Uniting
Research and Policy

Rushikesh Yashwant Jadhav is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Harris School of Public Policy. Raised in rural India, Rushikesh witnessed firsthand the challenges of economic inequality and social stratification. These early experiences with caste-based oppression and economic hardship, especially among marginalized communities, have profoundly shaped his academic and professional journey.

As a Davis Scholar at the United World College in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rushikesh studied the enduring effects of the Yugoslav wars on ethnic relations and community healing. His work with the Roma community, often overlooked in post-war reconciliation efforts, and with refugee children from the Middle East, deepened his commitment to addressing the complex intersection of violence, economic inequality, and social exclusion.

At St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Rushikesh furthered his understanding of racial injustice in the United States, examining persistent issues of economic disparity and community violence. His academic and research work focused on policy solutions to provide equitable land rights for economically disenfranchised populations, promoting the sustainable use of urban land for employment opportunities.

Before joining the Harris community, Rushikesh served as a Data and Policy Analyst with Acumen LLC, where he investigated fraud, waste, and abuse of Medicare resources and advised policymakers on strategies to prevent resource loss. Motivated by a strong commitment to public policy, Rushikesh aspires to develop solutions that address the root causes of inequality and violence. He believes that effective policies and equitable market systems can dismantle oppressive structures and empower communities to break free from cycles of poverty and conflict.

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