Kartikeya is a political sociologist. His doctoral thesis is based on his year-long on-site ethnographic work with the Kashmiri Pandit community and focuses on their expressions and aspirations after the dilution of articles 370 and 35-a of the Indian constitution. He largely focuses on identity-making, nationalism, conflict resolution, and reconciliation. He has also taught various courses in anthropology and political science whilst in Edinburgh. His plans for future research include reconciliation amongst ethnic-religious communities of Kashmir