AHC alumni shortlisted for prestigious international awards

Four alumni from the University of Leeds’ Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Cultures have been shortlisted for prestigious international awards.

The British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of UK alumni around the world and recognise leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries.

Now in their tenth year, the awards received more than 1,450 applications from international UK alumni in more than 90 countries, representing more than 140 UK higher education institutions.

Neha Gupta

 

Neha graduated from the University of Leeds with an MA in International Journalism in 2009 and has been selected as a finalist in the category of Social Action in India.

A self-described ‘queer feminist, strategic communications expert and journalist’, Neha is deeply committed to amplifying marginalised voices. She has worked around the globe, focusing on climate, economic, health, food, and gender justice movements. Neha leads strategic communications advocacy for civil society networks and movements at the UN, facilitating narrative shifts at policy levels. Previously, she served as a foreign correspondent with NHK, the Japanese Broadcaster.

I am thrilled to have been shortlisted and chosen as a finalist in my category for the British Council Awards, representing both my country and the University of Leeds. I am delighted and honoured to be recognised for my work. In a world where inequity, inequality and injustices are continuing to grow, it is critical to fight for social justice and human rights. I am privileged to be a part of civil society and movements advancing towards the vision of another world which is just and equitable. I want to thank the University of Leeds for giving me the educational foundation to do the work that I do. I also want to thank the British Council for creating a platform that recognises alumni to highlight our work.

Swagata Majumdar

 

Swagata Majumdar obtained an MA in International Communication in 2012 and has been shortlisted for the Culture and Creativity Award in India.

With 20 years of media experience, Swagata is a communication expert, writer, performer, and radio DJ. She lends her voice to brands like Thinkerbell Labs, Head & Shoulders, Nestle and Gulf Oil. Swagata coaches emerging voice talents and Bollywood luminaries, champions performing arts talents through the Boyaam Collective, and helps people navigate loss and grief. Currently, she is the editor of FOUR Magazine and a part-time senior faculty at Commits.

I am deeply grateful and thrilled to be selected as a finalist for the British Council Alumni Awards, representing my country and the University of Leeds! I am happy to see my work and efforts recognised; however, I wasn't even thinking about them when I did them. I did what I could to heal myself and, in the process, may have transformed lives. The transformative curriculum of my course at Leeds University emphasised empathy and societal contribution. Coupled with my experiences as Leeds Uni's Intercultural Ambassador during that year, I transformed myself into a better communicator and artist, and it helped me to create the Boyaam Collective, an interdisciplinary arts platform with a bigger purpose that changes lives. During the pandemic and despite my vast personal loss, Boyaam evolved into a global sanctuary that transcends boundaries and uses performing art to heal from loss and grief. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, ‘You may not control all the events, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.’ To my fellow journeyers, especially women, I urge you to embrace the transformative power within, let your voice soar, and create impactful change. Remember, challenges do not define our stories; they are forged by the resilience we summon. Embrace your journey with courage and conviction.

Savi Munjal

Savi Munjal, who studied PhD English Literature 2012, has been selected for the Culture and Creativity award in India.

 

Savi is an academic, philanthropist, entrepreneur and best-selling author. She has taught at Delhi University and co-founded Bruised Passports, an organisation credited with revolutionising millions of people's approach to travel.

I am really honoured to have my work recognised by the British Council and I am proud to be representing India and its intense potential as a country. I hope my story and my work will encourage girls born in deeply patriarchal societies across the world to strive for academic excellence and never give up on their dreams, no matter how far-fetched they might seem to others! I am always flying the flag for the University of Leeds because the dynamic faculty actively encouraged my cross-disciplinary research and pushed me to apply for several scholarships at a time I couldn’t finance my PhD degree. This proved to be a crucial step towards carving the life of my dreams.

Chi Ngac

Chi Ngac studied MA International Journalism 2012. She has been selected in the Science and Sustainability category in Vietnam.

 

Chi has over a decade of experience working for nonprofits serving vulnerable people, including disadvantaged children and victims of abuse and human trafficking. Her study in International Communications and deep commitment to ethical communications have propelled her to share the stories of vulnerable children and women and make a lasting impact in communities. Collaborating across sectors, including government and private entities, Chi's role is to connect resources and expertise and drive lasting and positive change.

Being one of the finalists to represent Vietnam and the University of Leeds encourages me to create sustainable change for disadvantaged communities in Vietnam and beyond. I am so impressed and humbled to learn about what UK alumni have achieved and made incredible impacts across industries and worldwide. It is awesome to be one of them. I believe that everyone can leave their unique mark on the world. It can be something simple, such as making a person smile today, or something as grand as landing on the Moon. Studying in the UK taught me to believe in myself and the power of the wildest dream.

Dr Jasjit Singh, Pro Dean International at the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Cultures, said:

On behalf of the Faculty, I would like to congratulate Chi, Neha, Savi and Swagata on their fantastic achievements. It is brilliant to hear of our international alumni going out into the world and making such a positive difference to peoples’ lives whether through writing, performing, business or charity work. As Savi says, ours is a dynamic faculty full of talented and ambitious people with a huge range of skills, and I am sure there are plenty more future finalists to come from AHC. For now, I wish the finalists the best of luck and look forward to seeing what they do next.

The nominees will attend the British Council’s Study UK Alumni awards ceremonies in early March 2024 in Delhi, India, and Hanoi, Vietnam.

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