Harvard’s Commencement was Thursday, May 24, 2018. The Mittal Institute asked two graduating students who have been involved with the Institute to reflect on their time at Harvard and their plans.
Ranjani Srinvasan, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Masters in Design and Critical Conservation ‘18
What as your favorite class or activity while at Harvard?
In my 2nd year, I became interested in political ecology and began to attend the fortnightly Political Anthropology Work Group at Harvard Anthropology. This quickly became my favorite activity. I was able to gain access to a wide range of academic work and discussions, which spanned geographies and methods.
What was a highlight or favorite moment related to your Mittal Institute grant/work?
I received both my research grants to investigate the historical making and present condition of Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka. This allowed me to meaningfully engage with the local Dalit mining community on the ground and conduct detailed interviews. My favorite moment was hearing an extremely detailed and insightful political analysis of the Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML) from Vellavan, a security guard.
What are you most looking forward to doing post-graduation?
I look forward to working towards the establishment of a Museum of Dalit History in India and contributing to anti-caste struggles.
Do you have any advice for current students or students thinking about applying to Harvard?
To current students: Don’t be afraid to engage with little-known regions or topics, for that is where scholarship is most required.
Anushka Ghosh, Harvard Graduate School of Education, International Education Policy ’18
What was your favorite class or activity while at Harvard?
My favorite part of being at Harvard were the conversations that I had with people outside of class. It expanded my world in a way that I would have never imagined. One of my most enriching experiences was being a part of Yoni Ki Baat, the South Asian vagina monologues. It pushed me way out of my comfort zone and enabled me to confront rarely discussed aspects of being a woman from South Asia.
What was a highlight or favorite moment related to your Mittal Institute work?
I really enjoyed interacting with the visiting artists and getting to know more about their work. It was fascinating to know more about the way people innovate through the medium of art and communicate with a broader audience about issues that are so central to the South Asian experience, especially when presented through art forms that speak volumes about this experience.
What are you most looking forward to doing post-graduation?
I am excited to be in the field and apply what I have learned in the classroom, especially regarding sustaining educational programs in areas of conflict. After this year, I feel more prepared to tackle the challenges in the field.
Do you have any advice for current students or students thinking about applying to Harvard?
Harvard is a unique place with more opportunities than there is time to take advantage of them! My advice is to identify the key experiences that you want to leave with and not stress about everything else. Harvard offers both quality and quantity, but remember that depth over breadth is key.