David Puvaneyshwaran

(He/him)

Master of Social Sciences (Social Work by Research), National University of Singapore

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Social Work, National University of Singapore

 

Research Interests:

Contact:

David.puvaneyshwaran@mail.utoronto.ca

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-puvan/

David Puvaneyshwaran, often referred to as David Puvan, is a PhD candidate at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. His dissertation explores Theatre of the Oppressed as an embodied and dialogic form of critical praxis for engaging internalized oppression among diasporic queer and trans South Asians in Toronto. Drawing on the works of Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Augusto Boal, David’s approach to research, facilitation, and practice is grounded in critical dialogue, embodiment, reflexivity, and collective transformation.

 

As a diasporic Tamil scholar born and raised in Singapore and now based in Canada, David’s scholarship is shaped by his situated knowledge of migration, racialization, sexuality, and (un)belonging. An applied theatre practitioner for over a decade, he has designed and facilitated participatory theatre initiatives with migrant workers, LGBTQ+ communities, racialized youth, and students in higher education. He also brings four years of direct social work practice in Singapore, where he worked with survivors, child witnesses, and users of domestic violence.