Journey of Growth at SIPS: Advocating for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Through Education

Geetanjali Dhankhar is a SIPS 3rd batch graduate from India. Raised by two educators who, after retirement, dedicate themselves to teaching underprivileged students, Geetanjali was inspired to follow a similar path as her parents. After completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in law and environmental protection, she worked with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), focusing on equal rights for vulnerable communities. Her work on SDG 16 led to a partnership with the Government of India to reform the country’s justice system. Geetanjali’s deep interest in peacebuilding, sparked by her involvement with Soka Gakkai’s 'Seeds of Change' exhibition, led her to pursue a Master's in Peace Studies at Soka University.

Geetanjali’s decision to enroll in the SIPS program was motivated by her desire to address the pressing social issues she witnessed in her work across conflict-ridden regions of India. Observing the struggles of indigenous communities, especially women and youth leaders, inspired her to seek further education in peace studies. Soka University’s program, with its diverse curriculum and esteemed faculty, offered the ideal platform to deepen her understanding of global peacebuilding.

Her time at SIPS, though challenging, was transformative. Geetanjali encountered a diverse student cohort, including younger classmates, and initially struggled to adapt to new ways of learning. However, the compassionate support from faculty and staff, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped her navigate these challenges. Her academic growth was substantial, especially through courses focused on value-creating education and global citizenship, which aligned with her career goals. Geetanjali’s thesis on women in peacebuilding was published as a chapter in a book, solidifying her contributions to the field.

Currently, Geetanjali teaches courses on a) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and b) Conflicts and Culture of Peace at O.P. Jindal Global University in India. The knowledge and values she gained at SIPS are directly integrated into her teaching, encouraging students to connect peacebuilding theories to real-life experiences. Geetanjali aims to inspire her students to think critically about peace as an everyday practice and teaches with an open mind and heart of learning together with her students.