Assam: Prof Upasana Mahanta joins Cambridge International's advisory council as first Indian member

ANI May 15, 2025 187 views

Assam-born Prof Upasana Mahanta has become the first Indian appointed to Cambridge International's prestigious Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council. The council includes leaders from Oxford, MIT, and other top global universities. Mahanta's appointment reflects India's growing influence in shaping international education standards. Her expertise spans gender studies, conflict research, and academic administration across India and abroad.

"Her inclusion is a testament to India's growing voice in international education." – Official Statement
Guwahati, May 15: Professor Upasana Mahanta, Dean of Admissions and Outreach at O.P. Jindal Global University, was appointed to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) constituted by Cambridge International on Thursday, according to an official statement.

Key Points

1

First Indian on Cambridge's SHEAC

2

Advises global higher education policies

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Assam-born scholar with global academic ties

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Focus on gender studies and conflict research

Prof. Mahanta is the first Indian member to join this globally distinguished body.

SHEAC brings together senior admissions and enrollment leaders from leading institutions such as the University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Cambridge, the University of Toronto, and Monash University.

The Council plays a vital role in shaping how Cambridge qualifications are recognised and supported worldwide, ensuring alignment with the evolving landscape of higher education.

Prof. Mahanta's inclusion is a testament to her leadership in higher education and recognition of India's growing voice in shaping international education pathways.

Prof. Mahanta is the daughter of late Professor Sarat Mahanta and Mina Mahanta from the Sivasagar district of Assam.

She studied at Joysagar Nimna Buniyadi Abhyison Vidyalaya, Rongpur Girls' School, Phuleswari School, Sankar Academy, Miranda House, Hindu College, Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi), and the University of British Columbia (Canada).

She was a faculty member at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and has delivered lectures at top universities worldwide.

In addition, Prof. Mahanta is a lecturer at the Jindal Global Law School, where she instructs classes in research methodologies, gender and conflict, international relations, and political science. According to the statement, she has a political science and international relations background with a focus on women's and gender studies.

She focuses on women in emerging political institutions, gendered understandings of conflict, and women's resistance in insecure circumstances. She has a wealth of higher education, research, and administration expertise.

Her scholarly works include numerous peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, novels, and opinion pieces. Dr. Mahanta taught at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' Centre for Women's Studies in Mumbai before joining OPJGU. She has also held several leadership positions at OPJGU, including Senior Additional Registrar and Director of the Office of Student Life and Cultural Engagement.

Reader Comments

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Arjun P.
What a proud moment for Assam and India! Prof. Mahanta's appointment shows how Indian academia is gaining global recognition. Her journey from small-town Assam to Cambridge's advisory council is truly inspiring for young students across Northeast India. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
As someone working in education policy, I'm particularly impressed by Prof. Mahanta's focus on gender studies. India needs more voices like hers in international forums to shape inclusive education systems. Her research on women in conflict zones is especially relevant today.
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Rahul K.
While this is great news, I hope this appointment translates into better recognition of Indian qualifications globally. Many Indian students still face unnecessary hurdles when applying abroad. Prof. Mahanta should push for more reciprocity in education standards.
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Neha T.
Her educational journey from Assam's schools to JNU and then abroad is remarkable! Shows how government schools can produce world-class scholars. More focus needed on improving school education in rural areas - talent is everywhere, just needs opportunity.
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Sanjay D.
Northeast representation matters! For too long, achievements from this region went unnoticed. Prof. Mahanta's success should encourage more students from Assam and other northeastern states to aim for global platforms. Kudos to her! 👏
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Meena R.
Interesting that she's both an academic and administrator. This dual experience will be valuable in SHEAC. Hope she can bridge the gap between Indian education practices and global standards. Maybe we'll see more Indian universities in world rankings soon!

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Tags:
Upasana Mahanta Cambridge International Assam Higher education SHEAC Indian academia Women in education
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