NYC Gazette

Mrinalini Sisodia Wadhwa, a Columbia University student set to graduate in May, has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a degree in intellectual history at Oxford University. Reflecting on her academic journey, Wadhwa shared, "I'm a double-major in History and Mathematics. I began college quite set on majoring in history." Her interests in history, particularly the history of British India and the Indian women's movement, led her to delve into subjects like Sanskrit, French history, and Jesuit writings.

Wadhwa's academic pursuits culminated in a thesis exploring the intersection of Jesuit and native spirituality with Enlightenment and colonial political culture. She expressed gratitude for the support received from professors and funding programs at Columbia, which enabled her to conduct research in archives across Europe and India.

The inspiration to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship struck Wadhwa during her time at Oxford's St. Anne's College, where she learned about Seeta Parmanand, an Indian Sanskritist and historical figure. Parmanand's journey from academic research to advocating for legal reform resonated with Wadhwa, shaping her own aspirations to write histories that challenge present perceptions and pave the way for new possibilities in politics and law.

Describing the whirlwind experience of the scholarship application process, Wadhwa remarked, "I’m not quite sure I slept that week!" Despite the intense schedule, she expressed gratitude for the support from mentors, friends, and the Columbia community. Wadhwa looks forward to her time at Oxford, where she plans to delve deeper into questions surrounding intellectual history, Enlightenment, empire, and religious knowledge.

Looking ahead, Wadhwa envisions returning to the U.S. to pursue a PhD in history and a career as a historian focusing on the intellectual and cultural history of empires from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Her academic journey, marked by a blend of history and mathematics, showcases her dedication to interdisciplinary learning and a commitment to exploring diverse facets of intellectual inquiry.

As she prepares to embark on this new chapter at Oxford, Wadhwa reminisced about her time in New York, where she enjoyed revisiting familiar spots and exploring new destinations. From Central Park to museums and cafes, Wadhwa immersed herself in the vibrant urban life of the city, cherishing moments of academic growth and personal discovery.

With a promising future ahead, Mrinalini Sisodia Wadhwa stands as a shining example of academic excellence and a testament to the transformative power of intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary scholarship.