Key Points

Arani Hazarika has made Assam proud by becoming the first Assamese to graduate in Sanskrit and Classical Hindi from Oxford. She secured a prestigious scholarship and researched Majuli’s Sanchi manuscripts. The 21-year-old excelled in CBSE exams before joining Oxford at 18. She now has an offer to pursue her MA at the same university.

Key Points: Arani Hazarika Becomes First Assamese Oxford Graduate in Sanskrit

  • Arani Hazarika graduated from Oxford’s Balliol College
  • Secured Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Worked on Sanchi manuscript research
  • Offered MA continuation at Oxford
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Guwahati girl is first Assamese to graduate in Sanskrit, Classical Hindi from Oxford University

Guwahati's Arani Hazarika makes history as the first Assamese to earn an Oxford degree in Sanskrit and Classical Hindi, securing a rare scholarship.

"Arani is the first Assamese to successfully pursue a BA in Sanskrit at Oxford in recent decades. – University Records"

Guwahati, August 11

A student from Assam's capital city, Guwahati, Arani S Hazarika, has brought laurels to the state and become the first Assamese graduate in Sanskrit and Classical Hindi from the University of Oxford, one of the world's top five universities.

She received the degree (Bachelor of Arts) in the graduation ceremony held at the university's iconic Sheldonian Theatre auditorium on August 9.

The 21-year-old Assamese girl pursued her BA in Sanskrit and Classical Hindi as a student of the University's elite Balliol College, the oldest college of the English-speaking world, established by John De Balliol in 1263, under the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (earlier known as the Department of Oriental Studies).

It may be mentioned here that, as per the available record, Arani is also the first Assamese to successfully pursue a BA in Sanskrit in this world-famous university in recent decades.

An alumnus of Holy Child HS School located at Krishna Nagar, Chandmari in Guwahati, Arani had done exceptionally well in her Class X (2020) and XII (2022) CBSE Board exams from the school.

She was chosen by the University of Oxford to do a BA in Sanskrit after her Class XII Board exam at the age of 18. She was selected for the prestigious and highly competitive Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship. She joined her classes in October 2022.

Considered a rare achievement to get enrolled in one of the best universities of the world at such a young age and just after completing the secondary school, especially from this part of the country, Arani during her BA in Oxford had worked on her dissertation with the topic of standardization of the 15th century Sanchi manuscript of the historic Dakshinpat Satra, Majuli, the abode of Sankari culture.

Daughter of popular Feng Shui-Vastu consultant of the State, Sudakshina Bhuyan, and senior journalist, writer-translator, and the assistant editor of The Assam Tribune, Partha Pratim Hazarika, Arani has already received an offer from the University to pursue her MA in the same college and department. .

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While this is undoubtedly impressive, I wonder why we celebrate when Indians achieve in Western institutions more than in our own universities? Our own Sanskrit departments need similar recognition and funding.
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Priya S
Northeast representation matters! So happy to see a girl from Assam breaking barriers in classical studies. Her work on Majuli's Satra manuscripts is particularly important for preserving our heritage. More power to her! 💪
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Rohit P
This shows how our ancient languages still have global relevance. Maybe now more Indian parents will support their children studying Sanskrit instead of just pushing for engineering/medicine. #CulturalPride
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Kavya N
As a Sanskrit teacher in Delhi, I'm thrilled! But I hope this achievement doesn't make people think you need to go abroad to study our own languages properly. We have excellent Sanskrit scholars here too.
M
Michael C
Fascinating to see Oxford's commitment to Indian classical languages. The Simon and June Li scholarship is extremely competitive - her academic credentials must be outstanding. Wishing her success in her MA!

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