Having recently completed his MSc in Politics and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Jemit Parikh is currently working for a UK-based Think Tank. Originally from Vadodara, Gujarat (India), he completed his graduation in Political Science and Conflict Studies from Delhi University and then went on to work as a political consultant and election strategist for over two years in West Bengal.
Jemit is passionate about politics, campaigns and public policy and enjoys meeting and interacting with new
people and contexts.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
As someone who has lived in 4 cities in the last 5 years, I tend to feel at home in most places very easily. The indication of being at home usually for me in any city is the ability to move around with confidence and comfort without Google Maps. Most at home, however, will always be my hometown of Vadodara in India.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Being a part of projects/campaigns right from the age of 15, that had a direct impact on the lives of real people.
A project I managed with Enactus Ramjas in healthcare actually made people independent entrepreneurs. Leading the Didi Ke Bolo telephonic outreach campaign in West Bengal actually helped people get timely medical assistance. Small instances within the larger scheme of things in life that change people’s lives
actually make me proud.
3) What inspires you?
The desire to make my family, friends and country proud with every little effort I make. This is a constant motivation that inspires me to improve everyday.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
There is no one thing that I see as an obstacle. It is like an evolving process where you face obstacles and challenges time and again, and overcome them. So while I’m still trying and working everyday, I feel like it isn’t fair to call anything the biggest obstacle
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents. Even though they never asked me that I should become this or that, their support and the autonomy they gave me to make every decision in my life, actually helped me with my career.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The fluid nature of my work. There are days when one minute I am writing a keynote speech and others when I am helping direct a mass campaign. I’ve always been a believer in the synthesis of diverse things and I feel that this role gives me the most diverse experiences that actually make every day an adventure.
7) And the worst?
The fluid nature means you can’t plan things in advance outside of work. The time you want for yourself might sometimes become difficult to get.
8) What are your long-term goals?
Being able to work in high-impact positions where my work shapes lives of individuals for the better.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Not sure if a Prime Minster can change this, but they can definitely lead by example. A problem I would like to solve about modern politics is the hero-worship and pedestrianisation of politicians. Taking people on a demigod status makes them unaccountable, something that is always a problem in the long run.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your
time with and why.
With the Wright Brothers probably, so we can build an aircraft and escape!
