Statement of Purpose

My choice to pursue a degree course in the field of Social Work was guided by strong desire
to work for betterment of prevailing socio-economic conditions in my native state (Bihar,
India). The State of Bihar is one of the most backward states on all defining parameters of
development in the country, even worse than many sub-Saharan countries. The problems like
mass poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment etc. are widespread in the state. These
problems served as moral ground for this choice of mine. I quitted my engineering degree and
went to work with an organisation in my State. Here, after working for a year,
I felt need
for more skill and better understanding and I came to join the countrys premier Institute in
Social Work (Tata Institute of Social Sciences). Now, at the end of the course this desire has
been further strengthened and widened. But in the course of the study there have been indeed
a realisation of personal inadequacy in terms of skill, understanding and knowledge of
societies and development processes and their effects both at local and global level.
Therefore, I want to pursue my post-graduate study in development studies and related field
to equip myself with necessary knowledge base to effect felt changes on larger scale in the
society.
One day I came to know about ISS, Netherland in my colleges library and I googled about it
and came to know about Erasmus Mundus MAPP and I realised instantly that this is only
place where I want to be and this is the best place for me. For me, its like dream coming true
and getting all (both desired course and excellent faculty) at a place what I want to study
further.
For me, MA in Public Policy-International Development being offered ISS-IBEI through
Mundus MAAP Programme is a way ahead for building understanding and perspective
through high standard academic exercise and exposure to developed European countries. I am
of belief that this programme will provide me in-depth knowledge and understanding about
international development perspective and practices which will help me in shaping my future
research and work. The multidisciplinary course provides excellent opportunity to study and
understand international development and public policy in the company of well-known
intellectuals and teachers of international repute. The emphasis on high quality research
based pedagogy followed by these universities is the biggest motivating factor to apply for
the course.
After completing this course I will continue my higher study (Ph.D.) in development related
field with research orientation towards impact of globalisation on poor and vulnerable groups
in developing countries with special focus on India. After this, I wish to take up teaching as
my profession in the relevant field and also engage myself in public policy analysis. I hope
this opportunity will bring forth my best abilities and will nurture my innate desire and
aptitude to work for betterment of society by enabling me to gain required ground by
providing best learning-teaching experience.