Hello,
This is Kaushal Vidyarthee - a graduate studying for a DPhil in Social Policy (2009-12) as a Green Templeton College DPhill Scholar at the University of Oxford.
As an Inlaks scholar, I came to Oxford in September 2006 and joined Wolfson College. Here, I studied for an MPhil in Development Studies (2006-08) from the Department of International Development. Earlier, I finished Bachelor of Planning (2002-06) from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA)New Delhi, India. I have worked as an urban planner in a planning and architecture consultancy firm -Design & Development Forum in New Delhi for a short period. Moreover, I was involved with UNDP and European Commisson projects in my internships during undergraduate programme.
Involvement has been the best way for me to associate with the university life. At Oxford, I enjoyed my engagement with the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU), 'International Students' Campaign' , Oxford International Festival, Oxford Indian Society and the U8 Global Student Partnership for Development. I served as the Vice-President (Graduates) -a full time sabbatical officer at OUSU for the year 2008-09 and as the ‘International Students Officer’ –an elected part time executive officer- for the year 2006-07. In my undergraduate days, I have been associated with the National Organisation of Students of Planning (NOSPLAN) for three years (2003-06) at various levels.
Hindi poetry, rendering, photography and cricket are my favourite passions. I also love travelling and exploring new cultures. During summer of 2007, I spent more than two months in East Africa doing my fieldwork. I was born in Madhepura District of Bihar (India) and I have finished my schooling in Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa (i.e. at JNV Purnea, JNV Keonjhar and JVM Ranchi).