Anand Kole: Using Economics to Drive Societal Change

Why did you want to study in Europe?

“I have been interested in economics since I was young, because I feel it has the power to change lives. In 2019, I finished my bachelor’s in economics, political science and sociology back in India. During my studies I went to Sciences Po, a research university in Paris, as part of an international exchange program. There I experienced how different academics and education are in European countries, compared to India. Also, one of my aunts is an ISS (Erasmus’ International Institute of Social Studies) alumna, and we used to talk about how different it is in Europe – the cultural aspects, the people, the kind of research they do. Europe has more qualitative research, more than America or even the United Kingdom. So, for me it was very clear where I wanted to go.

There are very few institutes that have programs like ISS does – especially in development studies, with courses ranging from econometric modelling to social justice and climate action. So that was one of the reasons I chose ISS and Erasmus. In India, we mainly focused on the theoretical part, like microeconomics, macroeconomics and international trade, which was not really what I was interested in. Here, we started with inequality and growth, de-growth theories. Recently we did health economics, sustainability, and a course on how natural disasters affect the lives of people from a micro perspective. These diverse topics have a real connection with society and people’s everyday lives.

Why is the Erasmus Trustfonds scholarship important for you?

This is not my first time applying to ISS – back in 2019 I got accepted as well, but then the pandemic happened, and I did not go because I couldn't arrange the funds during that disruptive period. This time I was even more determined to come here and continue my education. I got admitted in April, but then someone told me how difficult it is to get a scholarship, because of recent budget cuts in the Netherlands. I remember almost giving up this time as well and sending the deferral mail, postponing admission to next year, due to lack of funding. This was a real setback, as I needed the funding. 

However, at the last minute, I found out I was awarded a Trustfonds scholarship allowing me to pursue my dream. It was towards the end of July when I got notified of the scholarship and my course was starting in September. I was not sure I was going to make it due to the visa process and housing search. I was in denial until my flight to The Netherlands took off. I'm grateful that everything fell into place just in time, and at a time when there were budget cuts in education in The Netherlands.

Could you tell us why you are promoting the Erasmus Charity Run?

I owe a lot to the Erasmus Trustfonds, as they have given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. So I feel like I am giving back, by promoting the run. On top of that, I believe that participating in the event gives me the chance to connect and network with people. Students should be given more opportunities like this to foster a deeper understanding of meaningful contributions to society.

What are your plans for the future?

"Initially, I wanted to get into public policy. But now I have changed my focus to research and academia. After I finish my master's, I want to do my PhD here. That is my short-term goal. After that, I want to go back to India, which is on the path of so-called 'development,' yet it remains burdened with numerous challenges along the way. That would be the long term plan. Academics is the best place for me to change the world, because that would enable me to change how future generations look at society and at their role in society. I also want to be on policy advisory committees, which is also what academics do. It’s like achieving two goals with a single effort.”