UMass Amherst and JK Lakshmipat University Mark Second Year of Partnership with Series of Talks

The UMass Amherst School of Public Policy (SPP) and the JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) Centre for Policy Studies are marking the second year of a joint academic venture between the two programs by co-hosting a series of talks on global policy issues.

Under the special degree program, JK Lakshmipat University policy students complete one year of study at JKLU's campus in Jaipur, India, then finish their coursework at SPP, receiving a master of public policy degree from UMass Amherst.

Launched in 2019, the SPP/JKLU program is part of a larger partnership between the UMass flagship campus and JK Lakshmipat University. Under that partnership, JKLU students can pursue master’s degrees in the fields of public policy, data analytics for social sciences, and applied economics at UMass Amherst after completing coursework at JKLU. In addition, faculty at the two universities collaborate on research under the partnership. The partnership is supported financially by the UMass College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Lakshmipat Singhania Education Foundation (LSEF) in New Delhi, India. LSEF is led by Harsh Pati Singhani, a 1986 graduate of the Isenberg School of Management.

“It is wonderful to see this innovative development as part of our partnership with JKLU that expands the reach of UMass’s excellent reputation in social sciences to students in India,” said Kalpen Trivedi, associate provost for international programs.

The Global Policy Series, taking place in February and March, will feature School of Public Policy and Centre for Policy Studies faculty members speaking on topics including climate change, digital government, and policy development for the twenty-first century. The series is intended for undergraduate students at Indian universities who are considering the UMass/JKLU program.

“We're excited to participate in this partnership with JKLU,” said School of Public Policy Director Alasdair Roberts. “India and the United States have much common as large, diverse democracies. We look forward to learning from one another about shared policy challenges.”

Schedule of talks:

Saturday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. (India Standard Time)

“Challenges of Policymaking in the Twenty-First Century,” with Alasdair Roberts, director of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy

Saturday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. (India Standard Time)

“The Moon, the Ghetto and Artificial Intelligence: Enacting Digital Government,” with Jane Fountain of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy

Saturday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. (India Standard Time)

“How Can Cities Be Made More Resilient for Climate Change?” with Thaddeus Miller of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy

and

“Mortar and Wheels: The Role of Nonprofits in Policy,” with Juniper Katz of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy

Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m. (India Standard Time)

“Using Carbon Pricing to Achieve an Equitable Energy Transition,” with Michael Ash of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy and Department of Economics

and

“Controlling Corporate Power,” with Professor Lenore Palladino of the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy and Department of Economics

Saturday, March 6, 6 p.m. (India Standard Time)

“Unlocking the Policy Potential in India: Do Youth Have a Role?” with Ajay Shankar, chair & distinguished fellow, JK Lakshmipat University Centre for Policy Studies