My name is Shrotibha, though I prefer to go by Shro. I'm a writer, thinker and researcher but most importantly I'm a perpetual student of the world- a lifelong learner who thinks best at a quiet desk.
My academic journey was always grounded in pure science subjects especially biology. I was passionate enough to get into the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland for their six year medicine program. Though I ultimately chose a different path, that foundation in scientific inquiry continues to anchor the way I think: with precision, curiosity, and a commitment to evidence.
After deciding against medicine rather than jumping on an undergraduate degree in some pure science subject I chose an unconventional path according to Indian standards, instead I took a gap of 18 months to experiment and try different subjects and ultimately gave into my inner calling towards the world of my dreams- the part of my soul always drawn to ideas, speeches, human rights, queer studies, arguments, stories, poetry, society and the social world. For that time period of roughly two years I read extensively on topics that interested me regardless of the subject, bound by no restrictions of subjects or degrees. As a result, over time my interests widened into humanities but also stayed rooted in my origins as a student of science with newfound perspectives and curiosity for the frontier of cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence. I mention this because as a pure science student I was not fond of computer science or related fields of technology. This gravitation towards artificial intelligence and related fields interests me more because of the humanities undercurrent in the forms of AI ethics, what this means for human rights and a constantly evolving and developing frontier of technology. This led me to ultimately pursue my current degree in AI & Law.
Alongside this academic track I write extensively ranging- from analytical essays and reflective pieces to fiction, campus narratives, and LGBTQ+ storytelling. These days my work mostly sits at the intersection of politics, international crisis, public health, literature, identity and technology- fields that allow me to not only think but visualise human experiences through varied lenses spanning across emotions, experiences, demography, geography and more.
I also carry a deep commitment to public service and long-term civic engagement, this depth of commitment has been nurtured by years growing up in a philanthropic household where my parents and grandparents were always commited to public service and social welfare as government doctors. Moreover, my highschool years as a member of the medical club where our primary objective was to conduct as many free medical camps as possible for a full body health checkup of the kids living in the local orphanages.
Reflecting on my interests, upbringing, values and morals I wish to pursue a career in that blends policy, governance, research and writing. A careeer I can be proud of not because of its monetary success, but rather the difference it allows me to make in the world.
This website is hence not only my opendesk but my first step towards building my career- where science melts into literature, where political thought debates with technological advancements and where my creative works finds its own and also helps others find a voice. Here you’ll find research writings, reflective essays, notebook entries, creative fiction, and evolving ideas that trace my journey as both a thinker and a storyteller.
At its heart, my work is driven by the belief that understanding the world begins with asking better questions — and telling better stories.
My academic journey began at Sacred Heart Sr. Sec. School in Chandigarh, where I completed my matriculation with a merit of 93% in the CBSE board examinations. During this time I, also earned a silver medal in English Olympiad and finished 4th in Science Olympiad. Both of these achievemnets mark my love for both analytical and creative disciplines.
Thereafter, I moved to Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal to pursue my secondary education. I made this move to pursue a unique dual pathway offered at KIS- a the American High School Diploma, accredited by the Middle States Association, alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). At KIS I consistently maintained a strong academic presence and made it to the Principle's list every semester with a CGPA above 3.6 for two years. I graduated meritorious in the 25th percentile of my class. Alongside academics, I was actively involved in the Medical Club and the Science National Honor Society (SNHS), engaging deeply with the sciences and community learning.
Beyond this I continued writing extensively. I published various poems in different anthologies and took part in different creative writing and essay writing competitions. By the end of high school, I held offers from multiple medical colleges, including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Although I eventually chose a more interdisciplinary academic path, these experiences — across CBSE, the American Diploma, and the IB — shaped both my academic discipline and my creative curiosity, forming the foundation of how I approach science, writing, and the humanities today.
My work sits at the junction of two academic realms- the precision and accuracy of science alongside the imagination and truth of literature. I write across generes from long form research papers to young adult fiction, poetry, reflections and opinions columns. These works are grounded in memory, place, and interpersonal relationships. Many of my works explore adolescence, identity, queerness, and the quiet emotional landscapes that define growing up. I am currently developing multiple manuscripts which have been mentioned on my homepage but can be accessed in Books & Ideas under the Notebook section.
I am especially interested in :
Scientific Research
English Literature
Political Opinions
Philosophy
LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies
I am currently working on two large scale projects, which are completely different from my usual writing styles as I prefer to stick to poetry and realistic storytelling or anaecdotes in my regular works. I'm extremely excited as I work on my first ever full length books one of them is also my first ever formal work in the LGBTQ+ sphere while the other is a memoir from my own highschool days.
Beyond this, I have several research questions spanning various interests of mine acrossscience, human rights, literature etc, that I'm working on. Progress and research drafts can further be found in the Research Writings section of this website. There you will also have access to my completed works till now.
If your interests lie more in independent essays or reflections woven in with emotional depth and maturity you may check out the Reflection and Essay section of this website.
Lastly, I have written heartfelt letters, to people important to me but also to my future and past selfs. These letters say and express both words and emotions I never could and feelings I was to scared to voice. They are an extremely important part of my journey as although I am extremely vocal about my opinions, words of love, devotion and apologies are extremely difficult for me to speak out loud I find it easier to just write them down. Although, these are extremely personal they can still be accessed in the Creative Portfolio section of my website as they are the most pure and clear reflection of me as a person. Both handwritten and typed versions are available.
I'm a firm believer of my personal work ethic which rewards work that is disciplined, consistent and grounded both in my roots and society. I like to do work that is honest, intentional and capable of bringing about true change in the society. I was born in a small town Faridkot in Punjab in 2005 in India and spent my primary years up till age six in an equally small town of Rohtak and a rural area Agroha both in Haryana. After which my family relocated to Chandigarh where I finished my matriculation or grade 10. Thereafter, I went to a small town Kodaikanal for my secondary schooling of grades 11 and 12 which were spent in a boarding school namely KIS. All these places, both urban and rural settings, small towns and big cities have been an integral part of my growth. I am, who and what I am because of these towns which have embedded in me love for hardwork and humility. But KIS was where the flame to give back to the community roared to life. My experiences have given birth to a mindset that believes in work being a thoughtful, ethical process that can be molded to fit global consciousness. Navigating these spaces from science labs to volunteering platforms both local and global has taught me three essential things which form the basis of my values and personal philosophy.
“We are bound together, and our success is determined by how we respond to each other.” - Barack Obama
I believe that empathy is one of the most essential qualities that every individual regardless of their social status, profession or education should embody both in practice and their person. Understanding diverse perspectives, situations, lifestyles, cultures and rituals form the foundations of a responsible global citizenship. Hence, Empathy the ability to share and understand the feelings of others is a core pillar of my perrsonal philosophy for if you cannot imagine to walk a mile in someone's shoes you really can't judge or pass opinions on them, even if they are helpful for you are not truly aware of what is happening in there life.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
Knowledge is built over a span of decades as a result of the culmination of various different researchers, writers and students. This shared knowledge spans across not only different ages, ethnicities, races, geographical and language barriers but rather sometimes across timelines, scholars seperated by centuries between them. As a result whether it be science, literature, political theory etc., I believe that knowledge is a result of collective effort. I value knowledge as an instrument capable of the biggest changes known to mankind. Hence, it is my belief that knowledge should be shared and not hoarded. I value accessible education, collaborative thinking, and creating academic or creative work that empowers others.
“The creative adult is the child who survived.” - Ursula K. Le Guin
For centuries content whether it be written, visual or audio has been produced in an extremely biased sense, especially through the 16th to the 20th century, often by the wealthy, elite classes for the wealthy, elite classes. Even if the peasantry or common man was shown it was usually for the entertainment of the upper elites. A similar parralel can be drawn in the present times with the representation of minorities, different races and ethnicities. Even today for example one can observe how heavily the focus is shifted on to stereotypes, and the same are reinforced in different series like an Indian speaking with a heavy accent. These content, shape how one percieves others and themselves in theworld. Hence my work is focused to broaden the representation and empathy both within and across borders.
"When you walk through that doorway of opportunity, you don’t slam it shut behind you." - Michelle Obama
The last pillar that my ethical foundation is built upon, integrity for me is non negotiable in all my works and everything that represents me it is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Personally for me as I work on global issues, social impact of those issues and lack of representation in general I aim to build a scaffolding of ethical effort, honest beginnings and communication alongside long term commitment, which can go on to serve as a guide to the upcoming generations, whether they are someone struggling or someone starting out in their own journey. For me purpose is more essential then perfection.
Beyond academic and creative pursuits I stay commited to work that helps strengthen the community as well as allows me to engage in global collaborations while simultaneously expand my global perspective. I also stay curious to learn new things that go beyond my current passions or interests.
Currently I'm a UN Youth Volunteer, this community allows me to engage with opportunities that encourages the youth to take part in international development, social change and justice all led by the youth. These experiences are important for me as they continue to shape me in ways I did not think possible while also shaping my views on understanding global citizenship and responsibility.
During my high school, I was the founding member of the medical club which went onto organising a medical camp for two local orphanage kids, where we coordinated there basic health checkups and wellness activities. This experience laid down the framework of my mindset that believes that even small interventions can have lasting impact on various people's lives canging the entire course of their trajectory sometimes and helped develop an everlasting interest in public service and social change.
A significant part of my growth has also come from embracing languages. My journey began in high school, where I learned German in Grades 11 and 12, followed by Spanish, and I am currently studying French and Mandarin. I can read, write, and speak my mother tongues—Hindi and Punjabi—which grounds me while expanding my global linguistic world. Learning languages has made me more culturally aware, adaptable, and curious about international communities.
I also pursue university-level online courses through edX, exploring subjects that at times compliment my degree but often times that align with my interests ranging from Materpieces of World Literature, wines and many more.
I also enjoy contributing to accessible education through digital spaces—designing study resources, creating revision content for students, and sharing tools that make learning more inclusive.
Lastly, during my free time you will often find me writing a new piece, exploring a new piece of work or reading, exploring various forms of storytelling designing canva templates, journaling or curating journals or working on small creative projects.
I believe in growing intentionally, giving back meaningfully, and staying open to collaborations that connect people across borders and disciplines.