One of my friends recently pointed out that I have less than 20 days before I leave India. It was in that moment that the reality of it all truly hit me—I’m about to embark on a journey that will take me far from home. And with that realization came the awareness that I haven’t yet shared some of the most significant news of my life: I’ve received the Chevening Award! Funded by the Dept of FCDO in the Govt of UK , Chevening Award is one of the most prestigious awards which allows you to pursue one year of studies in the UK.
This is one of those life-altering moments where you know that what lies ahead will significantly elevate your current path. I’ve been granted the opportunity to pursue a one-year, fully funded course at the London School of Economics (LSE) in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. From September of this year to next, I’ll be living in London, embracing new experiences and challenges.
How did it all start?
It all started around August or September of last year when I came across the announcement for Chevening applications. As an entrepreneur, there are certain opportunities that you keep on your radar—Acumen, Echoing Green, Mulago, and of course, Chevening. While many of us in the entrepreneurial world strive for recognition, it’s also about seeking avenues for self-development, exposure, and growth. Chevening, like these other fellowships, provides a platform to focus on personal and professional development, and that’s what drew me in.
When I first began the application process, I wasn’t entirely sure if I wanted to pursue further studies. But as I progressed through the application, I found myself reflecting on the journey of EdZola over the last four years—where we’ve been and what it would take to propel us to the next level. I realized that for EdZola to break through its current growth trajectory and reach new heights, I needed to upgrade my skills and leadership abilities while gaining global exposure. This led me to choose LSE as my first choice, and I began the rigorous process of submitting the required four essays.
The Waiting Game
Once the essays were submitted, life, as usual, took over. Day-to-day work at EdZola kept me busy, and the thought of studying again faded into the background. Then, in February, I received an email informing me that I had been shortlisted for the final round of interviews at the British High Commission. That’s when it started to feel real.
Out of over 70,000 applicants, only the top 5% make it to this stage. The stakes were high, and I knew I had to give it my all. At this point, I also needed to secure an unconditional offer from one of the listed universities. I applied to the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at LSE and prepared for my interview with the High Commission.
The interview went well, and I felt confident, but the waiting game continued. By July, things started to get intense. I had an offer from LSE and an unconditional one at that, but I was still waiting to hear back from Chevening. I found myself contemplating whether to pursue studies even if Chevening didn’t come through. And then, finally, towards the end of July, I received the news I had been waiting for—I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship.
A new journey begins
This year, Chevening has a cohort of around 30 from India, and last week, I attended a pre-departure event where I met other award holders. It was an incredible experience to be in a room full of diverse, accomplished individuals—civil servants, non-profit leaders, experts in rural development, and people working with disabilities. It was a humbling reminder that there is so much to learn from others, and I’m excited to gather different perspectives and open my mind to new opportunities.
So, to answer my friend’s question about how I feel about leaving India in 20 days—I’m both excited and nervous in equal measure. Excited because this is the first time I’ll be living outside of India, in London no less. Moving from Coimbatore to London is a significant shift, and I’m eager to embrace it. I’ll also be returning to academics after a good seven or eight years, all while managing EdZola remotely, which will be an adventure in itself. I’m looking forward to exploring and traveling in and around the UK during this time, making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
But for now, the biggest news is that I’ve received the Chevening Award. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting road ahead! I hope to keep documenting the journey here in this blog!
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