(January 5, 2024) Five Indian students have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2024, and will head to Oxford University for their postgraduate studies. The rigorous selection process, which involved over 1,000 applicants, was conducted by a panel headed by former foreign secretary and Ambassador, Nirupama Rao. Global Indian takes a look at the youngsters who have bagged what is arguably one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. They will join a cohort of 105 scholars from around the world for their fully-funded postgraduate study.
Since 1903, the Rhodes scholarship, offered by the Rhodes Trust, has brought the world’s best and brightest young students, handpicked from the top universities around the world, to the University of Oxford. It was established by Cecil John Rhodes, a British mining tycoon and the founder of De Beers—a diamond company that had, until recently, wielded control over global trade.
The Rhodes Trust’s website states:
We find, bring together and develop exceptional people who are impatient with the way things are and have the courage to act.
Originally intended to foster unity among English-speaking nations, this esteemed and long-standing international scholarship programme underwent revisions over time. By the 21st century, eligibility expanded to encompass citizens from all countries. Indians gained access to this scholarship opportunity in 1947.
Joann Rachel Cherian
Joann is interested in delving into the possibility of faith becoming a subject of public discourse. She is keen on merging her love for writing to examine the interplay between faith and everyday experiences. Having completed a BA in English from Christ University and subsequently earning an MA in English from Jawaharlal Nehru University, she now aims to pursue theology at Oxford University.
Joann Rachel Cherian
Her ambition is to blend her literary expertise with theological studies, thereby innovating new methods of interpreting sacred texts. Joann is particularly interested in investigating how the Bible addresses matters of gender. She envisions a future with increased female theologians in India. Alongside her academic pursuits, she holds a passion for music, fiction, films, and engaging in profound conversations about life over cups of tea.
Ayan Gupta
Ayan, a senior student at National Law University (NLU), Delhi, holds a keen interest in matters related to sentencing and punishment, particularly focusing on the complexities surrounding the death penalty and prolonged incarceration. At Oxford, Ayan aims to explore the fields of criminology and criminal justice for his further studies.
Ayan Gupta
With a love for teaching Ayan hopes to shape the future of criminal justice education. He has served as research and teaching assistant to his professors in NLU Delhi and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of NLUD’s Journal of Legal Studies. In his free time he loves either playing or watching tennis.
Asma Shakeel
Hailing from Kashmir, Asma aspires to make a career in the sphere of global and imperial history. She is currently pursuing international history at Georgetown University in Qatar, and plans to pursue a master’s degree in global and imperial history followed by a Ph.D. in history at the University of Oxford.
Asma Shakeel
During her time at Oxford, Asma aims to explore the archives of British missionaries in South Asia to gain deeper insights into the history of Kashmir, the Himalayan region where she spent her formative years. Her ultimate vision is to develop a digital archive chronicling Kashmir’s history, facilitating access and contributions from generations of Kashmiris. With the archive her plan is to offer an alternative perspective, inviting Kashmiris to share their family’s oral histories, photographs, obituaries, and personal experiences, to illuminate and comprehend their past, and influence their present in the process.
Mohammad Zayaan Asimi
Mohammad, a final-year BA LLB (Hons) student at Gujarat National Law University, hails from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. His academic focus revolves around the convergence of law, society, and technology. His ambition is to explore the influence of technology in enhancing access to justice within marginalised segments of society. He aspires to undertake socio-legal research at Oxford.
Mohammad Zayaan Asimi
The sports enthusiast has represented Jammu and Kashmir in national basketball tournaments.
Siddhant Dhawan
Siddhant completed his BS in bioengineering at Stanford University in 2022 and is currently pursuing a research-focused MS in biology at the same institution. During his tenure as a researcher at Stanford, he has contributed to multiple neuroscience research papers while working in the laboratories of esteemed professors like Nobel laureate Prof. Thomas Sudof, Prof. Tarik Massoud, and Prof. Nicolas Grillet.
Siddhant Dhhawan
Devoted to advancing inclusive healthcare and education, Siddhant spearheads initiatives that advocate for menstrual equity and promote science education, impacting numerous individuals in both the US and India. His dedication extends to advocating for mental health support and promoting diversity within academia. In preparation for a career as a physician-scientist, Siddhant intends to further his studies in neuroscience. He aims to conduct research on motor neuron diseases utilizing stem cells and genetic engineering techniques.
The applications for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2024. More information about the Scholarship application can be found here.
“There are over 4,500 living Rhodes scholars residing in more than 100 countries around the world,” shares the Rhodes Trust’s website.
Some of the eminent Global Indians who have been Rhodes Scholars in the past:
- Montek Singh Ahluwalia – Economist and policy expert who won the Padma Vibhushan award
- Sanjay Singh – Businessman and former first class cricketer
- Dr Menaka Guruswamy – Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India
- Sagarika Ghose – Journalist, columnist and author who has written biographies of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Tanjore Ramachandra Anantharaman – One of India’s eminent metallurgists and materials scientists
- Late Girish Karnad – Playwright, author, actor and director
