Arani S Hazarika, a bright young woman from Guwahati, Assam, has made her mark on the world stage by successfully completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sanskrit and Classical Hindi from the prestigious University of Oxford. This achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for the entire nation. The graduation ceremony was held on August 9 at the iconic Sheldonian Theatre Auditorium, a place that has witnessed the accomplishments of many distinguished scholars. At just 21 years of age, Arani’s journey from her hometown to one of the world’s top five universities is inspiring and remarkable.
Arani pursued her BA from Balliol College, the oldest college in the English-speaking world, established in 1263 by John de Balliol. She studied under the Department of Asian and Eastern Studies, which was earlier known as the Department of Oriental Studies. As per available records, Arani is the first Assamese student in recent decades to earn a BA in Sanskrit from Oxford. Her academic journey started in Guwahati at the Holy Child High School in Krishna Nagar, Chandmari, where she excelled in her Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE board examinations in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Her outstanding academic record caught the attention of Oxford, which offered her admission and the prestigious Simon & June Lee Undergraduate Scholarship.
Starting her classes in October 2022, Arani’s admission to Oxford at the age of 18 is considered an extraordinary achievement. It is rare for students, especially from northeastern India, to gain entry into such elite institutions immediately after secondary education. Arani’s success highlights not only her dedication and talent but also the increasing recognition of India’s northeastern region in global academia. Her field of study, Sanskrit and Classical Hindi, holds special importance as it connects to India’s rich cultural and literary heritage.
During her studies, Arani focused her research on the standardization of the 15th-century Sanchi manuscripts from Majuli, a historic region known for its Sankari culture and rich traditions. This work reflects her deep interest in preserving and studying India’s ancient texts and culture. Her research contributes to the academic understanding of historical manuscripts and supports the ongoing efforts to keep India’s literary history alive. Her work also brings attention to Majuli, a unique cultural hub in Assam, linking local heritage to global scholarship.
Arani is the daughter of Sudakshina Bhuyan, a renowned Feng Shui and Vastu consultant, and Partha Tim Hazarika, a writer-translator and assistant editor at The Assam Tribune. Her family’s support and encouragement have been crucial in her success. Now, Arani has been offered an opportunity to pursue her Master’s degree at the same college and department at Oxford. Her journey is a shining example for young students from Assam and across India who aspire to reach international academic heights.
