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Dr. Padmini Ram

Dr. Padmini Ram

Researcher on informal economy, affordable housing, and urban policy

padmini-ram
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Joined July 2026
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Summary

Bridges academic research and practical social impact: Dr. Ram leads applied, practice-oriented research that converts ethnographic and ground-level data into actionable insights for NGOs, CSR teams, foundations, and public institutions, positioning research for decision-making and program design. urbanethnographers+1
Expert on the informal economy and affordable housing policy: Her scholarship and publications focus on institutional constraints, the informal sector, and affordable housing markets in India, combining economic sociology, political economy, and public policy perspectives. taylorfrancis+2
Experienced academic and educator with international exposure: Trained as an anthropologist with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, she has taught in universities in India and the UK and led academic projects that connect research, pedagogy, and industry partners. orcid+2
Public communicator and author: In addition to peer-reviewed research and a Routledge/Taylor & Francis monograph, she engages broader audiences via TEDx and public talks, reflecting a commitment to translating research for policy and public discourse. ted+2

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

Skilling in the Informal Economy in India: Identifying and addressing inequities in designing and delivering lifelong learning opportunities

January 1, 2024

Work addressing skilling and lifelong learning in the informal economy, focusing on inequities and design/delivery of training opportunities.

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The Affordable Housing Market in India: Institutional Constraints, Informal Sector and Privatisation

January 1, 2020

Monograph examining the housing crisis in India, institutional constraints, the role of the informal sector, and issues around privatisation; argues for understanding and enabling formal affordable housing markets.

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The Hope and the Dilemma of the Urban Poor

January 1, 2018

Article examining how institutional constraints and policy choices shape housing outcomes for slum households, arguing that slums can be traps and that pluralistic housing provision strategies are needed.

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The provision of affordable housing in India: Are commercial developers interested?

January 1, 2016

Research article investigating the role and incentives of commercial developers in the provision of affordable housing in India and the institutional dynamics involved.

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Hobbies

Engagement with Bharatanatyam and art activism (research and writing on classical dance and digital art activism). google+1

Notes

HJHimanshi Joshisaid
DPDr Padmini Ram
has made a real difference in impact, sustainability, or social initiatives they've seen in Bangalore.

Jul 11, 2026

SSSteffin Shibusaid they would recommend
DPDr Padmini Ram
as a go-to person for high-impact consulting at a smaller (boutique) firm.

Nov 21, 2025