Penn’s Nikhil Pochana researches domestic transgender policy in Kolkata

🎓🇮🇳 **Indian American student Nikhil Pochana is combining academic research with grassroots activism this summer, traveling to Kolkata, India, to study how transgender rights policies are affecting local communities.** The University of Pennsylvania sophomore is spending his summer conducting field research through Penn’s South Asia Center, gaining firsthand experience in law, public policy, and social justice.

Raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Pochana grew up learning about South Asia through his family’s heritage. However, he wanted to build an independent understanding of the region by experiencing its social, political, and cultural realities firsthand. His internship has given him the opportunity to engage directly with communities while studying issues that shape everyday life.

Working alongside **Kolkata Anandam for Equality and Justice (KAEJ)**, a grassroots organization dedicated to LGBTQKH* advocacy, Pochana is examining how recent national legislation restricting transgender rights is being implemented at the local level. His research focuses particularly on the removal of legal self-identification rights for transgender individuals and how advocacy groups are responding to these policy changes.

The timing of his research is especially significant as West Bengal continues adapting to a major political transition following recent state elections. By observing local governance, activism, and public policy in real-world settings, Pochana hopes to better understand how legal reforms influence marginalized communities beyond courtroom decisions.

At the University of Pennsylvania, Pochana is pursuing a major in **Political Science** while completing minors in **South Asia Studies** and **Neuroscience**, reflecting his broad interest in public policy, society, and human behavior. His campus involvement extends to organizations including the Hindu-Jain Association, Civic Scholars, and University Scholars, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and civic engagement.

Outside academics, Pochana has also trained in classical South Indian music, allowing him to remain connected to his cultural roots while exploring India through a modern social and political lens. Living in Kolkata has helped him improve his Hindi, develop greater cultural understanding, and gain practical life experience while working closely with local communities.

His research builds upon previous experience as a research assistant at Penn’s **PDRI-DevLab**, where he studied land governance and development issues. He has also contributed to voter engagement initiatives through the Netter Center’s High School Voter Project, highlighting his long-standing interest in democratic participation and community involvement.

Looking ahead, Pochana plans to pursue a career in law. He believes that understanding how policies affect people at the grassroots level will make him a more effective advocate and future legal professional. By combining academic research with real-world community engagement, he hopes to contribute to legal systems that create meaningful and lasting social change. 🌍⚖️