Ripple Effects

Nitika Parasrampuria’s college education did not just impact her, but gave hope to her extended family

Throughout her childhood, Nitika Parasrampuria’s grandfather taught her the importance of education as a gateway to a better future. He worked hard to provide Parasrampuria’s father with every learning opportunity available to them and in turn, Parasrampuria was raised with the same values. She wanted nothing more than for her grandfather to be present at her graduation from NYU

Abu Dhabi, so he could witness the generational impact that he made.

“My grandfather believed in me,” Parasrampuria said. He always encourages her to pursue her passion and not give up.

Parasrampuria’s grandfather was ahead of his time; wanting his granddaughter to pursue an education and even study abroad, going against the conventional belief that girls leaving home to study was a way of disassociating with their Indian heritage. “He believes girls can participate in important Indian rituals, be cultured and care for her family, while still being extremely independent and driven,” Parasrampuria said. “When somebody believes in you like that, even if I didn’t believe in myself, it really helps.”

Additionally, Parasrampuria has her mother’s work ethic to persevere and overcome challenges. With this strong support around her, she began her transformative education at the University. Being able to access the resources and opportunities at NYUAD “has literally changed the story of my entire family,” Parasrampuria said.

From traveling to Buenos Aires for a J-Term course to interning with the international consulting firm Boston Consulting Group in Dubai, Parasrampuria’s NYUAD experience broadened her family’s scope of possibility. Parasrampuria’s younger female cousins now speak of wider ambitions: studying hard for scholarships; dreams and hopes of working in big firms outside of India.

“NYUAD has given me a promise of a better future, a future where I’m equipped to help and give back,” Parasrampuria said. She hopes to one day pay it forward and empower young students in India to become catalysts for change within their own families and communities.

NYUAD has given me a promise of a better future, a future where I’m equipped to help and give back.

Nitika Parasrampuria, Class of 2023

From traveling to Buenos Aires for a J-Term course to interning with the international consulting firm Boston Consulting Group in Dubai, Parasrampuria’s NYUAD experience broadened her family’s definition of what possibilities meant. Parasrampuria’s younger female cousins now speak of wider ambitions: studying hard for scholarships; dreams and hopes of working in big firms outside of India. 

“NYUAD has given me a promise of a better future, a future where I’m equipped to help and give back,” Parasrampuria said. She hopes to one day pay it forward and empower young students in India through education so that they can become catalysts for change within their own families and communities in generations to come, like how her grandfather had done for her.