From Maharashtra to Sussex: How Akash Naoghare Won the Chevening and World Bank Scholarships to Study Food and Development at IDS

My name is Akash Naoghare. I come from a farmer’s family from Vidarbha, Maharashtra. Due to recurring agrarian distress, my ancestors were forced to sell all our land as it was no longer able to sustain the family. Eventually, we migrated to Nagpur. Although we lived in an semi rural-semi urban space, my upbringing was still rooted in a rural context and that isolation meant I had no access to information or exposure beyond conventional career paths like engineering and medicine.

I entered the development sector not by design, but because I could not remain silent in the face of injustice and inequality. Over time, I realized that agricultural distress in India is too often treated as a technical issue, focusing on productivity or technology, while the real issues like policies, trade treaties, geopolitics, and land rights are largely ignored. This realization led me to pursue a Master's in Food and Development at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex — one of the few programs in the world that examines these very intersections with critical depth and clarity.

Scholarship Details

I received two full scholarships for the same program at IDS: the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). Since both were for the same course and the timelines matched, I was able to accept both simultaneously.

The combined support included full tuition fees (£18,500), visa and travel costs, tuberculosis test fees, one-time allowances, and a monthly stipend of £2,000, which was shared between both scholarships. This funding allowed me to focus entirely on my academic and field research without financial stress.

Educational Background

I began with a polytechnic diploma in Metallurgy and Material Science and worked in the steel industry for a year and a half. Later, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. After working on-ground for a few years, I tried to better understand the structural issues in agriculture by studying MA Economics from Nagpur University — though that program didn’t give me the clarity I was seeking. My real learning came from working with people and through experience.

How did your educational background prepare you to apply for the specific fields?

By the time I applied for the scholarships, I had already spent 9 years working in the development sector, including co-founding two social enterprises and leading Beejotsav, a grassroots seed sovereignty movement. My engineering background gave me systems thinking; my economics studies gave me a policy lens (even if limited); but it was my field experience that truly prepared me to engage with food systems from a justice-based perspective. These diverse experiences equipped me to pursue interdisciplinary studies at IDS.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

My search was quite focused. I found very few programs globally that deeply engage with agriculture, food systems, livelihoods, and geopolitics together. IDS stood out not only because of its consistent academic excellence, but also because of its track record of producing research that creates real change on the ground. I spoke with a few IDS alumni who helped me understand the program’s demands and provided guidance on writing my SOP. Their insights helped me tailor my application in a way that was grounded yet aspirational.

How did you prepare for the Duolingo Englist Test?

My university, the University of Sussex, accepted the Duolingo English Test at the time, which turned out to be a blessing. It was affordable, less time-consuming, and widely accepted by UK universities. However, I recommend that applicants check with the university many will waive language tests if your previous education has been in English. I prepared using free online resources available on YouTube, and the process was fairly straightforward.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chevening and Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

I started by writing down everything I had done in my life, successes, failures, experiments, and moments of learning, and reflected on how those experiences impacted both me and the community. I used the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give structure to my essays and experience.

I kept the narratives personal, grounded, and honestly avoiding the exaggerated impact stories that are often seen in scholarship essays. I even spoke about my failures and areas where I still need to grow. I believe that level of humility and reflection made a difference.

How was Your Experience at the University of Sussex?

Coming from a movement-based background, academia was a completely new space for me. IDS, however, was welcoming and supportive. The faculty never dismissed anyone — there was mutual respect and space for different perspectives. While some differences between students from the global north and south were visible, the faculty truly encouraged open and equal dialogue.

The experience helped me integrate my grassroots knowledge with academic and policy-level frameworks, which made my learning at IDS deeply fulfilling.

How Do You Rate the University of Sussex Academically and Why?

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1 globally in Development Studies for nine consecutive years by the QS World University Rankings. Its reputation is not just built on theory but also on its real-world impact. IDS actively influences policies and strengthens community-based development through rigorous, decolonial, and participatory research. Academically, I would rate it among the very best in the world.

How Does the Institution Support International Students?

The university went out of its way to make international students feel at home. They helped with legal formalities, organized cultural and festive events, and created support structures like mentorships, career counselling, and language clubs. Whether it was help with finding accommodation, dealing with visa extensions, or building friendships, Sussex and IDS were supportive throughout.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was its honesty and depth. I didn’t rely on inflated numbers or performative narratives. Instead, I presented real, grounded experiences from my work in a distress region like Vidarbha. I was transparent about my weaknesses and failures, and how a master’s degree would help not just me, but also the communities I work with. I think that sincerity resonated with the selection committees.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change much. I applied for the first time to both the universities and the scholarships — and I got in. So, no regrets. Maybe the only thing I would do differently is start documenting my work and reflections earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice: Be honest. Don’t fake numbers, life-changing narratives, or impact stories. Scholarship readers are experienced — they can see through insincere applications quickly. Reflect on your life and work with humility and depth. Also, don’t put all your eggs in one basket — apply widely, talk to people, and seek help. Most importantly, ask questions — there’s no shame in not knowing, only in not trying.