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Sudhanshu Kaushik
I work on making the world more inclusive for young Indians - Founder of YIF and NAAIS - Oxford, NYU, CNN, Permanent Mission of India -
Sudhanshu Kaushik is a dedicated individual actively involved in building communities for young Indians in India and globally, focusing on youth rights, policy, and representation.
With a background in Modern South Asia from the University of Oxford, International Relations and Civic-Tech Engagement from New York University, and International Political Economy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sudhanshu possesses a diverse educational foundation.
As the Executive Director of the North American Association of Indian Students, Sudhanshu is currently leading efforts to assemble a team in the United States across various disciplines.
He previously founded the Young India Foundation and has a history of influential roles such as Supporter Relations Officer at the American India Foundation and positions at organizations like CNN South Asia, Westland Publications, and the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York.
Sudhanshu's initiatives include leading legislative amendments in the Indian Parliament, boosting social media engagement by 140%, and fostering youth involvement in political discourse through partnerships with organizations like YUVAA, NYAAYA, and CPPR.
His focus on data analysis and quantitative studies within the youth-centric political landscape demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding and engaging the youth demographic.
Additionally, Sudhanshu is working on a book titled 'The Future Is Ours,' exploring the youth rights movement in India, and endeavors to unite Indian students abroad through the National Indian Student Association of North America.
Passionate about electoral politics, student engagement, diaspora relations, and the media's role in politics, Sudhanshu aims to empower young individuals in India towards electoral participation.
Connect with Sudhanshu on Instagram (@sudhanshukaushik), Twitter (@sudhikaushik), or via email at [email protected] for further insights or collaboration opportunities.
Highlights
You’ve probably heard people talking about how India’s youth isn’t coming out to vote. Is there truth to that?
Well, we have no data to prove that. The ECI doesn’t release age breakdowns of turnout rates—only gender breakdowns.
But there’s a deeper issue here: we aren’t considering how India’s youth are primarily migrant voters. They’re abroad, or in different cities and states in India where they study or work.
With the way India’s voting phases work, we can’t expect a Bihari youth who studies in Delhi University to go back to vote during examinations? Or do you think a young professional working in Deloitte in Hyderabad will get an off to go vote in their hometown in Punjab?
Since postal ballots aren’t a possibility, there is a solution: Annexure 4.1 allows students and Form 8 for young professionals to vote in the constituency their univeristy or workplace is. It’s a simple fix, but not enough people know about it. Did you know you could vote from your university?
