School of
Liberal Studies

For Emily Bhatia, learning took on new meaning during the Engaging Diversity programme in Bodh, Rajasthan. Living within a rural community, she discovered that diversity is about understanding, not just difference. From adapting to local customs to witnessing inclusive classrooms at Bodh Shalas, she saw how collaboration and empathy shape real education. “I realised that diversity isn’t just external, it’s about internal acceptance. The more I opened up to new experiences, the more I understood myself,” Emily reflects. Immersion becomes a journey of self-discovery.

Learning doesn’t always happen within four walls. First-semester BA Liberal Arts students explored how nature offers solutions to environmental challenges- visiting Neela Hauz Lake to observe natural water purification, and the Aravalli Biodiversity Park to witness mined landscapes revived into thriving forests. These immersive experiences bring sustainability to life, merging science, society, and creativity. Students don’t just learn about the planet; they engage with it, discovering how thoughtful design can pave the way for a more sustainable world.

Chewang Palzer Bhutia, a third-year Psychology student, interned with Kaarwan-e-Mohabbat, a Delhi-based campaign supporting survivors of violence and hate crimes. As part of the psychosocial support team, he documented stories from the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, joined field visits, and attended press conferences on justice and reconciliation. “Listening to people’s lived experiences taught me that empathy and dialogue can be powerful forms of healing,” he shares. His experience shows how field internships transform classroom learning into meaningful impact.

From climate change to road safety, global challenges touch daily life. The BMU chapter of Young Indians (Yi), offers a student-led space where engagement comes alive through focus areas like health, innovation, and community outreach. As Yi BMU member Kanishka Bansal puts it, “From community outreach to inter-university dialogues, Yi BMU gave me the chance to step up and learn by doing. These experiences deeply changed my understanding of leadership and impact.” Students grow into aware, grounded individuals ready to make a difference.

Childhood and youth are spaces full of potential, yet often overlooked in policy. Established at BMU’s School of Liberal Studies, the Centre for Childhood and Youth Training (CCYT) brings this focus into everyday learning through interdisciplinary courses and immersive experiences in child rights and youth leadership. For student Kanchan Dangwal, “Studying childhood made me more reflective about my own experiences, and more empathetic towards every child.” Dr. Anandani Dar adds, “CCYT was shaped to amplify voices often unheard, through teaching, research, and advocacy.”

What does it mean to learn beyond the classroom? For Liberal arts students at BMU it meant living with a rural community in Alwar, Rajasthan, through an immersion programme organised in collaboration with Bodh Shiksha Samiti. Students experienced how empathy and conversation can bridge differences. “For students like us, immersion is a mirror reflecting our strengths, weaknesses, and the power of empathy. It pushes us to grow, not just academically, but personally,” shares Amisha, a Liberal Arts student at BMU. By engaging closely with communities, students discover that change is built through trust and shared effort.

Talking about climate change is one thing. Making people listen and act is another. At the week-long Climate Communication Bootcamp, part of BMU’s Climate Leadership Programme, students moved from theory to practice. They simulated policy decisions, participated in climate games and hands-on workshops, and visited research centers like TERI. For students passionate about change, this is where learning gets real. They gained tools not just to understand the world’s biggest challenge, but to actively communicate solutions for it.

Road safety posts appear on our feeds all the time. We scroll. Kanchan Dangwal chose to do more. As Co-Chair of Road Safety with Young Indians BMU, she built conversations on awareness and contributed to youth-driven solutions for safer roads. “When you want to make a difference, you don’t need a grand plan. What matters is showing up and staying committed,” she says. Her Liberal Studies courses encouraged responsibility and critical thinking, helping her see road safety as a question of how cities are designed and what communities owe each other.