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Two Indian American students named 2026 Truman scholars
The Truman Scholarship is awarded to US students committed to careers in government and public service.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 25, Apr 2026
- 02:30 EDT
- 107
Ananya Bhatia and Muskan Taori / LinkedIn
Ananya Bhatia of Columbia University and Muskan Taori of the University of Arkansas have been named 2026 Truman Scholars, joining 55 students selected nationwide for the competitive award recognizing future public service leaders.
The announcement was made by Janet Napolitano, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The scholars were chosen from 48 colleges and universities across the United States.
Bhatia, a junior majoring in political science and urban studies, focuses her research on ethnic conflict, unlawful detention and war crimes prosecution. She has interned with the Orleans Public Defenders Office and Reprieve, working on cases involving incarceration, capital punishment and civilian harm in conflict zones. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in international criminal law and social justice.
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Taori is pursuing an honors degree in biophysical chemistry with minors in art history and medical humanities. She is a Sturgis Fellow and National Merit Finalist. On campus, she founded and leads Democracy Fellows and organized a civic engagement campaign during the 2024 election cycle that registered more than 150 student voters. She also serves in student government and on the Undergraduate Council.
“Receiving the Truman Scholarship would be an incredible step in my career, as it will directly enable me to develop a deeper understanding of my focus areas of environmental policy and energy research,” Taori said. She added, “The experience so far has already been instrumental in developing my understanding of my career path, and I look forward to all that I will gain throughout the rest of the process.”
Beyond campus, Taori has worked on environmental advocacy in Arkansas, including involvement with the Keep AR Natural initiative.
Another South Asian recipient is Shiva Rajbhandari of Idaho, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying public policy and sociology, with plans to pursue graduate study in environment and education policy.
The Truman Scholarship is awarded to students committed to careers in government and public service.
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