Dogs and Us: Barking Up the Right Tree
Humans, over the course of many centuries, have mastered the art of domesticating animals. But what do the animals we have carefully domesticated think about us? What really goes on in the minds of the animals around us, and how well do we understand them?
In this event, participants first explored how humans attempt to understand the psychology and behaviour of animals. This was followed by a panel discussion with theatre practitioner Rency Philip, dog scientist Anindita Bhadra, and psychologist Rex Joseph, who brought in unique insights from their research and expertise to ponder upon the differences between human and animal cognition, and how they consequently mediate the animal-human relationship.
About the Behavioural Biologist
Anindita Bhadra is a behavioural biologist who works on free-ranging/stray dogs in India. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata. She did her PhD at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Bhadra is also interested in science education, outreach and policy. She was involved in the founding of the Indian National Young Academy of Science in 2015, and served as its Founding Chairperson for three years. She is an alumnus of the Global Young Academy, where she was co-chair during 2020–21. She has received several awards and honours, including the Indian National Science Academy medal for young scientists and Janaki Ammal National Women Bioscientist award.
About the Theatre Practitioner
Rency Philip is a theatre practitioner based in Bangalore and works with troupes across India. She has performed in India and abroad for children and adult audiences, incorporating puppetry and movements in her plays. During her performances, she combines physical comedy and interactive storytelling to start dialogues with her audiences. In 2018, she was awarded the Inlaks Theatre award to further her work in Puppetry.
She designs and constructs masks, puppets, sets, and props for dance and theatre productions. She anchors online educational videos using characterised story-telling and masks. Rency also teaches drama in schools and facilitates corporate training programmes on leadership and gender sensitivity using theatre-based exercises.
About the Psychologist
Rex Joseph has a PhD in Applied Psychology. He is currently working as a Psychology Researcher at being, a mental health care app. He has over four years of experience working as an Assistant Professor in Psychology in various prestigious institutions in India. Joseph is the founder of The DogSide, which is a venture providing Animal Assisted Interventions run solely by psychologists.
About the Xperimenter
Snehaja Venkatesh is an Xperimenter at Science Gallery Bengaluru. She did her Master’s in Organic Chemistry at SDM College, Ujire, Karnataka. Along with her academic pursuits, as a member of World Esperanto Youth Organisation, she has organised many cultural as well as academic events. She is keen on combining both her interests to explore the role of languages in science.
