In a moment of immense pride for India's academic community, a final-year law student from Bengaluru's premier National Law School of India University (NLSIU) has been selected for the world-renowned Rhodes Scholarship. Manhar Bansal, hailing from Muktsar in Punjab, is one of only six Indians chosen this year for this elite award, which will pave his way to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
From Law to Literature: An Interdisciplinary Scholar
Manhar Bansal, currently pursuing a BA LLB (Hons) degree, plans to shift his academic focus towards the humanities at Oxford. He intends to undertake a master's degree in comparative literature and critical translation, with an interdisciplinary lens on philosophy and literature. This choice reflects his deep academic engagement beyond the confines of legal studies.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Manhar said, "I think it is a wonderful opportunity to receive the Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford, which will allow me to develop my academic and intellectual interests." He credits his time at NLSIU for broadening his horizons. "NLS has become an increasingly interdisciplinary university, and my degree is not just in the law but also the social sciences and the humanities," he explained.
A Proven Record in Academia and Leadership
Manhar is not new to scholarly pursuits. His academic writing has already been published in multiple venues, showcasing his early promise as a researcher. During his time at NLSIU Bengaluru, he took on significant leadership roles, serving as the chief editor of a student journal and co-convening a theory reading group. These experiences have honed his editorial and intellectual curation skills.
He expressed his draw to the humanities, stating, "From the first year on, as I sat in classrooms, I understood the expanse of possibilities which humanities offers; it allows you to contemplate the human condition, in all its terror and beauty, and that is what draws me to it."
Aspirations for a Public-Facing Academic Career
Looking beyond his immediate studies at Oxford, Manhar Bansal harbours a clear vision for his future. He aspires to a public-facing academic career with a specific and noble aim: to introduce humanistic education to young people. His goal is to leverage the knowledge and prestige of an Oxford education to make philosophical and literary studies more accessible and engaging for the younger generation in India.
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world. It selects exceptional young minds with a commitment to making a positive difference and covers all expenses for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Manhar's selection places him among a distinguished cohort of global leaders and thinkers, marking him as a young Indian scholar to watch on the world stage.
