Dr. Aneesh Kurian is an Assistant Professor and Head, in the Department of Social Work at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Kerala. Previously, he served as Senior Manager for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research at the Sesame Workshop India office. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Professor at Ambedkar University, Delhi. Dr. Kurian is a recipient of the RTA Fellowship for PhD, from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and holds an MA, MPhil, and PhD in Social Work. His PhD thesis, titled "Impact of Life Skills Development Programme Through Social Group Work on the Emotional Literacy of Adolescents," reflects his deep expertise in life skills and emotional literacy.

He has extensive experience in coordinating large-scale studies, handling large datasets, and applying advanced statistical techniques in research. His skills span research methodology and design, data collection methods, data analysis, and report writing. Dr. Kurian has held various roles, including Senior Research/Project Associate at the Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECED), Ambedkar University, Senior Research and Teaching Assistant at the School of Social Work, IGNOU, and Guest Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Sree Sankaracharya University, Kalady, Kerala.

Dr. Kurian’s areas of interest include social work methods, life skills, early childhood education and development, emotional literacy, and measurement and evaluation. He has contributed extensively to academia, with publications in national and international journals, chapters in edited volumes, and co-authored books. Notably, he coordinated the pan-India research project on "The Development and Standardization of Assessment Tools in Early Childhood Education" and was a key team member in developing and validating the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) for India. An expert in assessments, Dr. Kurian has participated as a subject expert in various platforms and workshops organized by NCERT, MHRD, UNICEF, and other leading organizations and institutions.

Dr. Kurian is currently the Chairman of the Board of Studies in Social Work at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, and serves as the University Representative to the Board of Studies in Social Work at Providence Women’s College, Kozhikode and SAFI Institute of Advanced Studies, Malappuram.

Academic Qualification

Ph.D. in Social Work (Regular, with RTA Scholarship) Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

M.Phil. in Social Work (Regular, with Fellowship) Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) University Grant Commission (UGC)

Master of Social Work (MSW) Specialization in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Devagiri, Calicut University

Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

Profile of Experience

Assistant Professor St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Devagiri, Kerala (January 2022 - Present)

Senior Manager (Research, Monitoring and Evaluation) Sesame Workshop - India, Delhi (September 2020 - December 2021)

 Assistant Professor Dr. BR Ambedkar University, Delhi (July 2019 - August 2020)

Senior Project Associate Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECED), Dr. BR Ambedkar University, Delhi (July 2018 - June 2019)

Project Associate Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECED), Dr. BR Ambedkar University, Delhi (December 2014 - June 2018)

Research and Teaching Assistant School of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi (February 2011 - December 2014)

Guest Lecturer, Social Work Department of Social Work, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala (June 2009 - January 2011)

Project Coordinator Kottappuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS), NGO, Kerala (November 2008 - June 2009)

Research Experience

Led the Standardization of Assessment Tools in Early Childhood (Pan-India Research Project funded by the World Bank, UNICEF, and CSF)

Core Member and Research Lead for the Development and Validation of Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) for India (Funded by UNICEF, India)

Led the Impact Evaluation of the R2K Intervention on Caregivers' Behaviours and Attitudes (funded by world reader, Pearson and Results for Development Institute)

Developed Research Designs and Reports for Various National and International Projects (funded by institutions like LEGO, SBI Foundation, USAID, IndusInd Bank, Abbott,  etc.)

Consultancy Experience

1. Developed Index for Early Childhood Education for Pre-Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Post Pregnancy and from Birth to 8 Years” for Stimulate Solutions Private Ltd, Mumbai (Period: 2022-2024)
2. Review and revised the best-practices compendium and the recommendations on program design, implementation, and MEL framework and review  and revise two baseline project reports as an subject expert forVikramshila Education Resource Society, Kolkata (Period- January 2023- March 2023)
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Expert (Consultant)  at Sesame Workshop India, New Delhi  (Period- 2023- 2024)
4.   Consultancy- Review of ASER and NHFS study reports and provide recommendations to the agency, Sesame Workshop India, Delhi (Period- January 2021- June 2022)
5. Provided Research Consultancy for the following projects for Sesame Workshop India Office

 Play Learn Grow (PLG) Project – Supported by State Bank of India (Meghalaya)

• Developed and implemented assessment tools for evaluating learning outcomes, home learning environments, and in-centre practices.
• Led baseline and endline evaluations, data analysis, and reporting.
• Oversaw monitoring and overall implementation of the project.

 Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP) – Supported by World Bank

• Supported in the formulation of research methodology and reviewed the multi-stakeholder data collection tools
• Supported in the preparation of ethical clearance documentation (IRB protocols).

 Choti Badi Batein (CBB) Programme – Supported by IIFL Foundation

• Supported in the development of assessment tools baseline assessment and prepared the report of baseline assessment.
• Developed the research design and prepared the post-intervention assessments reports  

 Daddy Cool Project – Supported by HCL Foundation

• Developed M&E tools to engage fathers in early childhood care and development.
• Conducted baseline and endline data analysis and prepared evaluation reports.

  EdTech Project – Formative Evaluation of Learning Apps

• Designed and administered formative evaluation tools targeting children, parents, and teachers.
• Conducted multi-phase data analysis, and authored evaluation and feasibility reports.

FLN Project in Palghar, Maharashtra – Supported by IndusInd Bank

• Developed monitoring tools, led data cleaning and statistical analysis, and authored monitoring reports with field insights.

MPMG Project – Supported by LEGO Foundation

• Designed research tools, supported data analysis, and prepared evaluation reports to support implementation and scaling.

 ECCE Project – Supported by Marico Foundation (Bahraich, UP)

• Advised on M&E framework for an early childhood intervention.
• Supported data analysis and report development.

 “Mission Swachhta aur Pani” – Supported by Reckitt

• Provided support for developing assessment tools for hygiene and sanitation awareness initiatives.
• Conducted data analysis and drafted final evaluation reports.

Membership in Professional Bodies

Life Member of Indian council of Social Welfare (ICSW)

Life Member of National Association of Professional Social Workers India (NAPSWI)

Life Member of Indian Association of Life Skill Education (IALSE)

Life member of Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS)

Life Member of Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC)

Publication- Books

1. Kurian, A., & Botcha, R. B. (2021). Social case work: The Indian perspective. Archers and Elevators Publishing House
2. Kurian, A. (2023). Adolescence and life skills: A training manual. Globe Edits International.
3. Kurian, A. (2024). Life skills unveiled: A study among adolescents in Kerala. Lap Lambert Academic Publishing
4. Gosh., P.K ., & Kurian, A. (2016). Reaching the Unreached with Social Work Education: The Gracious Way. New Delhi: Uppal Publishers

Publication- Articles/ Chapters

Kurian, Aneesh, Monu Lal Sharma, and Varun Ashokan. 2025. “Leveraging Digital Tools for Enhancing Assessments in Early Childhood Education: Opportunities and Challenges”. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies 51 (1):109-18. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i11731.

Kurian, A. (2014). "Social Work the Practice Profession." Perspectives in Social Work, 28(3). Nirmala Nikethan, Mumbai. ISSN: 0974-5114.

Kurian, A. (2015). "A Study on the Extent of Life Skills among the Adolescents." International Journal of Life Skills Education, 1(1). Indian Association of Life Skill Education, Chennai. ISSN: 2394-630X.

Kurian, A. (2015). "Strengths Based Practice Method." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Contemporary Methods of Social Work. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

Kurian, A., & Kurian, T. (2014). "The Nexus of Life Skills and Social Work Practice." Social Work Chronicle, 3(1&2). Publishing India Group, Assam. ISSN: 2277-1395.

Kurian, A. (2015). "Prospects of Strengths Based Social Work Practice with Adolescents." Perspectives in Social Work. Nirmala Nikethan, Mumbai.

 Kurian, A. (2013). "Adolescents and Emotional Intelligence: A Critical Analysis." Aarhat Multidisciplinary International Education Research Journal (AMIERJ), 2(V). Mumbai. ISSN: 2278-5655.

Kurian, A., James, L., & Menon, R. (2013). "Social Group Work Interventions through Life Skills in Promoting Adolescent Mental Health." Progressive Outlook, 3. Ideal Foundation, Trichy. ISSN: 2231-2358.

Menon, R., & Kurian, A. (2012). "Student’s Supervision in Social Work Education: Prospects and Retrospect." International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, 2(12). Sucharitha Publications, Visakhapatnam. ISSN: 2277-7881.

Kurian, A. (2016). "Value of Loyalty to Profession." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Social Work the Value Based Profession. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

Roy, S., & Kurian, A. (2016). "Value of Service to Humanity." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Social Work the Value Based Profession. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

Kurian, A. (2015). "Relation of Strengths Based Practice Method with Other Methods of Social Work." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Contemporary Methods of Social Work. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

 Singh, R., & Kurian, A. (2016). "Value of Social Justice." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Social Work the Value Based Profession. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

Kurian, A. (2016). "Spiritual Dimensions and HIV/AIDS." In Dash, Bishnu (Ed.), Fighting HIV/AIDS. New Delhi: Uppal Publishers.

Singh, R., & Kurian, A. (2016). "Value of Cultural Sensitivity." In Thomas, Gracious (Ed.), Social Work the Value Based Profession. New Delhi: Rawat Publications.

Kurian, A. (2021). "Impact of Life Skills Development Programme through Social Group Work on the Emotional Intelligence of Adolescents." In K. P. Singh (Ed.), Contemporary Studies in Social Work. Uppal Publishers.

Course materials developed at university level

Kurian, A. (2013). "Physical, Cognitive, and Social Development of Adolescents." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Kurian, A. (2013). "Emotional and Behavioral Development of Adolescents." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Kurian, A. (2013). "Social Dynamics and Interactions in Social Psychology." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Kurian, A. (2013). "Models of Counseling." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Kurian, A., & Francina, P.X. (2013). "Role of Adults in Society." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

 Kurian, A., & Rosamma (2013). "Social Diversity, Social Distance, and Tension." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Kurian, A., & Nair, R. (2013). "Social Case Work in Correctional Settings." MSW - Counselling, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Major Paper Presentations

Enhancing Life Skills of Adolescents through Social Group Work." Presented at the 4th International Conference on Life Skills Education, organized by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Indian Association of Life Skill Education, and University of Mumbai.

"Evolving Early Learning and Development Standards in India: Significance, Process, and Challenges." Presented at the 3rd International Conference on Early Childhood Development: Emerging World, Policies, and Practice for Early Childhood Development, organized by Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

"Enhancing Social Work Education through Open and Distance Learning in the Changing Global Scenario." Presented at the 10th Annual National Seminar on Social Work Response to HIV/AIDS, organized by School of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Open University, and Central University of Kerala.

"Social Group Work Interventions through Life Skills in Promoting Adolescent Mental Health." Presented at the International Conference on Global Public Health and Social Work, organized by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kerala.

"An Analysis of Supervisory Relationship During Fieldwork Practicum: Perspective of Social Work Trainees." Presented at the 10th Annual National Seminar on Social Work Response to HIV/AIDS, organized by School of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Open University, and Central University of Kerala.

"A Study on the Emotional Intelligence of Adolescents with Special Reference to Ernakulam Municipality." Presented at the 9th Annual National Seminar on Social Work Response to HIV/AIDS, organized by Indira Gandhi National Open University, Vishwa Bharathi University, and National Association of Professional Social Workers India.

"Significance of Social Work Profession Towards Sustainable Development of Tribal Communities in India." Presented at the ICSSR Sponsored National Seminar on Role of NGOs in Tribal Development 2014, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work.

"A Community Initiative by Social Work Students: An Innovation." Presented at the 10th Annual National Seminar on Social Work Response to HIV/AIDS, organized by School of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Open University, and Central University of Kerala.

Fellowship Recived 

Research and Teaching Assistant (RTA) Fellowship for doing M.Phil/Ph.D from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi

National Eligibility Test (Net)  Social Work by University Grants Commission, (2008, 2011)

References 

1. Prof. Vrinda Datta

Former Director, School of Human Ecology, TISS Mumbai Former Dean, School of Education, Ambedkar University Delhi Email- vdatta05@hotmail.com

2. Prof. Gracious Thomas

Former Director, School of Social Work

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) MaidanGarhi

New Delhi – 110068

Email:graciousthomas56@gmail.com,  Ph: +91-11-29532467, +919871846768

3. Dr. A. Philipose Deputy Director (Rtd)

 Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB), Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Samaj Kalyan           Bhavan, New   Delhi-110603 Phone: +91-9495391251, +91-884873651