Abstract
Jamia Nagar, a Muslim-majority neighbourhood in South Delhi, exemplifies the socio-political and economic marginalisation of Muslims in India. Originally a refuge for those displaced by communal violence, including the 2002 Gujarat riots, it has become a space of both sanctuary and stigmatisation. This ethnographic study, conducted between 2019 and 2021, examines residents’ lived experiences against a backdrop of structural neglect, discrimination, and resilience, using participant observation, interviews, and case studies. Findings highlight severe infrastructural deficiencies, including poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and inadequate educational facilities, all symptomatic of state neglect. Residents also face widespread stigmatisation, compounded by events like the 2008 Batla House encounter, which intensified racial profiling and exclusion from housing, employment, and social opportunities. Women and youth experience compounded challenges, with restricted mobility and limited access to professional networks perpetuating gendered and generational disadvantages. Despite these hardships, community resilience stands out as a defining feature. Grassroots organizations and local NGOs provide critical services, foster solidarity, and empower residents through skill-building and advocacy initiatives. These efforts mitigate the effects of exclusion and help residents assert their rights. The study underscores the urgent need for inclusive urban policies addressing infrastructural deficits and social exclusion. A multidimensional approach combining equitable planning, anti-discrimination measures, and social integration initiatives is essential to transform marginalised neighbourhoods like Jamia Nagar into spaces of dignity and opportunity.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Urban Segregation, Muslim Identity, Structural Marginalization, Community Resilience
