Alumni Feature | Aishwarya Anand, Master’s in Public Policy ‘17

Aishwarya Anand, a 2017 batch alumnus, currently works as a public-policy consultant with Government and Public sector practice of KPMG. She is also a former LAMP fellow and has extensively worked with former MP Sh. Kalikesh Singh Deo, assisting him in various parliamentary affairs. As a high-school student, she had an inclination towards the elements of social sciences and hence went on to gain an understanding of intricate relatedness of various aspects of history and present-day civics in her undergraduate course from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College. Learning the eclectic ways of contemporary Indian governance, she developed a singular interest in the drafting and functioning of the regulatory apparatus of a nation; the who, what, how and why of the labyrinthine balance of policies, laws and regulations that mould a country. “The next step for me was to find a professional course from a notable academic institution which would be as uniquely balanced as the subject-matter itself”, she recalls. “I knew forthwith, looking at the course offerings, that NLSIU’s MPP was the copybook choice”. The course, she resonates, has helped her immensely to develop the much-needed perspective on both, the deconstruction and formulation of proposed guidelines and touchstones that are aimed towards social and economic progress. “Learning came not only from classroom sessions and assignments”, she recalls “but also from spending time and closely working with her academic peers, who are a part of a distinctive pool of scholars, former-teachers, industry experts, lawyers and even engineers! – the holistic pedagogy is truly unparalleled”. Summoning her academic experience at NLSIU, Aishwarya recollects her favourite course subjects to be Regulatory Governance, Research Methodology and Public Finance. Having graduated from NLSIU, Aishwarya has ever since worked on new-age policy projects such as Direct Benefit Transfer, Skill Development, Impact Investment, Ease of Doing Business and Investment Promotion to name a few. “The time at NLSIU is sure to give you the right amount of theoretical learning, practical subjection and most importantly- a chance to voice your opinions in meaningful academic discussions” she advises, “If you put in as much work as the faculty puts in your development, you will unquestionably have a successful career”.