Starting student-led initiatives
The Anti-Caste Reading Circle at IDS.
MA Gender and Development student Chandni Sai Ganesh writes about her experiences of enriching her learning outside the classroom through the student-run initiative. Read the full blog on the IDS website about her experience of establishing the Anti-Caste Reading Circle while reflecting on what it means to decolonise development in a country like India, for example, where privileged caste hegemony determines human development? The result was a brave space for discussion and learning.
Top tips for new students
Starting your own initiative allows you to continue your learning outside the classroom. If this is something you are considering, here are Chandni’s takeaways:
- Stay curious: Is there a reading or a piece of research that sparks your curiosity? Follow that light. For me, that was all the literature I stumbled upon while researching for our weekly sessions.
- Find your people: Talking about caste, for example, in a development context is not always easy. Identifying my friends and co-conspirators was key. Spend some time getting to know your peers and their interests. Work collaboratively.
- Do not underestimate your reach: Drop that LinkedIn message or send that cold email. It can be daunting, but you will be pleasantly surprised by how many folks are keen on speaking to IDS students.