Summary
In a riveting webinar, ‘MA Public Policy Taster Session’, organised by Christ University on December 16, 2023, and hosted by esteemed Associate Professor Dr Tarun Arora, the realm of public policy unfolded, shattering misconceptions and drawing our attention to its ever evolving essence.
He illuminated on the pivotal role of policy formulation in catalysing positive change in our society, making an impact on stakeholders and target groups alike.
In a riveting webinar, ‘MA Public Policy Taster Session’, organised by Christ University on December 16, 2023, and hosted by esteemed Associate Professor Dr Tarun Arora, the realm of public policy unfolded, shattering misconceptions and drawing our attention to its ever evolving essence.
During the session, Dr Arora, an authority on the field, elucidated on the common misconceptions surrounding public policy, underscoring its dynamic nature and escalating significance in academia. He illuminated on the pivotal role of policy formulation in catalysing positive change in our society, making an impact on stakeholders and target groups alike.
Dr Arora unveiled compelling reasons to embark on the Public Policy journey at Christ University–its robust affiliations with government, civil society, and industries open diverse career avenues in media, development, public administration and even in UPSC preparation. Students benefit from internships, networking galore, and platforms like ‘Policy Nudge’, ‘Policy Central’ and ‘Policy Matters’ for hands-on application. Over the years, as we have witnessed Public Policy’s present elevation to a PhD programme, it underscores the profound engagement available in this transformative field.
Additionally, alumnus Shiv Chhatrala resonated with the discipline’s evolving nature, highlighting the interconnectedness between Samaj (society), Sarkar (government) and Bazar (market) in policy design. He, further, celebrated the think tank approach, acknowledging its impact where technology and society converge.
Delving into Christ University's proactive stance, Sauraveswar Sen, from Catalyst Learning Services, acknowledged the import of COP28 and the National Education Policy 2020.
Dr Arora introduced ‘Policy Conflux’, an annual conference tackling contemporary issues like gender and climate change.
Shrishti Choudhary, a current student, attested to the programme's interdisciplinary approach, seamlessly bridging political science with practical public policy application. The shift towards technology, media and gender reflects the evolving landscape of policy priorities.
Medha, another student, emphasised the importance of grounding academic research in field realities. Navigating language barriers, addressing real-world issues, and drawing impactful conclusions define the challenges met with resilience.
Krupa Thakkar, another student, acknowledged that the programme's early morning classes allowed them ample time to network with stakeholders and participate in one-on-one sessions with experts, thereby, enriching their knowledge base!
And finally, Aditya, a first-year student, celebrated the programme's diverse and inclusive nature, creating a melting pot of intellects from across India.
The session culminated in a dynamic Question and Answer round, exploring the media's role in public policy and the pivotal role of regional languages. Dr Arora and Shiv Chhatrala addressed concerns about bridging gaps between policy development and execution, underscoring the role of proactive think tanks and NGOs.
A vibrant exchange of ideas, the ‘MA Public Policy Taster Session at Christ University emerged as a beacon of hope for aspiring changemakers, dispelling myths, illuminating rewarding opportunities and kindling a passion for sculpting a better world through insightful policymaking. In a dynamic Indian landscape, programmes like these beckon those eager to make a qualitative mark on the world.
About Christ University (deemed to be university)
A premier educational institution in Bengaluru, it stands as a testament to its commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Christ University remains at the forefront of providing holistic education that nurtures individuals into responsible citizens and leaders in their respective fields. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, the university emphasises academic rigour, values and the holistic development of its students.
Last updated on 18 Dec 2023
