Interdisciplinarity at Ahmedabad University Paves the Way for its Students to Global Universities

Ahmedabad University's interdisciplinary approach to education empowers students aspiring to higher education at prestigious international universities. The University's flexible academic structure and weight on intellectual exploration help students discover their passions and pursue their academic dreams, as shown by the recent successes of two alums.

Lakshita Lilani, BA (Hons) Class of 2020, initially drawn to Biology and Life Sciences, discovered her true calling in philosophy during her time at Ahmedabad University. "Ahmedabad University encourages interdisciplinary exploration and allows students to switch programmes based on their evolving interests," Lakshita explains. "The PHL programme provided the resources to develop my research interests." This flexibility allowed her to seamlessly transition to the BA (Hons) in Philosophy, History, and Languages (PHL) programme in her third year, ultimately paving the way for her current pursuit of an MSc in Philosophy of Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She credits her professors, who were always available for in-depth philosophical discussions, with helping her develop a well-defined research question for her thesis with Professor Joseph Van Weelden.

Similarly, Poojan Patel, BA (Hons) Class of 2023, found his academic home at Ahmedabad University. "The innovative pedagogy and interdisciplinary structure promised exactly the kind of education I had long sought- one free from rigid disciplinary silos. It felt too timely, too precise, to be mere coincidence. I applied to Ahmedabad University and was accepted. The four years that followed proved to be transformative, joyful, and regretless years of intellectual formation,” he remarks. Joining the BA (Hons) programme in Philosophy, History and Languages in 2019, Poojan was eager to learn from the distinguished faculty, whose insights profoundly shaped his intellectual journey. He credits Ahmedabad University for his intellectual development and the exposure he received to a multiplicity of philosophical texts and ideas, which were instrumental in his acceptance to Cambridge University to study for an MPhil. Currently researching the Kena Upaniṣad and its Advaitic interpretations at Cambridge, Poojan expresses his gratitude: “As I plan to further my academic rigour by applying to such esteemed universities for a PhD to research and contribute to the field of Vedic studies, I am grateful to my first alma mater, Ahmedabad University, and its remarkable offering of the PHL degree.”

These stories highlight how Ahmedabad University's commitment to interdisciplinary learning, supportive faculty, and flexible academic structure provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed at the highest levels of academia. The University's unique approach to pedagogy transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and prepares students not just for careers but as lifelong learners brimming with intellectual curiosity and growth.