• I often think … why do I research?
• Is it because I am a researcher, or is it to search for evidence, or new policy alternatives?
• Or, do I just want to be a contemporary analyst? Or, a polymath, or a pseudointellectual?
• It’s not something like that. … certainly, a bit unorthodox!
• To me, research is a way to understand people … a way to relate to people … and their behaviors around the world.
• Because, I know … happiness—what we need most—is the impact of research.
• My “… heart knows the way.” — J. Rumi.
• That’s why I am not just following the evidence.
• Perhaps (?) I am a comparative thinker by practice … or have an ‘Otaku’ mind with cosmopolitan taste, ceteris paribus.
• … “the thinker without a paradox is like a lover without feeling: a paltry mediocrity.” — S. Kierkegaard.
• I, therefore, prefer exploring historical analogies, circumstantial evidence, and, most importantly, using my educated intuition to analyze (paradoxical) research questions … and to advance ideas.
• I was born and grew up in the central region—a folk cultural and artisan hub—of Bangladesh surrounded by naturally smart and open-minded people.
  
• Homegrown experiences always pushed me to broaden my research perspectives with blended thoughts.
• Also, Bengali thinkers are predominantly influenced by the crisis in the political economy of underdevelopment.
• Likewise, ideas and institutions in comparative political economy interest me and intrinsically motivate my everyday arguments.
• Needless to say, unique homegrown strategies are likely to complement my research approach in meaningful ways, like food and fashion.
• And, research shows me the ways to understand evidence … linking priorities … from all perspectives.
• In the present, we face the same problems as in past days … with different names and views … continuously and considerably so!
• Therefore, I want to start again … so that I can spend my time … understanding the ‘comparatives’ … exploring the ‘fair enough’ … sharing ‘experiences’ … and helping ‘people’ through simple … localized approaches.
• After all, I am a researcher by training and trade … and because I do research.
  
• The same old questions, but blended East–West … old school–new school thoughts, discussions … arguments … and mixed(!) understanding … and a few educated guesses.
• The stories of Tanzanian pastoralists … are the past and present stories of us all.
• And, this is what my dissertation is about!

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Disclaimer: All opinions are my own.