HWS News
7 August 2026 A Path from HWS to Harvard
Economics and Anthropology/Sociology graduate Hrithik Biswas ’23 brings international service and a passion for community engagement to his next academic chapter.
For Hrithik Biswas ’23, a commitment to learning, service and global engagement has opened the door to one of the nation's most prestigious universities.
This fall, the Hobart and William Smith graduate will begin a Master of Public Policy program at the Harvard Kennedy School, building on a foundation shaped by interdisciplinary study, international experience and a passion for public service. At HWS, Biswas majored in Economics and Anthropology/Sociology, graduating magna cum laude while combining analytical thinking with a deep interest in people, communities and social change.
Following graduation, Biswas joined the Peace Corps as an NGO Advisor in North Macedonia, where he partnered with local communities on sustainable development initiatives. The experience strengthened his commitment to public service and cross-cultural collaboration while reinforcing the values that guided his education at Hobart and William Smith.
"It was at HWS that my identity as a global citizen, and being a public servant was really forged," Biswas says. "The opportunities to explore different career paths, study abroad, engage with the Geneva community and build meaningful relationships with professors and mentors gave me the confidence to serve overseas through the Peace Corps and ultimately pursue public policy at Harvard. Wherever I go next, I'll always consider myself a lifelong ambassador for Hobart and William Smith."
A native of Queens, New York, Biswas embraced the College's relationship-rich learning environment throughout his undergraduate career. In addition to serving as an Economics Teaching Fellow, Community Assistant, Operations Manager and writer for The Herald, he earned Dean's List recognition, the President's Award for Civic Engagement and a LEADS Certificate. His semester studying in the Netherlands introduced him to classmates from around the world, an experience he credits with inspiring his commitment to global citizenship and setting him on the path to the Peace Corps.
At Harvard Kennedy School, Biswas will continue pursuing the values that have shaped his academic and professional journey, preparing for a career dedicated to public service, civic engagement and strengthening communities at home and abroad.
