From Policy Classrooms to Bonfire Conversations: Why My Learning Community Matters

A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend with fellow The Takshashila Institution alumni and policy enthusiasts at Ideas Shala- a #policysimulation workshop. Since my Graduate Certificate in #PublicPolicy (#GCPP) was conducted entirely online during Covid, unlike other TI cohorts, I make it a point to connect with professors and alumni whenever possible. Every interaction, including the daily messages in our WhatsApp group, is valuable. Thanks to the collective wisdom of this community, I find myself learning something new every day.

The policy simulation workshop was an exercise in unraveling complexities at the #policy level. We were introduced to new frameworks and tools, which I’ve already begun applying in #tourism, a sector replete with complexities and interdependencies. Our case study in this workshop, focused on the diffusion of #AI in India. Although the scenario was hypothetical, our findings and proposals were very much grounded in reality. AI is poised to become one of the most significant disruptors of our time, and I’m constantly exploring ways to leverage its potential in my work, while also considering how to mitigate its risks. This workshop was certainly useful.

One of the highlights of the weekend was discussing India’s declining #inbound tourism numbers with my colleagues around a bonfire. It was refreshing to hear perspectives from policy experts outside this industry and to see the issue through a different lens.

I’m already looking forward to the next Ideas Shala!