Tenzing Doma Bhutia successfully defends Ph.D. thesis on Sikkim’s democratic transition

Tenzing Doma Bhutia, a resident of Gangtok, East Sikkim, has successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis titled “Democratic Transition, Institutional Crafting and Constitutionalism: A Study of Sikkim” on February 7, 2025. She completed her research under the supervision of Professor Durga Prasad Chhetri, Head of the Department of Political Science, Sikkim University.

Ms. Bhutia’s research offers an in-depth analysis of Sikkim’s transition to democracy, examining the establishment of its electoral system and constitutional development. By integrating transition theories and models, her study provides a fresh perspective on Sikkim’s democratic evolution, making a significant academic contribution to the field of political science.

An alumnus of St. Thomas School and Paljor Namgyal Girls School, Gangtok, Ms. Bhutia pursued her higher education at Madras Christian College, Chennai, where she was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence. She later completed her M.Phil. at Sikkim University before embarking on her Ph.D.

Throughout her academic journey, Ms. Bhutia has actively participated in several national and international conferences and secured an internship with the Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata. Her research papers have been published in various reputed journals, further establishing her scholarly credentials.

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at FHSS&LA, Sikkim Manipal University, Dr. Bhutia expressed her gratitude towards her supervisor, institution, parents, and well-wishers for their unwavering support during her research journey.