Guwahati, May 11: Georgia-based Assamese author Aruni Kashyap has been named as one of the fellows by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for the 2024–25 academic year as part of its 25th anniversary class.
The 52 fellows named by the prestigious institute, who include scholars, journalists, writers, and playwrights, will pursue interdisciplinary work on subjects ranging from artificial intelligence to political philosophy to climate change.
Aruni Kashyap, an associate professor of English at the University of Georgia in Athens, said he is highly honoured to receive this fellowship.
“I am deeply honoured and thrilled to receive this. I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends, family, colleagues, and mentors. During the fellowship year, I look forward to writing a novel set in the US and Assam and researching Harvard University's Schlesinger Library,” Aruni told The Assam Tribune.
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University—also known as the Harvard Radcliffe Institute—is one of the world’s leading centres for interdisciplinary exploration. For this year’s historic 25th anniversary class, Radcliffe accepted just 3.3 percent of applicants.
"The Radcliffe Fellowship will provide an extraordinary opportunity for Aruni Kashyap to work with a global cohort of talented thinkers and writers. However, it will not only benefit Aruni's own research and creative activities. The award’s prestige will also help elevate the profile of the Humanities and Arts at UGA,” said Roland Vegso, head of the English Department of the University of Georgia.
This year’s writers and poets include Akil Kumaraswamy, former poet Laureate of the US and Pulitzer winner Tracy K Smith. Previously, the prize went to Chimamanda Adichie, Junot Diaz, Tayari Jones and Jericho Brown.
