Nikhil Pochana grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, learning about South Asia through the lens of his family’s roots. This summer, the University of Pennsylvania sophomore is creating his own path to understand the region’s complex socio-political reality.
As a summer research intern with Penn’s South Asia Center, Pochana is spending his break in Kolkata, West Bengal, working with Kolkata Anandam for Equality and Justice (KAEJ). The grassroots organization focuses on LGBTQKH* advocacy.
Pochana’s research traces how a national law narrowing transgender rights, specifically by removing the right to self-identify, is playing out on the ground. The fieldwork comes at a pivotal time in West Bengal, which recently underwent a major transition in state government following elections.
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“I wanted to explore South Asia separately against the previous perspectives I had shaped of it growing up with my family,” Pochana posted on LinkedIn. “I wanted to explore a new region on my own.”
Pochana’s academic journey is closely tied to his interest in civic engagement and identity. At Penn, where he is a member of the Class of 2028, Pochana is majoring in political science with minors in South Asia studies and neuroscience.
On campus, he is actively involved with the Hindu-Jain Association, Civic Scholars, and University Scholars. Deepening his connection to his heritage, Pochana is also trained in classical South Indian music. Living in Kolkata allows the student researcher to build practical life skills, practice his Hindi, and witness local political mobilization firsthand.
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Pochana’s research is bolstered by his academic background. He currently works as a research assistant with Penn’s PDRI-DevLab, where he previously participated in a summer fellowship exploring land governance. He has also worked as a school site coordinator for the Netter Center’s High School Voter Project, demonstrating a commitment to local civic participation.
Pochana hopes to transition his experience into a career as a lawyer. He believes analyzing policy from a community level is essential preparation for his career goals.
“Working from a grassroots advocacy perspective will help give me a better understanding of how law and policy can actually create social change,” Pochana said.