Sanjay Ruparelia reappointed as Jarislowsky Democracy Chair

Established in 2016, the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair (external link)  is at the forefront of teaching, research and knowledge that address issues facing democracy globally. The Jarislowsky Democracy Chair is now part of the newly established School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Through donations from the Jarislowsky Foundation, the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair is committed to critical research, strategic collaboration and enhancing public knowledge. Sanjay Ruparelia, a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, has been reappointed as chair for the 2024-2029 term. 

During the 2023-2024 year, Ruparelia was appointed a visiting fellow at the SNF Agora Insititute and a senior fellow at both the Stellenbosh Institute for Advanced Study and the Asian Pacific Foundation of Canada. His research explores the intersection of social welfare, political innovation and democracy in India and South Africa. Ruparelia is also a co-chair of the Participedia network, which examines democratic innovations around the world; an associate editor of Pacific Affairs and the Oxford Encyclopedia of Asian Politics; a country expert for V-Dem: the Varieties of Democracy Project; and hosts and co-writes a monthly podcast lecture series, On the Frontlines of Democracy (external link) .

“I am delighted to learn about the initiatives and leadership demonstrated by Sanjay Ruparelia throughout his five years as the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair,” said Stephen A. Jarislowsky, president and founder of the Jarislowsky Foundation. “I look forward to seeing Ruparelia lead another innovative research agenda and address the scope of Canada's democratic challenges in his second term.”

During his time as chair, Ruparelia launched the TMU Democracy Internship, which provided students with a stipend for up to 120 hours of work with internal and external partners such as the Democratic Engagement Exchange, Institute for Future Legislators, Women in the House, Equal Voice, the Canadian International Council, Unlock Democracy Canada and Maytree Foundation. Looking forward, Ruparelia is working toward expanding opportunities for students “through courses we teach as well as extracurricular programs. Recent initiatives such as summer schools organized by the Participedia network in South Africa and by Canadian scholars at the European Academy in Italy, allow us to share ideas and pool resources to support the next generation of citizens, scholars and practitioners.”

Further, Ruparelia has made considerable progress in enhancing our understanding of democratic processes in the face of increasing global challenges. His efforts, from giving public lectures and publishing impactful articles and book chapters to engaging in international panels, have offered important insights into the dynamics of democratic backsliding and the resilience of democratic institutions.

“I am thrilled to have Sanjay Ruparelia reappointed as the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair for another five years,” shared Interim Dean of Arts, Amy Peng. “His steadfast dedication to examining and improving democratic practices, both locally and globally, has greatly enriched our academic community and ignited important discussions in society. I look forward to seeing what Sanjay will accomplish during his second term.”

Over the next five years, Ruparelia hopes to advance his work, stating, “I will continue to study the risks facing democracy through my independent research and collective projects with other scholars, including Jarislowsky chairs in related fields. The sources of erosion and upheaval vary across the world. It's crucial to have a global perspective, and compare experiences, to tackle pressing challenges like social polarization, rising inequalities and the concentration of power.”

Related stories:

Dr. Sanjay Ruparelia awarded fellowship by Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada names Jarislowsky Democracy Chair, Sanjay Ruparelia, Senior Fellow