Journey of Growth at SIPS: Contributing to Peace Through Stories

Monica Thomas from Bangalore, India, is a graduate of the first batch of the SIPS program. Prior to joining the SIPS program, Monica completed a bachelor's degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, and spent one year as an exchange student from the institute at Soka University. This was where she started to develop a deep connection with Soka University. Her positive experience at the university motivated her to explore the program further, and she was particularly excited by the course offerings in women’s studies, critical race and gender studies, and ethnic conflict. These courses aligned with her academic and personal interests, ultimately leading her to pursue a Master’s degree in this interdisciplinary and globally focused program.

Monica’s experience at SIPS is both challenging and rewarding. As part of the first batch, she faced some initial hurdles but found the coursework intellectually stimulating and relevant to her future career. The friendships and connections she made with fellow students and faculty members were invaluable, and the program's focus on global issues has been instrumental in shaping her approach to her work. After graduating, she pursued a career in children’s stories publishing to bring books to marginalized children, beginning with StoryWeaver at Pratham Books and currently working with the Sauramandala Foundation as part of ‘The Forgotten Folklore Project.’ The SIPS program’s emphasis on understanding social complexities, structural violence, and community-focused solutions has been central to her current career. She regularly applies the skills and perspectives she gained at SIPS to navigate real-world challenges while staying true to her ideals.

To future SIPS students, Monica encourages all of us to cultivate strong relationships with our peers and approach our studies with an open and nuanced mindset. She emphasizes that personal and intellectual growth is a continuous process, and the SIPS program will offer ample opportunities for both.