The United Kingdom is renowned for its world-class universities that attract students from all over the world. For many Indian students, studying in the UK is a dream come true, providing them access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and exciting career opportunities. Over the years, thousands of Indian students have made the UK their second home, studying at some of the top universities in the country.
Studying in the UK has proven to be a fruitful experience for many Indian students, as they are exposed to various perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinking. This exposure helps students develop a more well-rounded worldview, which can be valuable when navigating the global marketplace. Furthermore, the UK education system is renowned for its high academic standards, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Many successful Indians across various fields have leveraged their UK education to achieve great success. From business leaders to politicians, from scientists to artists, the list of successful Indian alumni from UK universities is long and impressive. The UK has a long and proud history of welcoming students worldwide to study at its universities. For Indian students, studying in the UK offers a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education, develop a more well-rounded worldview, and access exciting career opportunities. Furthermore, studying in the UK provides a unique cultural experience, which can be invaluable in today's global marketplace. The success stories of Indian alumni from UK universities are a testament to the value of a UK education and serve as an inspiration for future generations of Indian students.
Here are a few examples of successful Indians who studied in the UK:
Mahatma Gandhi
Education
Studied the rudiments of arithmetic, history, the Gujarati language, and geography at Rajkot’s local school.
Later, attended Alfred High School in Rajkot
Attended Samaldas College in Bhavnagar State in 1888 (dropped out)
Attended University College, London, and took classes in English Literature
Career
After completing his legal studies in 1891, Gandhi returned to India and struggled to establish a successful law practice.
In 1915, Gandhi was recruited by the Indian National Congress to help lead the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.
Over the next several decades, Gandhi became a prominent political and spiritual leader in India, known for his non-violent protests and civil disobedience campaigns.
In 1920, he launched a non-cooperation movement against British colonial rule.
In 1930, he led the famous Dandi march, breaking the salt laws and starting the civil disobedience movement.
In 1942, he launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an end to British colonial rule in India.
In 1947, India gained independence from British colonial rule, and Gandhi played a key role in the country's peaceful transition to self-rule.
In 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist. Gandhi's ideas and principles continue to influence political and social movements worldwide despite his death.
Awards
In 1915, Gandhi was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind Medal by the British government for his work in the ambulance corps during the Boer War.
In 1919, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna by the British government for his services to the nation during World War I
In 1930, Time Magazine named him the “Man of the Year”
In 1948, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for his contributions to the freedom struggle and the nation
In 1950, he was posthumously awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize by the Government of India
In 1959, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the government of the United States
In 1964, he was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in India's struggle for independence and for promoting non-violent civil disobedience as a means of social change
In 1999, he was voted the Greatest Indian of the 20th century by a nationwide poll conducted by India Today
In 2007, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress
Indira Gandhi
Education
Studied at the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal, in 1935
Attended the Badminton School for a brief period before enrolling at Somerville College
Attended Somerville College, Oxford, in 1940, where she studied History, Political Science, Economics, and English literature.
Career
In 1942, Indira Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Indian independence movement.
In 1947, after India's independence, she became a member of the working committee of the Congress party.
In 1959, she was elected president of the Indian National Congress.
In 1964, she was appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian parliament)
In 1966, she became the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the government of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
In 1967, after Shastri's death, she was appointed Prime Minister of India, becoming the first and only woman to hold office to date.
Awards
In 1971, she was awarded the Nehru Prize for contributing to International Understanding.
In 1971, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
In 1974, she was awarded the Kamal Kumari National Foundation Award for her outstanding contribution to the upliftment of women.
In 1979, she was awarded the International Human Rights Award by the US-based People for the American Way organization.
In 1980, she was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Award for her contribution to understanding Nehru's thoughts and ideals.
In 1982, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In 1984, she was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Education
In 1887, he began his education at home with private tutors
In 1889, he was sent to study at a boarding school in England, first at the Harrow School and later at Cambridge University
He studied Natural Sciences and, later on, law at Trinity College, Cambridge
In 1912, he returned to India and completed his law degree from the Inner Temple in London
Career
In 1912, Jawaharlal Nehru returned to India and began practicing as a lawyer.
In 1915, he joined the Indian National Congress and became actively involved in the Indian independence movement.
In 1929, he was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
In 1947, India gained independence from British colonial rule, and Nehru became the country's first Prime Minister, serving in this role until he died in 1964
Awards
In 1955, Jawaharlal Nehru was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
In 1962, he was awarded the Order of Lenin, the highest civilian award of the Soviet Union.
In 1963, he was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding by the Indian government.
In 1964, he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet government
In 1964, he was awarded the Order of the Yugoslav Flag with Sash by Yugoslavia
In 1964, he was awarded the Order of the People's Republic of Bulgaria by Bulgaria
Posthumously, in 1972, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund established an annual award in his name, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fellowship, to promote research and writing on his life and work
Rajiv Gandhi
Education
He studied at the Welham Boys' School in Dehradun, India
He then attended the Doon School in Dehradun, India
He went to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied engineering
He later returned to India and received a degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi
Career
He began his political career in 1982 when he was appointed as the general secretary of the Indian National Congress.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, in 1983.
In 1984, he became the Prime Minister of India following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi.
He was re-elected as Prime Minister in 1989, but his government was defeated in the 1991 general election.
He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha in 1991
Awards
Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian award, posthumously awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1991
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fellowship: awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 for his contributions to Indian politics and public service
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development: awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1989 for his efforts to strengthen the Indian economy and improve India's relations with other countries
Order of Lenin: awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, by the Soviet Union, for his contributions to improving India-Soviet relations
Honorary Fellow of the Society of Engineers: awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1984 in recognition of his contributions to Indian engineering and technology
Padma Shri: awarded to Rajiv Gandhi in 1983 in recognition of his contributions to Indian politics and public service
dr.Manmohan Singh
Education
He completed his early education at the Christian High School in Rajgarh, Punjab.
He received a B.A. in economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, in 1952
He received his M.A. in economics from the University of Cambridge in 1955
He then received a D.Phil in economics from Nuffield College, University of Oxford, in 1962
Career
He began his career as an economist with the Government of India in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the 1960s
He was appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance in 1972
He served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985
He was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India in 1985
He served as the Union Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao
He was elected as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, in 1991
He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004
He was elected as the Prime Minister of India in 2004 and served two consecutive terms until 2014
Awards
Padma Vibhushan: India's second-highest civilian award, awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007 for his contributions to public affairs
Padma Bhushan: India's third highest civilian award, awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 1971 for his contributions to trade and industry
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development: awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 1998
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fellowship: awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 1991 for his contributions to Indian economic policy and public service
Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry: awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007, by the President of Portugal, in recognition of his contributions to improving India-Portugal relations
Seoul Peace Prize: awarded to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2010 for his contributions to world peace, economic cooperation, and development
V.k. krishna menon
Education
He studied at the University of London, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Law in 1923
He later completed his Master's degree in Law from the same university in 1925
He completed his Bar-at-Law from Middle Temple in London in 1927
He also studied at the London School of Economics (LSE) during his time in London
Career
He served as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1947 to 1952
He served as India's Minister of Defence from 1957 to 1962
He represented India at the United Nations, where he played a key role in the country's foreign policy during the 1950s and 1960s
He was the leader of the Indian delegation to the United Nations in 1952, 1953, and 1955
He was appointed as the President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1953
He was also appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the United States in 1949, where he played an important role in building strong relations between the two countries
Awards
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1954 for his services to the nation.
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 1957
He was awarded the title of "Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George" by the British government in 1962
Dr. Amartya sen
Education
He completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata), in 1951
He later completed his Master's degree in Economics at the University of Calcutta in 1952
He went to England to pursue higher studies and completed his Tripos in Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1953
He completed his Ph.D. in Economics at Cambridge in 1959
Career
He began his career as a Professor of Economics at the University of Calcutta in 1956. He later taught at the University of Delhi, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of Oxford.
He was a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, from 1963 to 1971
He served as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 1985 to 1986
He served as the President of the Econometric Society in 1984
He was the Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford University from 1971 to 1977
He was the Professor of Economics at Harvard University from 1987 to 1998
He is currently the Thomas W. Lamont University Professor and Professor of Economics and Philosophy at Harvard University
Awards
He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for contributing to welfare economics.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1999
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the President of the United States in 2009
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 1999
He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2012
He was awarded the Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur by the President of France in 2007
He was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize in 1998
He was awarded the Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service by the Eisenhower Foundation in 2012
He was awarded the Prince Mahidol Award in 2019 for his outstanding contribution to the field of economics.
Rabindranath Tagore
Education
He was taught to read and write early and was exposed to a wide range of literature, music, and art.
He was sent to England at 17 to pursue formal education and study law.
He attended University College London and later London's Inner Temple, but he did not complete his studies and returned to India in 1885
After returning to India, Tagore continued his education through self-study and by traveling extensively in India and Europe.
Career
Tagore began his literary career as a poet and short-story writer in Bengali, with his first book of poems, "Sandhya Sangit," published in 1884
He translated many of his works into English, and his collection of poems, "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), was published in England in 1912 and was highly acclaimed.
He wrote several plays and operas, many performed at the Santiniketan, the school and university he founded in West Bengal.
He traveled extensively throughout Europe, America, and Asia and was a noted speaker on cultural and political issues.
He was also a painter, and his works have been exhibited in galleries worldwide.
Awards
Rabindranath Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913
He was awarded the knighthood by the British government in 1915
He received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1915
He was awarded the Order of Merit, one of the highest civilian awards in the British honors system, in 1929
He was awarded the Great Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French government in 1915
He received the Presidential Order of Merit from the Government of Bangladesh in 2012
He was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold, and Silver Star by the Government of Japan
dr. bhimrao ramji ambedkar
Education
He received his primary education in Satara and later in Bombay
He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Elphinstone College, Bombay, in 1907
He went to the United States in 1913 and obtained his Master's degree in Economics from Columbia University in 1915
He completed his second Master's degree in Political Science from the London School of Economics in 1916
He received a scholarship from the London School of Economics to pursue a doctorate, but he returned to India before completing his Ph.D
Career
He was appointed the chairman of the drafting committee responsible for writing the Indian Constitution.
He served as the first Law Minister of independent India and was responsible for framing various laws and policies.
He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, responsible for drafting the Constitution of India.
He was appointed as the first Law Minister of India
He served as the Minister for Labour and later as the Minister for Law and Justice
He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament
Awards
Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian award, posthumously in 1990
Order of Merit of India: India's third highest civilian award, posthumously in 1990
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star: Japan's third highest civilian award, posthumously in 2015
Order of the White Elephant: Thailand's highest civilian award, posthumously in 2016
Order of the Federal Republic: Nigeria's highest civilian award, posthumously in 2018
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Award for Social Understanding and Upliftment of Weaker Sections: This award is given by the Government of Maharashtra, India, in his honor.
The postage stamp was issued in 1991 in his honor by the Government of India
amitav ghosh
Education
He completed his schooling in Kolkata, India, before studying at the Presidency College, Kolkata, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature.
He then received a scholarship to attend St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where he received his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Social Anthropology.
He later received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Oxford.
Career
He began his career as a journalist, working for newspapers and magazines such as The Indian Express and The Times of India.
His first novel, "The Circle of Reason," was published in 1986 and was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for English fiction in India.
Ghosh is also an active public intellectual and has written essays and articles on various topics, including globalization, the environment, and social issues.
He has also been a visiting professor at universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, and Columbia.
Ghosh is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Society of Literature, and the Academy of Sciences, Humanities, and Arts in Berlin
Awards
Sahitya Akademi Awards for English, for The Circle of Reason (1986)
The Guardian Fiction Prize for The Shadow Lines (1989)
The Grinzane Cavour Prize for The Calcutta Chromosome (1995)
The Arthur C. Clarke Award for The Calcutta Chromosome (1997)
The Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2007
The Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2015
The Dan David Prize for his contributions to the field of "Narrative and the Environment" in 2018
The Jnanpith Award for his contributions to Indian literature in 2018
The Crossword Book Award for Sea of Poppies (2008)
The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for The Glass Palace (2001)
The Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize for The Hungry Tide (2005)
The Hutch Crossword Book Award for The Hungry Tide (2005)
mansoor ali khan pataudi
Education
He attended Winchester College in England
He studied at Oxford University, where he completed his undergraduate studies.
He also played cricket for the Oxford University cricket team and was a member of the Bullingdon Club at Oxford.
Career
He made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 1961 at the age of 21
He became the youngest captain in the history of Test cricket at the age of 21 when he was appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team in 1962
He captained the Indian cricket team for 40 Test matches and was one of the finest fielders of his time
He retired from cricket in 1975 and served as a cricket commentator and as a member of various cricket committees thereafter
He also served as a member of the Indian parliament from 1980 to 1984
Awards
Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World award in 1968
Arjuna Award for excellence in sports in 1967
Padma Shri award in 1967
Padma Bhushan award in 1991
Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award in 2011
C K Nayudu Trophy in 2012-13
BCCI Lifetime Achievement award in 2012
Wisden India Outstanding Achievement award in 2012
Wisden India Lifetime Achievement award in 2013
Wisden India Spirit of Cricket award in 2013
Wisden, India's Leading Cricketer in the World (posthumously) in 2013
soha ali khan
Education
Graduated from Balliol College, Oxford University, with a degree in Modern History in 2000
Completed her Master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2001
Pursued a short course in Film Appreciation from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies in 2002
Career
Made her acting debut in the Indian film industry in 2004
Hosted the TV show "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge" in 2007
Hosted the TV show "Ladies Special" in 2011
Hosted the TV show "Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke" in 2015
Appeared in the web series "Breathe: Into the Shadows" in 2020
Awards
Rajiv Gandhi award for excellence in the field of Entertainment in 2006
Big Star Entertainment award for Most Entertaining Female Debut in 2005
Zee Cine award for Best Female Debut in 2005
Star Guild award for Best Female Debut in 2005
Filmfare award for Best Female Debut in 2005
Khushwant Singh
Education
He attended New Delhi's Modern School for his studies
He studied Intermediate of Arts at St. Stephen's College in Delhi
He completed his BA from Government College, Lahore, in 1934
He completed his Bachelor of Laws degree from King's College London
He completed his Master’s degree in Law from Cambridge University
Career
He started his career as a lawyer but soon joined the Indian Foreign Service.
He was a diplomat in various countries, including Canada, the UK, and Pakistan.
He was the editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India, the National Herald, and the Hindustan Times.
He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986.
He wrote many books, including novels, non-fiction, and collections of his columns and articles.
Awards
Padma Bhushan in 1974
Padma Vibhushan in 2007
Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2010
Punjabi Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian government in 2010
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Punjabi Sahitya Akademi in 2013
kaushik basu
Education
Completed his Bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi
Completed his Master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Completed his Ph.D. in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Completed Post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University and the University of Sussex
Career
He started his career as an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Delhi School of Economics.
He then worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.
He was a Professor of Economics at the Delhi School of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Cornell University, and the University of Cambridge
He served as the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank from 2012 to 2016
He served as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2009 to 2012
He served as the President of the International Economic Association from 2017 to 2020
He is currently a Professor of Economics and the Carl Marks Professor at Cornell University.
Awards
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Award, 2021
Doctorate of Humane Letters, Fordham University, 2013
Padma Bhushan, Government of India, 2008
Served as President of the Human Development and Capabilities Association
Salman Rushdie
Education
He studied at Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, India
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from King's College, Cambridge, in England
He also has a Master of Arts degree in comparative literature from the University of East Anglia in England
Career
He began his career as an advertising copywriter in London before becoming a full-time writer.
In 1981, he published his first novel, Grimus, and second novel, Midnight’s Children, which won the Booker Prize and established him as a major literary figure.
He has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature since 1983, and a Fellow of the British Academy since 2016
Awards
ooker Prize in 1981 for Midnight's Children
Whitbread Prize in 1981 for Midnight's Children
James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981 for Midnight's Children
Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 1983 for Midnight's Children
Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988 for The Satanic Verses
Author of the Year by British Book Awards in 1988 for The Satanic Verses
Shakespeare Prize in 1999
Knight Bachelor in Queen's Birthday Honours 2019 for services to literature
Padma Shri from the Indian government in 2007
Padma Bhushan from the Indian government in 2015
Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 2012
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