Daijiworld Media Network - Amethi

Amethi, May 26: Union Minister Smriti Irani, on her first visit to Amethi in nearly 11 months, surprised many by revealing that she is currently pursuing a Doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley.

While addressing media queries about her academic journey and the buzz around her ‘study break,’ the former Amethi MP smiled and said, “It is my good fortune that the Prime Minister always encourages me to have knowledge on various subjects. He said studies should not be limited only to one's department.”

However, she did not disclose the subject of her thesis, saying, “That is a discussion for another time.”

Irani further shared that she had studied fintech at Berkeley and completed a business ethics programme from Cambridge University's Judge Business School. “I have been a guest lecturer at Berkeley and have taught at IIM Bodh Gaya and Udaipur for the last two-three years,” she added.

In 2021, she completed an online course titled Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications and Strategies. A year later, she received certification from Cambridge for completing Business Analytics: Decision Making Using Data.

During her visit to Amethi, where she once defeated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Irani assured local BJP workers and residents that they wouldn’t have to wait 11 months for her next visit.

Her remarks come amidst speculation about her academic pursuits and political activity, with many interpreting her return to academics as a calculated move to blend public service with personal growth.