The new Tasmanian Rhodes Scholar is Nanak Narulla, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) graduate from the University of New South Wales who currently works for the Boston Consulting Group.
Nanak, 26, plans masters level studies at Oxford and intends to continue his work on climate change and sustainability. He is a volunteer surf lifesaver, with a passion for human rights and environmental justice.
Making the announcement of the new Rhodes Scholar, the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, congratulated “Nanak for his academic success and leadership qualities.”
After the announcement, Nanak said that he is “feeling incredibly excited and still shocked that it happened, but the reality of it is slowly sinking in.”
“I propose to study a Masters of Science in Environmental Change and Management, which is the premier environment policy and strategic decision-making degree in Oxford, as well as the BCL, which is a postgraduate common law masters degree,” Nanak said.
Describing himself as a “budding environmental lawyer and policy maker,” Nanak is a 6th generation Tasmanian who is incredibly proud to be representing the state. With his “deep love for nature,” he said “Tasmania has shaped so many of my personal and professional interests, growing up in the bushland on the outskirts of Hobart.”
The Rhodes Scholarship, which recognises leadership, community service and extra-curricular activities as well as academic attainment, offers up to three years of funded study at the University of Oxford. In Tasmania, the Secretariat of the Rhodes Scholarship, led by Professor Nicholas Farrelly, is hosted by the University of Tasmania.
Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Kate Warner AC said: “The selection of the Tasmanian Rhodes Scholar during the pandemic this year required us to all to be flexible. All five of our finalists are impressive young Tasmanian leaders and I wish them all the best with their future plans.”
In 2020, for the first time, the Tasmanian Rhodes Scholar selection process was conducted over Zoom. Nanak indicated that it “was great to meet the selection panel in this way.”
One of the other Tasmanian finalists, University of Tasmania psychology graduate Katie McBain, has been shortlisted for the Australia-at-large Rhodes Scholarship selection round which will be held on Zoom in early December 2020.
