About

About Sabar Institution

Empowering Communities Through Research and Advocacy

The SABAR Institute, registered as a trust under the Trust Act of West Bengal, was founded by a group of passionate social science researchers and academicians, committed to using evidence-based research towards the betterment of disadvantaged  communities in India.

At the heart of SABAR lies a deep-seated commitment to unravelling the complex web of challenges faced by minority communities. Our data-driven policy intervention will ensure minority representation in education, workforce, and governance in West Bengal, driving meaningful progress towards equality and inclusivity.

Our research, a blend of rigorous academic inquiry and real-world insights, illuminates the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. From the subtle nuances of spatial segregation to the far-reaching consequences of educational disparities, SABAR’s work offers a nuanced understanding of the forces shaping the experiences of minorities.

We aim to empower disadvantaged groups by implementing capacity-building programs using educational tools and techniques, and organize career mentoring initiatives that provide necessary skills for sustained academic endeavour and employment.

Building Bridges, Building Lives

Our intervention

Data Driven research

Our work is centered on conducting and implementing evidence-based research to inform policy making aimed at improving the well-being of minorities in India. We focus on several key research areas, including education, employment, representation, migration, minority studies through spatial segregation and neighborhood narrative, as well as the preservation of Islamic heritage and culture.
By analyzing data derived from official statistics, primary surveys, and information gathered through the Right to Information Act (2005), we aim to contribute to informed public discourse and evidence-driven policy decisions. Our goal is to regularly publish data-centric articles on our blog, fostering meaningful dialogue and advancing policy discussions that address the needs of marginalized communities. By addressing systemic barriers in education, employment, and governance and by fostering inter-community interactions, we have cultivated critical thinking and thoughtful dialogue. Our work informs impactful policy decisions, and our capacity-building programs empower minorities in the state with essential skills for academic and professional growth

Know Your Neighbour

Although SABAR is the registered trust, people know us more through one of our proudest initiatives, the “Know Your Neighbour” campaign, which promotes social harmony by encouraging interaction between different communities. You can learn more about this campaign at www.knowyourneighbour.in

Neighbourhood Narratives

Research forms the groundwork of all our projects. We continuously engage in publishing surveys, interviews, academic papers and reports. We currently have multiple research projects on socio-economic conditions of Muslims and their representation in policy and other domains. Drawing on the experiences of neighbourhood walks, we are launching a research project titled ‘Neighbourhood Narratives’. This project aims to study and document the diversity and rich history of several culturally significant yet often overlooked neighbourhoods in Kolkata.

Chair For The Reader

In a world divided by race, caste, religion, and economy, our "Chair for the Reader” is a space for curious minds to explore diverse perspectives. Starting at our Mominpore office, we offer a haven for learning, featuring overlooked texts and new research that challenge preconceptions and inspire critical thinking. By fostering meaningful exchanges through regular storytelling sessions and book talks, we aim to cultivate a culture of thoughtful dialogue in Kolkata neighbourhoods and replicate the model across West Bengal. The initiative was launched by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen.
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