Dr. Virinder Kalra

Professor

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Biography

Virinder S. Kalra is currently a Major Leverhulme Fellow (2022-25) at the University of Warwick, focusing on the vernacular voices of migrants from South Asia in the UK. His scholarly contributions culminate in the co-authored book 'Diaspora Hybridity', which critically intervenes in cultural studies debates related to identity and migration. Kalra employs a theoretical perspective grounded in the pioneering examination of British Asian musical cultures, particularly emphasizing the performative aspects of cultural identity in his monograph 'Sacred Secular Musics: Postcolonial Approach'. This text engages in postcolonial analysis within the field of ethnomusicology, highlighting the role of native musicians as interpreters of religious texts, thereby challenging normative accounts of the social hierarchy in South Asia. His extensive academic work is underpinned by a commitment to exploring resistance processes and cultural-political organizing, informed by a Gramscian framework that examines imbrications of culture and politics. His recent publications include significant works addressing Kashmiris' issues in Rochdale and the intersections of gender, caste, and borders in South Asia.

Research Interests

Experience

Major Leverhulme Fellow

2022-01-01 — 2025-01-01

University of Warwick • Coventry

Leading research project on the vernacular voices of migrants from South Asia in the UK.

Requirements for University of Warwick

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.1
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:92
PTE
Listening
Required:59
Reading
Required:59
Writing
Required:59
Speaking
Required:59
Overall
Required:62
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in Engineering or a related STEM discipline
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Official transcripts
  • Degree certificate
  • Personal statement
  • One academic reference
  • CV/Resume
  • English language proficiency evidence
Specialization Notes

Includes General, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical, and Manufacturing Engineering. Most programs fall under English Band A.