Academic Experts
Academic Experts
Dr. Shikha Kumari
Assistant Professor(Grade I)
shikha.kumari@jiit.ac.in
Biography

Dr. Shikha Kumari is an innovative educator and interdisciplinary researcher with over 13 years of experience in higher education and healthcare management, specializing in socio-psychological gerontology. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, she has consistently contributed to interdisciplinary teaching, impactful research, and student development.
Dr. Kumari earned her Ph.D. in Socio-psychological Gerontology from JIIT, where her research focused on the needs, challenges, and adaptive strategies of elderly individuals living alone in the National Capital Region. Her work has been published in several Scopus-indexed journals and presented at national and international forums, covering topics such as active aging, elder abuse, spirituality, and policy awareness among senior citizens.
She has taught a wide array of subjects, including Principles of Management, Soft Skills, Sociology of Youth, and Universal Human Values, impacting hundreds of students across BBA, BSc, and management programs. As part of her contributions to digital learning, she developed and recorded an online course on Soft Skills for BBA students aimed at enhancing employability and personal development.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Kumari is actively involved in mentoring students, coordinating HSS electives, organizing academic seminars, and contributing to outcome-based education practices. She is frequently invited to speak on themes such as aging, wellness, and sustainability, and has participated in several faculty development programs and international workshops. Her work reflects a deep commitment to social impact, lifelong learning, and the holistic growth of students.

Educational Qualifications

PhD in Social Gerontology, Masters in Management, Bachelors in Management

Research Highlights

My research centres on aging, social sustainability, and adaptive strategies among the elderly in India, with a particular focus on the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of later life. I strive to provide insights that not only highlight the challenges faced by the aging population but also support evidence-based approaches in geriatric care management and policy planning.

One of my key areas of focus is active ageing, which I believe plays a vital role in promoting social sustainability in an ageing Indian society. My work advocates for engagement, participation, and independence among older adults, emphasizing how structured social involvement can foster healthy ageing and reduce the overall societal burden.
In the domain of functional health and independent living, I have examined the evolving adjustment patterns of elderly individuals living alone in the National Capital Region. My findings underscore the importance of community support, self-care strategies, and adaptive behaviours in maintaining physical and emotional well-being.
I have also explored the role of spirituality in elderly adaptation, investigating how spiritual practices serve as tools for learning, change, and emotional resilience in the face of shifting family structures. This work offers a culturally rooted understanding of coping mechanisms in old age.
Additionally, I have addressed the pressing issue of elder abuse, with a specific focus on violence and neglect experienced by elderly women in contemporary India. Through this research, I aim to raise awareness and advocate for stronger protective measures for this vulnerable group.
Collectively, my research contributes to a holistic understanding of aging in India and supports initiatives aimed at fostering dignity, safety, and quality of life for the elderly.

Areas Of Interest
  • Socio-psychological Gerontology
  • Spirituality
  • Public policy
Publications
  • Kumari, S. and Sharma, A., “Active ageing: A way for social sustainability in ageing Indian society,” World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 18, 2022. DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2022.10044897 (Scopus Indexed)
  • Kumari, S. and Sharma, A., “Evolving patterns of adjustment to maintain the functional health of elderly living alone in NCR,” Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 904–908, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i6.9899 (Scopus Indexed)
  • Kumari, S. and Sharma, A., “Spirituality: A tool for learning, change and adaptation of elderly in changing Indian family,” International Journal of Learning and Change, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 33–53, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLC.2018.089539 (Scopus Indexed)
  • Kumari, S., Sharma, A. and Singh, T., “Abuse, Violence and Crime against Elderly Women in Modern India,” Review of Research (ROR), vol. 5, issue 2, November 2015. Impact Factor: 3.1402 (UIF)