Sana Shah’s journey from Srinagar to a fully-funded PhD at Oxford is a tale of transition from non-medical studies to social science expertise, as detailed by Umaima Reshi
Hailing from Magarmal Bagh, Srinagar, Shah completed her primary and secondary education at Mallinson Girls School in Srinagar, Kashmir. Initially, she pursued medical and mathematics courses in higher secondary school but later realised her true interest lay elsewhere. This led her to shift focus to social sciences in college, despite limited opportunities at the time.
“Choosing humanities was somewhat an unfamiliar thing that came to my mind,” she recalls. “I graduated in social science from Women’s College on M.A. Road in Srinagar, with a focus on political science, history, and economics. Fortunately, I had excellent teachers who supported me throughout my undergraduate studies and encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.”
“While researching for the entrance exam, I was exposed to a different worldview. The approach to social sciences at JNU was transformative. Until then, we studied social science as a subject, but at JNU, it was presented as life itself. This new perspective changed my outlook and perception of everyday life. The ability to think critically is the major takeaway from the institution.”
Transformative Scholarship
During her master’s in political science at JNU, Shah developed an interest in political philosophy, political theory, and elements of history and literature. “For my MPhil, I explored the limits of liberalism and the challenges liberal countries face in accommodating religious diversity. My PhD then examined how communities interact with each other. Currently, my research focuses on the intersections of history, memory, and identity of communities.”
Sana Shah acknowledges the difficulties students face when applying to study abroad, emphasizing the importance of funding. “I could not have imagined pursuing education at Oxford or in the UK without funding,” she says, noting the value of the Felix Scholarship.”The process was rigorous, involving application screening by the university and subsequent interviews. I also applied to Warwick University, where I received the Chancellor’s Scholarship. My college offered various funding opportunities, but the Felix Scholarship covered the majority of my PhD expenses for three years.”
Additionally, there are funds for travel and conferences. The scholarship has been instrumental, not only in bringing me to Oxford but also in connecting me with other Felix fellows and scholars from diverse backgrounds.”
Educational Access
During her time at JNU, Shah worked with online platforms like Feminism in India, focusing on gender justice issues. “Working as a staff writer allowed me to highlight gender-related issues from my region, Kashmir, for a broader audience. This experience clarified my understanding of these issues. When I applied for education abroad and received the Felix Scholarship, I also joined Project Edu Access.”
This initiative aims to democratize access to education, which is crucial for individuals unfamiliar with the application process, research, scholarships, and proposal writing. Information is often scattered and difficult to access, especially for those less adept at navigating the internet. Edu Access unites these resources, helping to level the playing field for marginalized communities. “I am proud to be part of this effort to make the process transparent and accessible.”
Sana Shah identifies significant challenges in the field of history, particularly in verifying sources and filling gaps where evidence is scarce. “These issues are prevalent in the ancient history of Kashmir, where documentation is limited. Such challenges are common among historians,” she says. “The greatest challenge with history is the idea of how do we ascertain what happened in the past, how do we verify the sources, how do we fill the gaps where we have no material or evidence, and how do we conclude. There are many stop gaps like this found in the ancient history of Kashmir as well.”
Sana advises parents to allow their children to identify their aptitudes early on. “There are many career paths beyond becoming a doctor or engineer. Parents should give their children the freedom to pursue their interests, leading to a joyful and stress-free journey. Following one’s passion makes work feel less burdensome. While the journey may be difficult, the inner satisfaction is invaluable.”
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness. “Living in a bubble might lead to self-righteousness. It is essential to hold up with diverse worldviews, as this can foster humility and personal growth.”
