How did you find out about IIRPS VU? And why did you choose to study Politics of global challenges? 

I was applying for a bunch of courses all over Europe, as I wanted to study global order from a European perspective. I already happen to be well-versed in south Asian studies, so I was looking for something which was different from the traditional pattern of political sciences, and hence, this course appealed to me conspicuously. Why, might you ask? This course had the most unique structure and inclined directly with my interests. Love for politics has come to me naturally ever since I was a kid. Having an immense interest in educating myself about the Global world order, Feminism, Climate change, Global economy and Diversity of religions, I knew I would be making a mistake not enrolling myself on this course. 

Spoiler alert: I did enroll and got in!! 

What do you like the most about your studies at the Institute?

The studies at IIRPS VU are exceedingly open-minded and modern. The professors are extremely talented and treat the students like fellow confidants, which makes the students feel empowered. Having to read complex literature and form an opinion based on them lays out the foundation for a more refined thought process. I also love how our studies are based on the application of the literature that we read, which is in the form of research, paper writing and presentations. 

I feel like studying at IIRPS VU, makes me become a better version of myself with each passing day because of the exposure I am getting. Having to step out of my comfort zone to understand my studies and having a chance to interact with individuals from different cultures and those who have been through such tough times in their home countries helps me gain a better understanding and perspective on a lot of things, which helps me to reflect on myself, and my privilege.

What were the biggest challenges for you while starting your studies here in Lithuania?

Challenges are bound to arise when you are moving from a country that you have lived in your entire life to a new country that you have never been to. So, the most obvious problem I faced was the problem of language. However, I am trilingual (I speak English, Hindi and German), and learning new languages comes easy to me, so I am actively trying to learn Lithuanian so that it is easier for me to converse in every day’s courses. Nonetheless, I am extremely blessed to have all my coursemates and professors speak in English with me and for my Lithuanian friends to not exclude me from their conversations when they speak in Lithuanian. 🙂  

The drastic change in the pattern of studies was also a concept that was new to me. Having come from a completely different culture of education, the European pattern of studies was extremely new to me. However, it made me even more curious to learn this, and I was able to keep myself in the loop and educate myself on how the system works by not hesitating to ask others for help luckily, with all their help, I was able to catch up.  

What are the biggest differences between living in India and living in Lithuania that you have noticed?

There are a lot of things that are different in India than in Lithuania. The most prominent difference I see is the variation in cultures and traditions. India is an extremely diverse country where so many cultures and traditions persist and coexist with each other. Being raised in such a culturally diverse environment, I am extremely interested to know and educate myself more on Lithuania’s culture. Lithuania is more homogenous in terms of its culture in contrast to India, which I find quite interesting and makes me even more curious. I am positive that Lithuania will leave a new cultural imprint on me by the time I am done finishing my studies. 🙂

What are your goals in your studies and after your studies?

During my studies, I wish to engage myself in doing fieldwork research and educate myself more about the global political climate. I am also an enthusiast of gender equality and feminism, so I want to do as much research as I can on that before finishing my bachelor studies as I want to pursue gender studies with respect to international relations and, eventually in the future, work for the welfare of women and civil rights. 

I know that wanting to bring about a change in the world by yourself is extremely tough, but I believe that with the will and the want can truly make it happen, and the change starts with you. I believe that I have so much to say and want the world to know about my articulated thoughts.

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community? 

I understand that Politics of global challenges is a new course, so I want to wish all the luck in the world to the IIRPS VU community. I understand that it is a fresh concept for IIRPS VU as well. It is with much confidence that I can say that IIRPS VU is ready to produce potential world leaders. We are studying real-world problems and engaging ourselves in practical work (research, papers, discussions and debates), all of which make us more confident in studying our subjects. The thought provocation that the students are exposed to makes me say on behalf of the Politics of Global Challenges groups that we are the change ourselves.