Graduate Profile: Rucha Modi, MTS '25

How I've Changed 

My Harvard Divinity School community has moved me to be more embracing of my faith and more courageous in challenging injustice across borders; more accepting of and attuned to my multiplicity and that of the world around me; more curious and tender in engaging with others emotionally and spiritually; and more strategic and constructive in how I approach the existential challenges facing our generation.

Memorable Moment

Working with dear friends, mentors, and staff at HDS to dream up, organize, and perform in HDS's first South Asian Devotional Music Night.

Favorite Class or Professor

My favorite professor was Swayam Bagaria. Inside his classroom, I felt intellectually challenged and nourished. Outside his classroom, I felt deeply supported and encouraged. He blurs the boundaries between disciplinary silos to help his students rigorously engage pressing questions related to religion in South Asia and beyond. He is an entrepreneurial thinker, generous mentor, and brilliant scholar who inspires his students to embody the same.

Message of Thanks 

I want to thank the Divine, my family, friends, teachers, mentors, fellow organizers, and all the people (past and present) who have nudged, carried, challenged, and prayed me into existence as I am today.

What I Hope to Be Remembered By

I hope to be remembered by my belly laugh, music-making, and community gatherings.

Future Plans

This summer, I will participate in a Summer Intensive Clinical Pastoral Education Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital.