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Scholarships Received:

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommended Scholars, Special Type)

High School:
St. Mary’s School, New Delhi, India

Could you please tell us about your life after CRPS?

After completing my Bachelor’s degree at Ritsumeikan, I moved to the Netherlands to enrol in a double-degree Master’s programme in Public Policy and Human Development, jointly offered by the United Nations University-MERIT and Maastricht University. I chose this programme because it built directly on the governance and social policy foundations I had studied at CRPS, making it a natural progression for my academic journey.

After graduating in 2020, I began working at a social policy think-tank that carried out research and projects for international organisations such as UNICEF and ILO. Starting as an intern, I quickly progressed to a role as a Social Policy Researcher and Advisor. In this position, I conducted mixed-methods evaluations of large-scale social protection programmes and advised both governmental and non-governmental actors on policy design and implementation. I remained with the organisation for nearly three years until 2023.

Seeking to combine my expertise in social policy with my research interests in urban policy, I entered a second Master’s programme in Urban Management at the Technical University of Berlin in 2023. This experience allowed me to re-engage with academic research and work on topics around urban sustainability.

After completing this Master's in 2025, I am now preparing for the next step in my academic journey, which is a PhD position at Lund University. I will work as a PhD student for the next 4 years there, concentrating on transitions research in the urban water sector.

What was your life in CRPS/Ritsumeikan like?

I spent a wonderful four years at CRPS. I joined the programmat at 18 and it was my first time living away from home and travelling outside of my country. CRPS offered a safe space to learn, explore diverse cultures and research topics, and, most importantly, discover myself as a young adult.

When I first arrived, the senior students, organised through the Peer Mentor Support Group (PMSG), had already compiled resources on everything from finding an apartment to getting a Japanese SIM card, which proved invaluable for me and the other incoming students. Looking back, the instant community created by the seniors and fellow CRPS students was a crucial support system that made the first few months much easier as a young international student. I later joined PMSG myself and tried to give back to incoming students in the same way, hoping that this supportive environment continues at CRPS.

The professors were always encouraging, inviting us to voice our thoughts and opinions both in class and beyond. In an environment where people came from different cultural and socio-political contexts, it created a very dynamic environment for having discourse about different topics, such as gender roles, international governance, and political regimes. The staff at the Policy Science office and the International Desk were always very kind and helpful, and I especially received a lot of support from them during my final year (2019). Manabe-san supported me with the documents needed for my Master’s college applications, without which I would not have succeeded in moving on to further studies.

Life on the OIC campus was lively and enjoyable. The wide, open access campus, which directly connected to the city park, made it easy to run between classes and enjoy the outdoor space. Within the OIC building there were plenty of spots for group work, planning sessions and casual hang outs, alongside quiet areas for focused study and research, such as the seminar rooms in the library or the lounges on each floor. My favourite place was the PS Lounge, where I wrote most of my bachelor thesis!

How are you applying what you learned in CRPS to your current life? Is there any specific knowledge/skill/experience that you’ve found especially useful?

The study course and the international environment created at CRPS itself were incredibly helpful in broadening my understanding of topics and geographies I might not have encountered otherwise. The knowledge I gained from both professors and fellow students significantly boosted my confidence in navigating my future studies, career, and personal life.

The most lasting benefit, however, is the network I built while at CRPS. I made some lifelong friendships, even though we now live on different continents. I also maintain contact with some professors from CRPS via email and LinkedIn. My bachelor’s thesis was completed in the Sustainable Urban Policy seminar under Prof.Dr. Shiki, and she has continued to support me through my master’s studies and my current applications. I was very glad to meet her when I visited Osaka in 2025 on vacation.

Could you give a message to the current and prospective CRPS students?

I would encourage all the current and prospective students to make the most of the four years of your Bachelor’s studies at Ritsumeikan. Go to every class and seminar, even the ones that don’t immediately spark your interest, because you’ll always pick up something new. Use this time to explore as many research topics and courses as you can, as you never know which one might end up shaping your path. The professors here are incredibly supportive and eager to assist with your research interests, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance or share ideas that extend beyond the classroom.

As an international student, studying in Japan is a great opportunity, so I would advise you to make the most of it. Explore the culture as much as you can by making friends, visiting new places, and trying new things.

After your studies at CRPS, finding jobs or looking for further education can be very intimidating and scary. Even with an impressive resume, substantial experience, and a strong work ethic, be prepared for the possibility of facing rejections. However, please know that you only need one job/university to say ‘yes’, so keep on trying, and something always works out!

Finally, alumni, like myself, are always willing to help with any questions about life after university or navigating further studies and job opportunities. So, please always feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or email!