Aruni Kashyap, an Assamese author and translator residing in Georgia, has been honored as one of the fellows of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for the 2024-25 term. This prestigious award, granted by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, marks a significant achievement for both Kashyap and his home state of Assam. He stands as the first Assamese to receive this esteemed fellowship, joining 53 fellows selected worldwide for the institute’s 25th anniversary class.
The fellowship spans a year and provides recipients like Aruni with the opportunity to delve into research-oriented projects across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts. Aruni expressed his elation upon receiving the fellowship, emphasizing his gratitude and excitement for the forthcoming year. He aims to utilize the fellowship to write a novel set in both the United States and Assam while conducting research at Harvard University’s Schlesinger Library. His tenure at the university will enable him to explore the archives and engage in a series of activities, fostering interactions and learning opportunities with fellow scholars.
For Aruni, the fellowship offers a rare chance to dedicate uninterrupted time to his novel-writing endeavor, supported by a stipend of approximately $78,000. Raised in Guwahati, he pursued literature at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi before embarking on his journey to the United States for a master’s degree in creative writing. Presently, he serves as an associate professor of English and oversees the creative writing program at the University of Georgia.
According to a statement from the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, this year’s fellows will form a dynamic interdisciplinary community committed to advancing long-awaited projects. Through regular gatherings and access to Harvard’s extensive resources, fellows like Aruni will challenge conventional boundaries, develop innovative methodologies, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the past, present, and future.
