Meet Abhishek Handa, an intelligently hardworking student whose dreams flew him from the slums of Delhi to Sydney on a journey he looks forward to with big hopes, inspiring many others. Handa is a testimony to, hardwork sees no boundaries and it sure does carve its path. In an interview with Indus Age, Handa talks about the people behind his journey, his experience in a new city and a lot more. Read on.

Interviewed by: Nidhi Kumari

You’re a proud recipient of Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship’, following which you are on your way to pursue the Master of Management from the University of Sydney. Has the feeling sunk in? Also, how do you feel about it?

It has been more than 2 months of me being here in Sydney. It is so exciting for me because I am here for the first time in Australia. I have never imagined that I would get an opportunity to do even my masters, and that too from such a prestigious University. This is the first equity scholarship given by the University of Sydney to Asha Society (an international NGO). I consider myself very lucky being the first recipient. I am the first student from the slums of Delhi to study in the University of Sydney. There are so many aspiring students who were interested and I am sure were deserving of this scholarship. Therefore, I want to express my deep gratitude to my mentor Dr. Kiran Martin (Founder and Director of Asha Society) for believing in my abilities and in giving me this opportunity. It is because of her support I got this wonderful opportunity and I am here today.

Abhishek, tell us a little about yourself, your education in India, family, your association with ASHA, how it helped shape your goals; and eventually, how were you able to sail through to get the coveted scholarship?

I lived in a slum colony called Peeragarhi, which is in Northwest Delhi. I live with my Mother and elder Brother. During the final year of school, I began to visit Asha Society center regularly. The entire Asha Society team as well as the senior Asha students and Graduates motivated and inspired me to study hard and get the required marks to secure a seat at Delhi University. I knew that I would have to study very hard to qualify for DU. I began to study in the Asha Society Centre instead of my house as it was a quiet, safe and comfortable place for me to learn and study. Asha Society provided me with study materials and question papers which helped me a lot in my exams. They also conducted mock tests so that I get the experience of real exam environment. Asha’s invaluable support, guidance and direction helped me to secure 89% in my XII class board exams.

Asha Society again helped me to apply for my Bachelor’s program in Commerce at Delhi University, by assisting me to complete the online admission process. Also, Asha Society helped me with financial assistance to pay my college fees as my family did not have the resources to finance my education. It was Dr. Kiran who always told me success stories of my seniors and other successful Asha Ambassadors and Alumni which motivated me towards my career. She always said, “Sky is the limit” which really inspires me to ‘Dream Big’.

While I was in my final year of University, Dr Kiran took me under her wings and mentored me personally. During her visit to Australia, she met and had conversations with the University of Sydney. When she came back, I found that among many students, she had chosen me to be sponsored for a Master’s Programme in Management-CEMS at The University of Sydney. This programme would provide me International exposure and familiarize me with global management practices. The CEMS Programme enables the student to attend another International University in the second semester of the course as part of the exchange programme.  I was completely stunned when I heard this. Never in my wildest dream, I could imagine that I could ever get an admission in an International Master’s programme in such a prestigious University.

During the course, you may have to conduct research work, have you decided on any theme, to work on? If yes, please share the same.

There is not any research work in my Program but the capstone experience in the Master of Management (CEMS) is the ‘CEMS Business Project’, which comprises two units of study designed to provide students with a real-life learning experience and to provide assurance of learning for the program as a whole. Students will work in small groups of four or five and partner with a real organization over a six-week period to provide solutions to a real business problem identified in consultation with the partner organizations. Projects will range from social entrepreneurship programs, where students work with community groups and NGOs, through to consultancy projects for large multinational corporations.

Tell us about the initial challenges, if any that you had to face adjusting with the new environment here?

An international student, in the beginning of his journey faces a number of challenges in settling down and acclimatizing with the new environment. For example- searching for a place to live in, managing with daily meals, personal expenses and on top of it, all the academics but I must mention here that I was fortunate to meet Mahinder who mentored me during each step of the admission process in the University of Sydney and also informed about the culture as well as the academic environment of Australia. Mahinder is the first International graduate of Asha Society from the University of Melbourne and is a role model for all of us. It was really exciting and heartening to meet Mahinder at my residence in Sancta Sophia College. On my first day in Sydney, it was really kind of him to take a day off from his work to spend time with me and help me to acclimatize me with the new environment at Sydney. Apart from that, the University staff members were very helpful during my initial days. I would like to name a few of them. Tania Rhodes- Taylor (Vice Principal External affairs), John Shields (Academic Director International), Tim Field (Director Global Student Recruitment & Mobility) and Lance Graham (Program Manager MiM/MiM CEMS). All of them have been immensely helpful and they want me to do well in University hence, they always encourage me to share if there is any problem with me or if I need anything. Currently I am living in Sancta Sophia College. I want to express my gratitude to Fiona Hashtings (Principal) and Brigid Carrigan (Vice Principal) of Sancta Sophia College as they are working really to ensure safety of all the students. I am living here in a safe and comfortable environment and they are following all the necessary precautions like maintaining social distancing in Dining hall, sanitizers are kept at all the places and they are constantly staying in touch with all the students and seeking their concerns.

It is too early to ask, but what difference have you observed in the dissemination of education in India and Australia?

Till now, I have seen and experienced various differences in Indian and Australian Education System. First of all, the evaluation or assessment criteria here are completely different. For example: During my Undergrad in Delhi University, my Final exam weightage was 70%, and 30% was for assignments and projects. Whereas here at USYD its completely opposite. The education system is completely online and all study material and notes are issued online which means I don’t have any books. Whereas, in India I used to study from my books only.

One of the most interesting and fascinating things I found is the concept of prior readings before the class. Classes are more like discussions. In India most of the times, the professor used to teach us all the concepts beforehand then we used to start reading about it in the books. Presentation of ideas are very much supported and appreciated here.

Use of advanced technology in education is very prevalent. The first semester of mine is completely online here and final exams will also be organized through online software which shows the extent of using technology in education system.

How are you able to manage with your studies amidst the COVID-19 spread, at present?

This COVID-19 situation is completely unexpected and shocking for me and many other international Students. I really hadn’t expected that my journey in USYD will begin like this. Although, the University is trying their best to cope up with the situation and already had taken wonderful measures to ensure that all the students can continue their studies properly without any further issues. Still it feels sometimes very demotivating and to stay inside all the time. At that time, I always speak to Dr. Kiran and she always inspires and motivates me to stay positive and work hard. I can never forget her contributions in my life and for that I am immensely grateful.

Is there anything that you miss from India?

I miss both my families, the one in which I was born and my Asha family whose Dr. Kiran Martin is the Director. I talk to her quiet often. She always encourages me to update about my performance. She is really concerned and wants me to perform my best in academics. I miss my mother as well because it’s the first time I am away from her for such a long period. Apart from family, I really miss home cooked food.

What is it that you like to do when you are not studying or working?

Nowadays, most of my time goes into studies but I always take short breaks and I am really passionate about food, so, I cook for myself at the rooftop Kitchen in college. I share my food as well with other people mostly and they really like it which kind of motivates me for this passion of mine. I also go to play or for a run with my friends here in Sancta.

What are your future plans?

After completing my Masters’ at the University of Sydney, I will return to my country. I would like to work in the corporate sector. After obtaining global managerial skills I hope to work as a Project Leader or a Manager. I am interested to work in the Financial Sector especially in areas of Risk Analysis and Management. My other goal is to pay it forward to other young people living in disadvantaged conditions. I hope to inspire hundreds of young people to pursue Higher education and build a strong career. I am a passionate believer in the Asha values, and I feel great privilege to be a part of Dr Kiran’s vision and dream. Thank you.