Abhishek Saini is a 2023/24 MA Governance, Development & Public Policy student at IDS. This is his first time in the UK, and he is the first person in his family to study abroad. We caught up with Abhishek about what led him to IDS, and his aspirations for the future.
The first time I saw the IDS building it felt like a dream come true! At the age of 32, being a married man, the decision to pursue my second master’s degree was not one made lightly. In a world where entrenched masculine roles and responsibilities often define the path of individuals, I encountered numerous societal expectations. My marriage in November 2021 marked a significant milestone in my life, and it was during this time that I earnestly discussed my aspiration to pursue a second master’s degree abroad.
Challenging societal expectations
My wife and family, recognising the value of education and personal growth, wholeheartedly supported my endeavour. However, it was evident that society at large struggled to accept the notion that a married individual could embark on a journey of higher education while entrusting household responsibilities to their spouse. So, when I arrived there was feeling of accomplishment that finally I did it.
Experiencing the impact of inadequate policies
The reason I chose MA Governance, Development & Public Policy was a culmination of life experiences and a strong commitment to effecting positive change in society. Growing up in an underprivileged area of New Delhi exposed me to the profound impact that government policies can have on the lives of individuals and communities. As a beneficiary of a public policy initiative that reconstructed inadequate sanitation facilities in our house, I realised early on that education and policy advocacy were potent tools to break the shackles of poverty. My journey into the field of economics further deepened my understanding of the pivotal role that government institutions and policy interventions play in shaping human development.
A platform for social good
My passion for social development and my desire to bridge the information gap in the volunteering sector led me to co-found Those in Need, a platform connecting NGOs with dedicated volunteers. This endeavour underscored the importance of innovative approaches and analytics in driving meaningful change in the social space. IDS, with its history of nurturing social innovators and policy makers and the expertise of scholars like Dr. Anuradha Joshi and Dr. Anne Marie Goetz, offers the ideal environment for me to acquire the knowledge and acumen needed to turn these intentions into reality. This second master’s degree is not just a personal endeavour but a commitment to be a catalyst for meaningful change in India’s social and policy landscape.
Increasing my impact
I hope Master’s in Governance, Development & Public Policy will help me delve deeper into the theoretical frameworks underpinning public policy. I hope my academic journey will empower me to create frameworks facilitating public-private partnerships, aligning institutional donor strategies with government priorities, and enhancing my analytical skills for policy development and evaluation. Furthermore, my aspirations include expanding Those in Need into a tech-based platform with India’s first digital volunteering card and contributing to India’s position in the Global Youth Development Index.
Connecting with peers
I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of meeting individuals from diverse countries and gaining insights into their unique cultures and backgrounds. Thus far, I have had the privilege of engaging with a multitude of individuals, each offering a rich tapestry of experiences.
This exposure has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the potential benefits of such interactions. I firmly believe that they provide a platform to not only understand the distinctive challenges faced in different regions of the world but also to witness the innovative solutions and ideas that emerge in response to these challenges.
In essence, these cross-cultural exchanges serve as a valuable resource for fostering a broader, more comprehensive understanding of the world we inhabit. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue engaging in such enriching interactions, confident that they will contribute significantly to my personal and professional growth.
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