From Harvard to the Himalayas: Arhan Bagati’s Mission to Transform J&K

Srinagar April 18: Arhan Bagati, a Kashmiri Pandit and rising youth leader, is making significant strides in public policy and grassroots development in Jammu & Kashmir. Currently pursuing his Master’s in Public Policy at Harvard University, Arhan combines a world-class education with a deep-rooted commitment to his homeland.

An alumnus of Pomona College, USA, and the University of Cambridge, Arhan has consistently demonstrated a passion for social impact. His earlier work with the Paralympic Committee of India, where he served as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador, included the launch of digital initiatives such as LetsEnable.com, InRio, and IndTokyo—platforms designed to support India’s Paralympic athletes. In 2020, he became India’s first and the world’s youngest Deputy Chef de Mission at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Arhan is also the founder of KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute), an initiative aimed at addressing critical developmental issues in the region. From organizing Kashmir’s first Literature Festival in over three decades to introducing e-rickshaws in Srinagar for sustainable mobility, KYARI is driving innovation in areas like education, sanitation, women’s empowerment, and conservation.

One of KYARI’s most impactful cultural interventions has been the facilitation of the Bollywood film Ground Zero, produced by Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani). The film, based on a BSF encounter with Ghazi Baba—mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament and Akshardham attacks—is set to premiere on April 25, 2025, with a red-carpet event planned at INOX Srinagar. This marks a major return of large-scale cinema to the Valley, aligning with the Government of India’s WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Services) vision.

In addition to his on-ground efforts, Arhan continues to share his voice on national platforms such as Hindustan Times, Firstpost, The Quint, and Greater Kashmir. He was recently honored in the Hindustan Times 30 Under 30 – Social Impact Leaders list, recognizing his contributions to policy advocacy and regional development.

With a rare blend of academic excellence, visionary thinking, and heartfelt dedication to his roots, Arhan Bagati is fast becoming a symbol of hope and progress for the future of Jammu & Kashmir.