Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP), formally launched in 2018 at the Constitution Club of India, recently organised a grand Convocation ceremony for its Scholars from across three batches, 2022, 2021, and 2020. All these Scholars and alumni have got jobs across the government, business, and not-for-profit sectors.
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO, NITI Aayog conferred the certificates to Scholars during the Convocation.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Kant said,
“I am a firm believer that Public Policy is a critical component of governance for India to grow rapidly. I am glad that ISPP has a multi-dimensional, multi-sectoral approach to impart policy education, especially in domains of social indicators.” He expressed his happiness about ISPP alumni working at the State level where core policies are actually made and implemented.
Founding Dean, ISPP, Dr. Shubhashis Gangopadhyay presided over the ceremony and began his address amidst loud cheering from the Scholars. Dressed in crisp
dhoti-kurta, he said, “
Initially in your journey as a policy practitioner, try thinking of solving one particular problem, rather than trying to solve every problem at hand. Stay curious, because public policy is lifelong learning.”
ISPP offers a year-long, full-time Postgraduate Programme in Public Policy, Design & Management (PDM). With innovative design thinking and critical thinking approaches, ISPP aims to not just transform the art of policymaking, but also democratise it.
Noted author Gurcharan Das administered the
ISPP Oath for Policy Practitioners to Scholars and alumni. The ISPP Oath for Policy Practitioners is a unique aspect of the School, taken just before Scholars begin their journey as public policy professionals.
The sight of over a hundred Scholars taking the ISPP Oath for Policy Practitioners was a powerful moment. While speaking about the dharma of policymakers, Mr. Das said, “
Every country functions by a code. For India, the code is dharma. You, as the future policymaker, should know the power of this code.”
The Scholars, who were joined by their delighted parents, were addressed by ISPP Co-Founder Luis Miranda who spoke about how ISPP has been going from strength to strength since its inception. “
Today we have five programmes running simultaneously and in the pipeline: PDM as the flagship programme, LokNeeti programme for working professionals in Hindi and other Indic languages, Executive Education with the Tata Group; Online programmes in collaboration with L&T, and Mission Karmayogi, a Knowledge Partnership with the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India.” ISPP has a glorious record of 100 percent placement since its inception, even during the pandemic, he added.
Co-Founder Dr. Parth J. Shah was visibly proud as he congratulated the graduating Scholars and alumni. He said, “
Some of the recent world events such as the policy catastrophe in Sri Lanka or the Ukraine-Russia conflict have taught us that assumptions can be wrong. These events are a great reminder to stay curious. Don’t be satisfied with what you know. Chase the uncertain.”
A special message from Prof. Krishna K. Ladha was read out during the Convocation.
The ceremony was held at Ashok Hotel in the presence of eminent guests, Dr. Shekhar Shah, Vice-Chairman, ISPP Academic Advisory Council; Shailesh Pathak, Director, ISPP; Dr. Neeti Shikha, Associate Dean, ISPP; and Faculty comprising Dr. Sekhar Bonu; Dr. NC Saxena; Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma (Retd.); Amit Krishn Gulati, Neel Sodhi, Karan Arora, and Harshvardhan Tripathi, among others.
Visit the ISPP website to know more about the School.