Felix Pal

Felix Pal is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, in the College of Asia and the Pacific. His research approaches the diverse relationships between the Hindu nationalist far right and Indian Muslim communities.  Specifically, he works with the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (Muslim National Platform), the Muslim ‘wing’ of the famously Islamophobic Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (National Volunteers Corps, or the RSS). Felix’s research asks why violent majoritarian groups need minority support and explores how these groups co-opt pluralist ideas to manage and rehabilitate their own public images. Prior to beginning his PhD, Felix completed a BA in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Asia Pacific Studies (Honours) at the Australian National University. Previously, he has worked as a program coordinator in refugee resettlement projects.