A Decennial Reminiscence of Liberal Arts Alumni

Written by: Joshya Mudaliar

Graphic Design by: Spoorti Gowda

As the campus marks its decennial year, the Department of Liberal Arts turns its attention to the alumni who shaped its earliest identity. The second and third batches, often remembered as the department’s formative cohorts, continue to illuminate the pedagogical and intellectual foundations on which the programme stands today. Their trajectories offer more than celebratory anecdotes; they serve as evidence of the durability and relevance of interdisciplinary learning.

Nandini Bhatia from the first batch shares “My liberal arts education laid the foundation for everything I’ve pursued in international relations. During my B.A. in Liberal Arts at CHRIST University, I built strong skills in diplomacy, public policy, terrorism, and contemporary warfare, which helped me deepen my understanding of global challenges. These skills proved invaluable during my Master’s in International Relations at the University of Nottingham, where I explored UN diplomatic mechanisms in the JCPOA for my dissertation.My undergraduate research on the potential power of BRICS and my work with NGOs like the Muskurahat Foundation, the International Institute of SDGs and Public Policy Research, and LabourNet helped me apply what I learned to real social, economic, and political projects.My liberal arts background has shaped my interests, strengthened my analytical abilities, and continues to guide my passion for diplomacy, policy, and contributing meaningfully to global development.”

Malavika B. Nair recalls the Liberal Arts classrooms as “laboratories of thought,” spaces where inquiry, debate, and reflection converged. Now at IIM Kozhikode, she recognises how the programme’s emphasis on multidisciplinary engagement and communicative clarity enabled her to navigate the high-pressure, deeply competitive environment of a premier management institution. Her experience in a cohort composed of both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates demonstrates how a Liberal Arts foundation becomes a bridge between diverse epistemic worlds.

In a  professional landscape, Aryan Pandey’s journey into advertising reveals how liberal arts training finds expression in creative industries. As an Associate at Shells Advertising, he works closely with the Creative Director, transforming conceptual ideas into campaigns that resonate with clients across sectors. His reflections highlight the value of rhetorical sensitivity, critical interpretation, and adaptive thinking, skills honed through his undergraduate experience. With plans for a master’s programme, he views his current work as a living complement to future academic pursuits.

Writing from Edinburgh, Ilakiya PB offers an international perspective. Three weeks into her MSc in International Relations, she notes an unexpected sense of familiarity rather than intimidation. The grounding she received in Peace and Conflict Studies, marked by rigorous research, open dialogue, and cultural awareness, prepared her to participate meaningfully in global academic conversations. Her testimony underscores how the programme cultivates confidence alongside competence, enabling graduates to inhabit complex discursive spaces.

Together, the voices of these early alumni portray the lasting imprint of an education built on curiosity, interdisciplinarity, and attentive mentorship. As the campus celebrates ten years, their stories affirm that the intellectual and ethical habits nurtured within the Liberal Arts continue to travel with them, shaping their academic, professional, and global engagements.