Ashoka Reflections_JUNE 2023
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ASHOKA
REFLECTIONS
A S H O K A U N I V E R S I T Y ' S M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R
J U N E 2 0 2 3
Creating history: The first Ph.D.
graduate of Ashoka University
BIG NEWS
Ashoka Reflections | Page 01
Here is how Raghvi Garg describes her Ashokan journey:
“In my dissertation, titled “Normative constraints and behavior”, I explore how norms constrain individual
behavior and influence aggregate outcomes in the presence of interaction. These norms could be internally
determined moral standards or externally stipulated social standards to which they feel the need to
conform. I am deeply indebted to my advisor, Professor Abhinash Borah, for his support and
encouragement during these years. He inspired me to pursue Ph.D. and believed in me, before and more
than anyone else. His relentlessness, drive for perfection and foresight continues to shape me into a better
version of myself.
I had known Professor Borah since my Master’s days, and it was his field of work that had a direct bearing
on my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. thereafter. Professor Bhaskar Dutta headed the Economics Department
when I had to decide on joining Ashoka and interacting with him at that stage helped me gain clarity. Both
Professor Dutta’s and Borah’s presence in Ashoka was a certain reassurance.
Ashoka also had a very strong pool of faculty members, and I was particularly looking forward to exploring
different areas of research. Given the alignment of my area of interest, I felt very confident and motivated
towards the pursuit. For me, the decision was about following my heart, even if that meant going against
the conventions.
It was also Ashoka’s Visitors Programme that stood out for me. Some of the leading researchers from
across the globe visited Ashoka to conduct workshops over three to four days which offered me an
opportunity to discuss my work with them. Professor Yoram Halevy visited Ashoka during my first year of
PhD and my interaction with him has had a significant influence on my work. Recently, I had the opportunity
to discuss my work in great detail with Professor Sanjeev Goyal, who visited Ashoka for the programme.
Ashoka’s Visitors Programme provides immense learning opportunities for young researchers and is
instrumental in their growth as intellectuals.
Having no cohort of fellow researchers is a big drawback for any Ph.D. student. However, Ashoka enabled
an environment for collaborative research among students who were enrolled in Masters’s and
Undergraduate programmes. With the vision and support of my advisor, Professor Abhinash Borah, we
were able to build a group of enthusiastic students who would pursue research in Decision Theory, an
important yet neglected field of research in Economics in India.
Ashoka gave me the freedom to pursue research in an unimposing way, helping me build a strong
foundation for the trailing batches.”
Abhinash Borah, Assistant Professor of Economics, at Ashoka University and Raghvi’s supervisor, says,
“Raghvi has grown tremendously during her time at Ashoka and, as she graduates, is on the cusp of an
exciting research career. I will forever be indebted to her for her leading role in the growth of my research
group at Ashoka. Our research group’s core focus is Decision Theory. This field is a bedrock of modern
economic theory. Still, it has historically not been at the forefront of research in India. Raghvi deserves great
credit not only for the quality of her work but for her leadership in facilitating this research agenda to grow
at Ashoka.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 02
Ashoka University proudly announces its first Ph.D.
graduate Raghvi Garg at the Convocation ceremony
Graduate
Graduate
Stories
Stories
I chose Ashoka University because of its diverse set of offerings, not only academic but also beyond. I had a
chance to gain an understanding of development, literature, philosophy, and STEM, not only in classrooms but
also through talks, projects, and clubs.
One invaluable lesson I will be taking away from my Ashokan experience is the skill to understand where the
other individual is coming from. Interacting with my peers, collaborating on projects, and coordinating events
required me to understand their perspectives, expectations, and needs. This enabled me to tailor my
approach, communicate effectively, and ensure a harmonious and productive team environment.
My Ashokan experience extends far beyond the classroom. It has provided me with numerous opportunities
to engage with my faculty and peers, contributing to my overall growth. The faculty members at Ashoka are
not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply invested in their student's development which I benefited from.
The collective efforts of the staff members from the Student Life Office, Career Development Office, and the
Operations teams created an environment conducive to personal and professional growth as I worked with
them on different events and projects. Their support and expertise complemented the guidance of the faculty
and the collaboration of my peers, making my Ashokan experience truly holistic and enriching.
Moreover, my peers at Ashoka University played a significant role in my growth over the years. They
supported me in managing extracurricular activities and helped me strike a balance between academics and
my involvement in clubs and events. The collaborative and supportive nature of our interactions made the
workload feel lighter and more manageable.
In conclusion, my Ashokan experience has been a journey of self-discovery, learning, and personal growth. It
has provided me with a well-rounded education, not just in terms of academics but also in terms of
extracurricular pursuits. The skill to understand others and effectively manage extracurricular activities, which
I acquired during my time at Ashoka, will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavours.
The guidance of my faculty and the support of my peers have been invaluable in shaping me into the
individual I am today. I am grateful for the transformative experience at Ashoka University and will carry the
lessons and experiences with me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 04
‘My Ashokan experience extends far beyond the classroom’
RochaN Mohapatra is a member of the graduating batch of 2023. He majored in
Computer Science and Entrepreneurship
Hailing from a small village in Uttar Pradesh, I never thought that I would be selected to study at a prestigious
university like Ashoka. The journey has been nothing short of life-changing, and I am grateful for the
opportunities and experiences that I have had over the years.
The Ashokan Experience is truly unique. The campus provides a nurturing environment that fosters learning,
creativity, and innovation. The exposure to diverse backgrounds and cultures has helped me develop cross-
cultural communication skills that are essential in today's globalized world. The extracurricular activities and
community service opportunities have helped me build a well-rounded personality.
Throughout my journey at Ashoka, I have received immense support from my faculty and peers. The faculty
members are highly qualified and experienced, and they always go the extra mile to ensure that their
students receive the best support they need. My peers have been a great source of inspiration and motivation
and have always helped me in making the right decisions whenever I was confused about my plans.
One of the highlights of my journey at Ashoka was being selected for the Residence Assistantship role. As an
RA, I worked in different teams and took several leadership roles. It has been a great learning experience for
me as I got to interact with a lot of people on campus, and I have gained a lot from this role.
The most important lesson that I am taking with me from my experience at Ashoka is the importance of
exploring opportunities and taking risks. Ashoka provides a plethora of opportunities for its students to
explore their interests and passions.
Overall, my journey at Ashoka has been an incredible learning experience. The university has provided me
with a nurturing environment and numerous opportunities to explore my interests and passions. I am grateful
for the lessons that I have learned and the memories that I have made at Ashoka.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 05
‘My peers have been a great source of inspiration’
Shiva Rajpoot is from the graduating batch of 2023 and has majored in
Economics
I started as a first-year student, overwhelmed by the sheer number of opportunities at Ashoka, as well as the
rigour and thoughtfulness each activity demanded. I can proudly say that I am now graduating as a fourth-
year student, overjoyed by the breadth and depth of my experiences and personal growth.
My undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance instilled in me a relentless curiosity about the world
while equipping me with the tools to answer some of those questions too. I had the opportunity to explore
research questions that most interested me in Independent Study Modules with Professors who shaped and
structured my approach to problem-solving. In my fourth year, I completed a minor in Entrepreneurial
Leadership and Strategy while learning Mandarin and taking courses in Creative Writing.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities the Centre for Entrepreneurship has offered. I honed my
innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and practical skills through coursework at the Centre. I also had the
chance to be a teaching assistant, network with and be mentored by several industry veterans and founders
at Ashoka, gain a robust understanding of the business world, and most importantly, grow my confidence as a
young professional embarking on a corporate career.
Each of my experiences and learnings played a part in securing me a role in Management Consulting at
Kearney. I am immensely indebted to the systems in place at Ashoka, which not only foster individual growth
but also encourage us to thrive in our own unique ways.
Ashoka holds a special place in my heart and is the reason I've transformed from being shy and dreamy to
being confident and competent while dreaming bigger, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 06
‘I honed my innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit,
and practical skills’
Anjana Ramesh has completed her degree in Economics and Finance and a
minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Strategy. She is an incoming Business
Analyst at Kearney
My experience at Ashoka has been a combination of happiness, challenges, successes, and failures. Amidst
everything that was happening, I was going through a journey of self-discovery and experiencing personal
growth. Ashoka allowed me to delve into my own identities, passions, strengths, and weaknesses.
The biggest challenge that I faced in Ashoka during my initial days was the “difference”. The difference in place,
people, food, academics, and the culture. Now, when I am looking back after these four years, this difference is
the beauty that University has offered me. The diversity in every term provided ample room for my learning,
personal development, and enjoyment of campus life.
It reminds me how meaningful life will be if we are in a safe space surrounded by plenty of resources and
opportunities. The learnings from my classrooms starting from critical thinking to the major math courses
reminds me of the multiple perspectives of looking at a problem or a statement.
Apart from the classrooms, the interactions with other students and the staff members were another set of
resources on the campus. Furthermore, my experience of being a RA was incredibly good and it helped me in
community building, appreciating the diversity of Ashoka and the importance of inclusiveness. Another
speciality that I felt at Ashoka is I was never alone at any point.
These four years were a crucial period of being independent, developing healthy friendships, and learning
from all the good and bad things.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 07
‘The diversity at Ashoka provided ample room for my
learning and personal development’
Ardra KS is a part of the graduating batch of the Ashoka Scholars Programme
this year
I vividly recall that in one of my first few ICT classes, there was a debate on a topic that I had never heard of
before. When the class was asked whether we were for or against the matter, I raised my hand in the hopes
that I would not appear foolish. The experience was daunting, to say the least. Fast forward to four years later,
I have learnt that it’s okay to not know things, to question almost everything, and that if you’ve got into Ashoka,
you’re probably really smart.
When I arrived at Ashoka, my background was entirely rooted in the sciences, with the only certainty being my
desire to pursue something other than science. The liberal arts curriculum offered me the chance to explore a
range of disciplines, including Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Entrepreneurship. Ultimately, I
decided to pursue a double major in Economics and Psychology, delving into the fascinating field of Behavioral
Science for my Masters at the University of Warwick.
None of this would have been possible without the sheer support I have received over the years at Ashoka.
Personally, the Centre for Writing and Communication (CWC) played a pivotal role in my graduate school
applications, while the Residence Life Team provided invaluable support and guidance throughout my tenure
as an RA.
The friends I made at Ashoka have been my greatest source of inspiration, creating an environment where I
could evolve from a shy, introverted individual into a more sociable and confident leader. The red brick walls
of Ashoka will undoubtedly be missed, but it is the people who have truly shaped its essence—a
transformative journey that I would not trade for anything.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 08
‘I have learnt that it’s okay to not know things, to question
almost everything’
Yash Panjwani is a part of the graduating batch of the Ashoka Scholars
Programme this year. He double majored in Economics and Psychology
As I receive my graduation and reflect on my time at Ashoka University, I still experience the joy and fulfillment
of a young child who has just finished his first walk. I grew up in a tiny village in Palakkad. Through my principal
and my seniors, I learned about Ashoka. It quickly turned into my dream University.
I thought it would be tough for me to live in Ashoka because I completed all of my studies in Kerala and had
little exposure to cities. To my amazement, I had a very easy and smooth journey at Ashoka.
My time here has profoundly transformed and changed my life. I had the chance to interact with people from
many nations and continents for the first time in my life. My perspective of the world was altered by my
interactions with these varied communities and their inspiring stories.
The discussion-based learning in the classroom was so intellectually stimulating that it gave me the confidence
to speak up both inside and outside the classroom. The Centre for Writing and Communication has crucially
aided me in making a seamless adjustment to the new academic environment. I was able to investigate a
variety of fields, including biology, media studies, and psychology, thanks to the liberal arts framework.
I completed a biology thesis for my ASP. From that, I was able to gain practical molecular biology experience at
Ashoka's global standard biology lab. It also gave me the chance to closely collaborate with a professor to
grasp the principles of scientific inquiry and develop my critical thinking skills.
I've learned to dream big and set greater goals throughout my time at Ashoka. It increased my level of
independence and gave me a lot of practical life skills. Because Ashoka showed me that dreams do come true,
I always have faith in them.
Ashoka Reflections | Page 09
‘My time at Ashoka has profoundly transformed my life’
Anudarsh S is a part of the graduating batch of the Ashoka Scholars Programme
this year who is graduating with a Advanced Major in Biology
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