In dialogue with Shivam

I've been planning to begin this series in Geneva and was determined to start before 2023. Thankfully Shivam agreed for the dialogue. 

Shivam is pursuing masters in International Development Studies at Graduate Institute Geneva. He is a photographer, keen to practice street photography, an avid reader, listener and has great taste for music. I was keen to discuss more on his perspectives on art and aesthetics. Over a walk, we ended up discussing his academic life. More on art, photography and his life in next blog. 

A: Why Humanities?

S: I hail from a family of IITians and Doctors and teachers. I wanted to do something I like rather than follow some treaded path. My siblings supported and guided me on my decisions. I also had an interest in quizzes (/quizzing) and learnt that I want to pursue academics rather than any other stream. 

A: How was your graduation life?

S: Very different from school life. I've attended the first year of my college, witnessed and participated in college shenanigans and then COVID happened. Spent an year through COVID and got back to college and ended the college the way all the college goers end it- by partying hard and making memories. 

A: What was a big change in your life?

S: Attending masters in Political science course at Hyderabad Central University. It has changed a lot of my perspectives on the way I want to pursue my life academically. 

A: How did it change?

S: The environment at university, friends, professors I met, has helped me to contemplate on the (social) issues I want to work throughout my life like human (personal) identity, as I myself come from a historically marginalized community, the act of growing, sharing life with whom you live with. 

A: What is important to associate the identities we're given with?

S: To embrace an identity or accept it, we need a secure environment. Without a safe and secure environment, one would struggle to come out and accept the identities. 

A: How did you end up in Geneva?

S: I was contended at HCU, one of my seniors suggested about Graduate Institute. I applied while I was in graduation and got rejected. However, I did not give up and applied again. This time, I was accepted. After having discussions with professors, friends, and family, I decided to accept the offer and began my journey in Geneva. 

A: How did the community of friends, professors help you to be wherever you are?

S: One cannot grow in isolation, one cannot live in isolation. We need community and connectedness. Without the community or connectedness, no one would make anything in life. It's very important to share what you've received, receive what you're given and live a life with gratitude. The least one could do is to recollect, remember, all the help one has received and live life. 

A: Why Conflict, Peace and Security track?

S: I know what I like- Gender, identity, community building and I know why I like those ideas & concepts. I want to learn more about other things and get a perspective on it rather than rejecting or avoiding them for lack of interest. Also, specialisation can help you to cater only to a certain narrow audience. Being a generalist helps you to connect with a larger crowd and also a certain crowd. 

A: What's next?

S: I've ideas for my thesis. I've already begun to work on it. I see myself in the learning(academic) space, no matter what.

Shivam is clear of his path and the obstacles he may encounter on his way. I love the way he's passionate in life with a clarity of thought yet, not forgetting to play in life, keeping thoughts at bay at times. Would love to discuss more about art, aesthetics and music when I get to catch up with him in 2024.