Jharkhand’s daughter - Sneha Harsh - has got selected in Harvard University Graduate School of Education, which is indeed a very proud moment for Ranchi. Her exemplary experience in social work fuelled her dream to see a Jharkhand where each child is educated. She wants to work for the education of tribal, Dalit and blind children.
Sneha Harsh is a resident of Ratu, a rural town which is 15 kms away from Ranchi here in Jharkhand. She is thrilled to have received her offer letter from Harvard University Graduate School of Education to study Masters Program (Ed.M.) in Learning Design, Innovation and Technology in Education. She hopes to work for the uplift of tribal, dalit and blind children in Jharkhand, through education. She wants to work with the people of Jharkhand to see progress toward quality and inclusive education.
Talking to the pioneer, she said, “Since my childhood, I have seen, heard and met the victims of human trafficking, gender based violence, patriarchy and lack of quality and inclusive education. I realized at a very early age that education is the only solution.”
Sneha studied in D.A.V Public School Hehal. She was awarded her bachelors degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, one of the top colleges in India. She bagged S.M Luthra Award for her meritorious contribution to the social sector at Lady Shri Ram College. She has been working with social developmental organizations for the past 4 years. In the past, she has worked for unemployed youth, adult education, education about menstrual hygiene to urban slums and autistic children. Currently, she is working with Ek Kadam Aur Foundation where Ishe is heading the High School Leadership Program in India and Nepal. She is working with the underprivileged and blind students to equip them with 21st century skills, leadership, communication and social entrepreneurship skills.
In the last two years, she has been working very closely with blind students through the initiative of the Ek Kadam Aur Foundation. She thinks that the insufficient infrastructure in the rural villages for differently-abled students is also a hindrance in their career. She also believes each one of those students has the capability to become a leader and achieve success. She wants to make them aware about the value of education and what wonders it can bring in the lives of students and their families. She envisions herself as a social entrepreneur in the education field.
Sneha was shocked to see herself as one of the only two students from LSR who got selected for the JASSO Scholarship to do a one year research study in Japan. She went to Fukuoka Women’s University to study ‘The Contemporary Japanese Culture Program.’ This was fully funded by the Japanese government. She received the monthly stipend to cover her living expenses.
Coming from a rural town of Ratu, she learned so much in Japan. One thing she felt throughout her learning was that she wants to help many more girls from Ratu or other rural villages to get global exposure and hands-on experiences. Because there is so much in the world one can learn and do. Many times, students suffer due to lack of awareness about the opportunities, she feels.
Studying abroad also opened her mind towards accepting changes, adapting new culture and a confidence to do more for the society, especially the ones who are underprivileged. In Japan, she got an opportunity to work in a rural village, Tsuyazaki. This is where she worked closely with the local people and helped them in community development activities. She could compare the lives of a rural village in Japan with India.
Like many students across the globe dream to go to the world’s best university- Harvard, Sneha also aimed to go there at an early age. After her graduation, she applied to Harvard along with 5 other schools in the US, but she was rejected. She did not give up and realized that she was not prepared for it yet. After reading each and every rejection letter, she was pumped up with more motivation. Sneha says, “In the last 3 years, my family and friends asked me- Sneha how do you manage to wake up so early. Because every morning, my dream made me realize that I want to work harder, I want to be in Harvard one day.” She worked each day towards her dream to go to Harvard. Today, 26 years old Sneha Harsh became the first girl from Jharkhand to join Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Sneha says, “Our Youth is the leaders of tomorrow. No one should feel that you are less than anyone. Each one of you has the ability to do great in life. It doesn’t need to be Educational success only, one can proceed ahead in a path of their area of interests. Be it music, yoga, art, theatre, entrepreneurial skills or anything that makes you feel excited about.