The MPhil in Development Studies helped me to gain perspective on a range of development issues, global policies, and international politics. The most valuable experience of the MPhil was my thesis on agricultural policy reforms and grain markets for which I travelled to Tanzania for fieldwork.

After completion of my MPhil I contested the union election and served as the Vice President of the Oxford University Student Union for a year. It proved to be a great learning experience to understand the issues faced by the student community and the administration of the University. I am finishing my DPhil in Social Policy at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention. My research topic examines the inclusion of Dalits in India’s business economy.

Since being back in India I have worked at a non-profit in the state of Uttar Pradesh which aims to address multidimensional poverty by organising village women into self-help groups. Presently, I am working at the Office of the Vice President, Indian National Congress. This opportunity has allowed me to explore the political and social landscape of India in depth.