GISA Autumn Election 2024 Candidate Profiles: Sanket Bhokre & Sandra Prathap for Welfare Committee Co-Presidents

In conversation with Sanket Bhokre & Sandra Prathap (Second-year MINT Students)

Q. How has your previous experience in leadership roles or student
organisations prepared you to advocate for and implement welfare initiatives
effectively within the Geneva Graduate Institute?

Sandra, through her leadership roles, has learned the importance of truly listening and making the most of limited resources to address the diverse needs of students. As Vice-President of the Political Science Department at Sri Venkateswara College, she balanced student advocacy with budget constraints, successfully organising over 30 inclusive events. At IHEID, her experience as an Event Coordinator for the Welfare Committee and as a Student Advocate for SIA has deepened her understanding of student welfare and collaboration.
Sanket, as the President of the Student Initiative on Asia (SIA), has fostered a vibrant, close-knit community of over 300 students by organising events like Cultural Night, all while working with limited resources. This role has taught him how to innovate under constraints and connect meaningfully with the student body. Over the past three years, he has gained firsthand insight into the challenges students face, from mental health concerns to financial pressures.
Through our learnings and experiences from our previous roles, we’ve contributed to organising wellness activities and advocating for cultural awareness, while promoting collaboration between diverse student groups. Together, we aim to build on their experiences and expand welfare initiatives at the Graduate Institute, combining their skills to better serve the student body.

Q. How would you handle a situation where a student approaches the
committee with a welfare-related issue that is highly personal or sensitive in
nature?

Both Sandra and Sanket have experience supporting students through personal and sensitive challenges. Sandra, as a mentor to exchange students at the University of Copenhagen and a Student Advocate for SIA, has helped students navigate both personal and academic challenges, always prioritising their emotional well-being. Sanket, through his leadership of a large and diverse student community, knows how vital trust is in handling such situations with care and discretion.
In moments where students approach the committee with personal or sensitive
welfare-related issues, we will ensure they have a safe, compassionate, and
non-judgmental space to express their concerns. Confidentiality is paramount, and we will actively listen to their needs, offering both emotional support and practical guidance where possible. Most importantly, we want students to feel reassured that they are not alone—our role is to stand by them, provide resources, and be there throughout the process, so they feel genuinely supported.

Q. How will you create an open and approachable environment for students to
voice their concerns about mental health and well-being without fear of stigma or judgment?

Both of us understand how important it is to create an open and approachable
environment where students feel comfortable talking about their mental health
without fear of stigma. Sandra’s experience in fostering safe spaces through
wellness activities, and Sanket’s work in building community through events like Cultural Night, have shown us how essential trust is in creating this openness. As co-presidents, our role isn’t to act as counselors, but as advocates and bridges.
We are committed to ensuring that students who come to us with concerns about
their well-being is connected with the proper resources, like the Student Wellbeing Service, in a confidential and supportive way. We will also actively promote events like mindfulness workshops, “Coffee Chats,” and peer support discussions—spaces where students can talk openly and find solidarity in a judgment-free setting. Our goal is to ensure students know they’re never alone, and that seeking help is always encouraged and fully supported.

Q. Can you share an example of a creative or innovative welfare program you’d
like to implement that would enhance the overall well-being of students?

Sandra’s experience in organizing events and advocating for student welfare has
shown her the power of peer support, while Sanket’s leadership has highlighted the importance of fostering genuine connections among students.
Together, we plan to launch the “Community Builders Initiative,” where student
volunteers help peers navigate practical aspects of student life, fostering stronger
ties and inclusivity. By empowering students to support one another, we can create a vibrant network of connections that enriches our campus experience. Additionally, we envision creating a “Humans of IHEID” platform to share personal stories, reduce isolation, and encourage open, supportive conversations about well-being. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and community, reminding everyone that their voice matters and that together, we can overcome any challenge.

Q. How do you plan to ensure that the voices of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences are represented in welfare-related decisions and initiatives?

Sandra has always championed diverse representation in her roles as a student
leader and advocate, actively seeking feedback from various student groups to
ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Sanket, as President of SIA, has shared this
commitment by creating inclusive platforms that allow all students to engage
meaningfully. Together, we are dedicated to enhancing this culture of inclusivity. We plan to utilise anonymous feedback tools and hold open forums where students can freely share their thoughts and experiences. Additionally, our “Community Builders Initiative” will empower students from all backgrounds to support and advocate for one another, fostering a genuine sense of belonging and connection throughout our community.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for clarity.

Voting is now open and will close on October 10 at 10:30 a.m. We encourage all IHEID students to participate and cast their votes!