Academic and Professional Experience

Prior to his association with GIPH, Prof. Nayar served as Professor of Community Health at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for 28 years, where he played a significant role in shaping public health education and research in India. He also served as Chief Fellow at the Santhigiri Research Foundation for six years, contributing to interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Internationally, he has been a Visiting Professor at Heidelberg University and Bielefeld University in Germany, reflecting his global academic engagement and recognition.

Research and Contributions

Prof. Nayar’s research spans a wide range of public health domains, including health systems research, health programs, health sector reforms, and the social determinants of health. His work particularly focuses on issues of exclusion, equity, and discrimination within health systems.

His study on mass gatherings during the Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala received significant recognition and contributed to policy-level discussions. He has also been involved in research on vaccine hesitancy and the influence of social media, including a WHO-supported study conducted in Malappuram district, Kerala.

Publications and Scholarly Work

Prof. Nayar has authored and co-authored several influential books and research publications. His notable works include “Critical Reflections on Health Services Development in India: The Teleology of Disorder” published by Lexington Books, USA, and “Anthropology of Secular and Syncretic Traditions: Santhigiri Spiritual Movement in Kerala” published by Bloomsbury, New Delhi.

He has also co-edited a book on healthcare reforms published by Sage Publications, New Delhi. In addition, he has contributed extensively to national and international journals, with publications focusing on health systems, social and behavioural sciences, and public health policy. He is also an active contributor to online academic and public discourse.