Introducing Khushbu Kumari
Khushbu Kumari first came to Wellington to study for a PhD, but, her journey to academia began at twelve years old when she attended boarding school in India.
The supportive learning environment at boarding school helped her thrive, and Khushbu says that the dedication and compassion from her teachers nudged her towards teaching as a career. Then, when a librarian at school gave her a pamphlet about law school and encouraged her to apply, her pathway became clear.
After completing her Master’s and working in research and policy, Khushbu was accepted into PhD study at the Faculty of Law, under the supervision of Professor Susy Frankel and Professor Jessica Lai. Moving to Wellington marked a major turning point—but shortly after her arrival, the world came to a standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite having to navigate both a global pandemic and a move to a new country, Khushbu found community and support within uncertainty.
“What truly stands out to me from that period is the unwavering support I received from people in New Zealand. My supervisors checked in on me regularly and I found a close-knit community of friends who supported me through the ups and downs of my PhD journey,” she says. “Those connections turned a challenging time into a profoundly enriching experience, leaving me with not only a degree but also a strong support network and lifelong friendships.”
Now, Wellington has become a home to her, and she likens the city's “sense of calm, paired with a vibrant, close-knit community” to her childhood home in Jharkhand, India. She’s also inspired by living and working in proximity to Parliament—for the ability for people to advocate for change and make their voices heard. As she says that Wellington is a “constant reminder of active citizenship and the power of collective voices”, she encourages her students to participate in active discussion and to know that their voice matters.
“Teaching is a form of self-expression, an opportunity to share knowledge, spark curiosity, and inspire critical thinking. In my view, it’s also about empowering individuals to think independently, engage confidently, and become lifelong learners.”
Khushbu Kumari
As her childhood teachers and her journey as a legal academic have taught her to think critically, find her voice, and to know her value, she hopes to inspire her students to do the same.