Navneet Bhatt

As a professional working at the intersection of social and public policy, I am driven by a strong belief in the power of thoughtful policy design to tackle complex challenges. London School of Economics (LSE) had a strong role in my 12-year journey through India’s intricate development landscape. The masters in Social and Public Policy deepened my understanding on nuances of policy making and equipped me with tools needed to work in my area.

Before joining MSc-ISPP at LSE in 2020, I had an 8-year career that began with managing the implementation of a Rural Livelihood Mission in two blocks of the state of Bihar, India. This project focused on various aspects of women's empowerment. We mobilized and established women collectives and collaborated with multiple stakeholders, such as block offices, banks, and panchayats, to expand the project's reach. By the time I left, more than twenty thousand women in the block were connected to the project. The complex experiences of the people I observed during this time continually piqued my interest to know how systems work.

In what I call the second phase of my career, I transitioned into a policy research role, primarily focusing on reproductive, maternal, and child health (RMNCH) public health areas. Right before taking a break for LSE, I worked at Clinton Health Access Initiative. Being largely self-taught in policy research, I began to identify areas needing improvement and skills that required formal training. I applied to LSE, believing the programme would better prepare me for a more impactful role by developing and honing my policy research skills.

The intellectually stimulating environment at LSE was truly unparalleled. The seminars were particularly engaging, thanks to the empathetic atmosphere cultivated by the faculty and peers. They constantly challenged us to think outside the box and approach problems from new perspectives. The curriculum wasn't just academically enriching; it was also deeply practical. It provided me with a lens through which to view the complexities of societal issues and the effectiveness of policy interventions. Almost all of my formative assignments were based on applying the theories I learned to real-world problems I encountered in my work.

The most significant lesson I learned at LSE was that there is no absolute truth—only varying points of view. Appreciating these diverse perspectives is crucial for progress in policy-making. Receiving the Loch Exhibition Prize at the end of the course was a humbling affirmation of my dedication to the field. I left the program with a strong theoretical foundation in interdisciplinary subjects such as advanced policy research, behavioural public policy, and demography, among others.

My current work involves engaging with policymakers on various policy areas. I like picking up new challenges and investing myself in it. I continue my work in policy areas that affect women's empowerment and rights. I do this through engaging in social policy issues at their root by scrutinizing and amending foundational legislative rules of the system. I believe that by targeting these sources, we can implement changes that have a broad and lasting impact. My current work includes monitoring regulatory changes, mapping stakeholders, and creating and conducting policy engagement plans with the government, non-profits, and industry bodies. My efforts are deeply inspired by the ethos of social equity instilled during my time at LSE.

Looking back, LSE was more than an academic institution—it was a catalyst that empowered my confidence and aspirations. Walking through the streets of London, surrounded by a diverse and dynamic community brimming with ideas, I realized the boundless potential for creating meaningful change. My time at LSE continues to resonate in the work I do, the policies I shape, and the communities I serve.