Ashoka Reflections_MARCH 2024
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Ashish Dhawan, Founding Chairperson, introduced Ashoka’s newest founders, including the Harish and Bina
Shah Foundation (HBSF). As part of a panel discussion that had Harish, Bina and Amira Shah in conversation
with Ashish, they spoke about building the School of Humanities and establishing Ashoka as a world-class
university.
The evening concluded with a session where some faculty members presented the research they conducted
at the University. The speakers included Ashwini Deshpande, Founding Director, Centre for Economic Data
and Analysis (CEDA) and Professor of Economics; Anurag Agrawal, Dean Biosciences and Health Research,
Trivedi School of Biosciences; Nayanjot Lahiri, Professor of History; and Pavan Mamidi, Director, Centre for
Social and Behaviour Change.
Day 2 of Founders’ Day was held on the main university campus. The day commenced with a panel discussion
with alumni and students, moderated by Aniha Brar, Dean, Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s
Office, who talked to alumni-turned-founders, Jairaj Bhattacharya and Mahesh Jakhotia, about their Ashoka
experience and the spirit of giving back. Raghvi Garg, Ashoka's first Ph.D. graduate, spoke about how the
University prepared her to overcome challenges. At the same time, Anulya P, a current master's student
talked about finding a home away from home here.
The highlight of the day was Ashoka Rasa. Students from different cohorts and programmes put together a
captivating performance based on the nine rasas mentioned in the Natyashastra. The performances also
focused on various disciplines housed under the School of Humanities. They included a mix of Indian classical
and folk dances, ghazals and classical music recitals.
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