Ashoka Reflections_AUGUST 2023
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The Young India Fellowship (YIF) is Ashoka University’s flagship programme. Offered as a year-long residential
postgraduate diploma in Liberal Studies, it brings together 100 curious and driven individuals, and exposes
them to a multidisciplinary and multidimensional education. Aniha Brar, Dean, Young India Fellowship and
Vice Chancellor’s Office at Ashoka University, notes that the Young India Fellowship receives applications from
all corners of the country – and beyond – and from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. A sizable
section of the current class consists of first-generation college goers as well.
Brar, who has been a teacher of Critical Writing at the Young India Fellowship, been faculty at Harappa
Education and conducted multiple workshops on professional communication, shared that the selection
process of the programme caters to diversity and is holistic by design.
“We do look for accomplished and motivated individuals, but do not define these words in narrow ways. While
their academic standing and professional track record do carry weight, the essays in their application forms
give us greater insight into their journeys. Their extra-curricular engagements and range of interests also have
a bearing on how their candidature is considered. Finally, the interview becomes a way to know them better,
dive deeper into what they have done thus far, and understand their aspirations better”.
“Just like the applicants, the qualities I look for are also wide ranging. Generally speaking, however, I am
personally impressed by the sincerity of their engagement with the interests they claim to have, their
motivation to be the best version of themselves, and their constant quest to broaden their horizons. We hope
to nurture socially conscious individuals who can forge new paths, and I believe these qualities will help them
get there,” she added.
Brar shared that the Fellowship looks for and has been fortunate to find individuals who come with a desire to
create a positive impact. Most of them are focused not just on themselves, but also on the larger world
beyond.
“Once they are at the Fellowship, this spirit is encouraged, both within the class and beyond. They are trained
to be stronger critical thinkers in all their courses, and encouraged to bring in different domains and
disciplines. They take courses ranging from the humanities and social sciences, to leadership and design
thinking, to mathematical reasoning and artificial intelligence.
Their problem-solving skills are enhanced through the Experiential Learning Module. The Critical Writing
course teaches them to read more closely, use their critical faculties and become better writers and
communicators. They get to learn from faculty, mentors and industry experts about the on-ground realities of
the areas they are interested in”.
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Ashoka University
Ashoka Reflections | Page 02
‘Nurturing socially conscious
individuals who can forge new paths’
Aniha Brar, the Dean of the Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office
at Ashoka University, expands on what transpires behind the scenes at the YIF
to create a positive impact in the future
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