the Sikh community maintains a connection to their spiritual and cultural heritage in a British diaspora context. She will explore how Sikh families create Sikh spaces within their homes and everyday lives, where the cultural and spiritual heritage of Punjab is preserved and transmitted across generations.
Biography
Dr Jaskiran (Kiran) Kaur Bhogal is an anthropologist and educator whose research and academic career focus on the Sikh diaspora. She holds a PhD in Anthropology from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she was awarded the prestigious Alfred Gell Scholarship, which explored the concept of mīrī pīrī within Sikh communities in Britain. Dr Bhogal is particularly known for her contributions to understanding how diasporic communities shape their sense of belonging, heritage, and sociopolitical positioning in the UK.
Dr Bhogal’s past research includes examining nationalist heritage revival and diasporic identities in the UK and India as well as applying anthropological insights in both academic and public health contexts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Bhogal worked on behavioural science initiatives aimed at addressing public health challenges and contributed to numerous policy-shaping reports and health publications.
Dr Bhogal’s public engagement extends beyond academia. She has been featured in media documentaries, notably the BBC’s “Being Sikh,” and serves as a consultant on Sikhi for public and educational sectors, developing resources and training that enhance cultural understanding. She is currently a trustee with the Oxford Playhouse, where she champions diversity and inclusion initiatives. She actively contributes to the Sikh Education Council as Managing Editor of the International Journal of Sikh Studies.
Research Interests
Sikh faith, diaspora, homemaking, anthropology, heritage, religion, Britain
Education
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PhD, Anthropology - The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
Title: Home in Sikh Polity: Understandings of mīrī pīrī in contemporary Britain
Supervisors: Prof. Laura Bear & Dr Fenella Cannell
Awarded Alfred Gell Scholarship
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2022
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PGCert HE, Fellowship of Higher Education Academy - The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
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2021
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MRes, Anthropology - The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
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2017
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MSc Social Anthropology - The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
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2016
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MSc Religion in the Contemporary World - The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
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2015
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BSc (Hons), Economics, Finance and Management – Queen Mary, University of London
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2014
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