From Classroom to Global Diplomacy: The Inspiring Journey of Upma Kashyap
Introduction: A Life Shaped by Curiosity and Commitment
Financial independence is a must, but remember, money is a tool, not the goal—the goal is freedom
Upma Kashyap, a Delhi-based Senior Researcher and award-winning author, has spent over a decade shaping conversations in International Relations, U.S. foreign policy, and Indo-Pacific studies. An Associate Fellow (Hon.) at the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, she combines academic brilliance with practical experience, using her expertise to examine global governance and security issues. With a Master’s and MPhil in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a PhD thesis nearing completion on U.S. Nonproliferation Policy and the Role of Congress, Upma’s career reflects both intellectual rigor and an unwavering commitment to making India’s voice stronger in international forums.
“I had never planned my career; sometimes I feel my career chose me,” she shares with a smile. What began as a love for humanities and political science has evolved into a mission to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of women to take their place in global policy-making.
Discovering Her Purpose in a Global Classroom
Growing up in a family where success was the norm, Upma was encouraged to excel academically and professionally. Her curiosity for history, culture, and politics led her to pursue International Relations at JNU, a decision that opened doors to diplomatic discussions, academic conferences, and global exposure.
Her most transformative experience came during her time in Zurich, Switzerland, as a Doctoral Fellow. “Living alone in Zurich shaped my personality for good. I became a more confident, self-reliant person and widened my perspective.” Meeting women from across the world, she discovered a shared struggle that transcended geography — women everywhere face challenges of freedom, equality, and representation. This realization fueled her passion to advocate for gender balance in foreign policy-making and to become a voice for women who cannot fight for themselves.
Role Models and Mentors Who Lit the Path
Upma credits her journey to the guidance of key mentors who nurtured her intellectual growth. She speaks fondly of Professor Chintamani Mahapatra, Founder-Chairperson of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, who inspired her to look beyond academics and develop as a well-rounded global thinker.
Her time in Geneva under Dr. Cecilia Cannon further deepened her understanding of international organizations and the importance of policy communication. These mentors, along with global figures like Hillary Clinton, Sushma Swaraj, and Palki Sharma Upadhyay, shaped her belief that women belong not just in classrooms but in boardrooms and policy circles, where the world’s most critical decisions are made.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength
Upma’s journey has been far from easy. As the eldest daughter in an accomplished family, she grew up with high expectations and the pressure to set an example. Choosing a non-traditional path came with sacrifices—living in isolation, delaying personal milestones, and working through self-doubt and missed opportunities.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought one of her toughest tests yet, forcing her to balance caretaker duties at home while navigating academic disruptions and uncertainty about the future. “Maintaining my mental health became a challenge. Career plans took a backseat, but I chose to heal and transform myself for good. I learned to turn pain into power.”
Today, she advocates openly for mental well-being, self-acceptance, and creating boundaries — lessons that allowed her to emerge stronger and more grounded.
Achievements That Inspire
Upma’s work has been widely recognized, with her contributions featured in books and journals worldwide. Her chapter “The Revitalized European Union’s Strategy on the Indo-Pacific”was published by Palgrave Macmillan, and she regularly writes on global politics and education.
In April 2025, she was honored with the Ed Falcon Global Award for Emerging Researcher of the Year, followed by the Influential Women Leader in Indian Education Award in June 2025. Most recently, she received The Inspiration Award 2025by HERstory Times, affirming her growing impact as a thought leader in international relations.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond academia, Upma is working on her digital initiative, “She Leads Globe,” a platform aimed at inspiring and empowering youth, particularly women, to engage in global policy-making. Her goal is to expand it into a full-fledged think tank that analyzes women-centric issues and advocates for gender-balanced policies in India’s foreign affairs.
“My career has just begun; there is a lot I need to do to achieve excellence. There is no finish line yet—just an ongoing learning process. Miles to go before I sleep,” she says, quoting Robert Frost.
Balancing Life, Career, and Well-being
Despite her demanding schedule, Upma emphasizes the importance of taking strategic breaks and staying connected to her passions. Long walks, fitness routines, and exploring new cuisines recharge her creativity. “Work hard, achieve, pause, recharge, and dive back into the next challenge,” she says, describing her approach to avoiding burnout and staying motivated.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
Upma’s advice for young women is deeply empowering:
“Love yourself and embrace the power of saying no when necessary. Nurture your unique talent and trust your journey. Financial independence is a must, but remember, money is a tool, not the goal—the goal is freedom.”
Her message is clear — success is not just about professional accolades but about building a life that excites you, friendships that hold you, and a space that feels like home.
Upma Kashyap’s journey from classrooms in Delhi to policy discussions in Geneva and Zurich is proof that resilience, passion, and purpose can transform a career into a calling. Her story reminds us that global change begins with individuals who dare to dream, work hard, and keep going — no matter how many miles lie ahead.
