Hailing originally from Kolkata, I completed my schooling from Ashok Hall Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Kolkata but subsequently spent most of my life in Mumbai. I completed my graduation in 2003 from Sophia College, Mumbai with a single major in Psychology. Later, having completed my post-graduation from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai in Social Work, I started working in the Corporate Social Responsibility Department of a business conglomerate in India. Around this time, I initiated an educational program in rural areas, which is still operational; my experience of working in rural schools and interacting with local governments, NGOs and other corporations and foundations was the driving force for me to take up my research in the social sector.
Facilities abound
The main reason for choosing University of Southampton was the composition of faculty members and the department, which would anchor my research project. Moreover, that the university is a part of the Russell Group and has unchallenged reputation in research, was the other key element. The university has excellent infrastructure in terms of workspace for postgraduate research students. It has one of the best campuses in the UK with a huge sports centre, eateries, stationary stores, pubs, theatre and a bank!
The excellent research atmosphere combined with outstanding facilities, exceptional teaching and brilliant social and sporting amenities make it ideal for budding researchers to accomplish their goals. My course is a three-year long postgraduate research programme, which is intensive. My research revolves around construction of social entrepreneurship and legitimisation strategies of grassroot organisations in India — I will be examining how social entrepreneurship is constructed in the Indian social economy in relation to Britain’s. Also, the research will focus on legitimisation strategies employed by grassroot organisations to access funds.
Through my research, I intend to understand how this sector is constructed in the Indian context and hence, my study could have great value, as there is a large gap in literature for researchers, social entrepreneurs and policy-makers. Moreover, with the Indian Government grappling with welfare needs and the growing emphasis on ‘Make in India’ initiative, there is a lot of scope for multifarious advantages through my research.
It has been more than a year since I came to Southampton and now I am thoroughly enjoying the course. It is a beautiful place with lots to do and several places to visit. At the same time London is not too far, making it easy to attend conferences and others events. I have met some of the most interesting and inspiring people here and made new friends from different parts of the world. Along with my postgraduate research, I am currently doing an internship with the university’s Social Impact Lab.
The university not only provides quality education but also opportunities for internships, join societies, engage in sports, attend conferences and seminars. There are several courses which promote experiential learning and emphasise on group work.
After completing my course, I plan to start my own think-tank in India. Simultaneously, I plan to initiate cross-border (between India and Britain) social entrepreneurship projects.
Kasturi Bose is pursuing her Ph.D. in Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology from the University of Southampton, the U.K.
Published - November 19, 2017 05:00 pm IST
