Last summer, Ketaki Sonali Upasani helped bring five powerful short films to life, each delving into urgent issues across Indian society and beyond. Shot during the Mumbai monsoons, these films emerged from the Kahani—“storytelling”—Lab in Jogeshwari, part of Nazaria Arts Collective's 2024 ReImagine Filmmaking program, a grassroots initiative offering media training and civic education to marginalized youth across India.
Now in Columbia’s M.S. in Strategic Communication (SCOM) program, Upasani continues to refine her storytelling, drawing on the program’s lessons, mentorship, and momentum to uplift others through her craft.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree at SPS?
As a self-taught photographer, I've learned how images can move people, but I wanted to sharpen the strategy behind the story. Columbia felt like the right place where I could integrate visual communication more intentionally.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to Nazaria?
I grew up in California’s Bay Area, where I launched a photography business in high school, an early spark in what would become a lasting love for visual storytelling. At UNC-Chapel Hill, I photographed for The Daily Tar Heel, led creative teams for student-run magazines on culture and style, and showcased my work in campus-wide exhibitions.
After graduating in 2023, I booked a one-way ticket to Mumbai, returning to India for the first time in years. I arrived at my grandmother's house without a plan. What I thought would be a short trip turned into a year of self-discovery and purpose.
While freelancing in Mumbai and preparing for graduate school at Columbia, I came across Nazaria Arts Collective on Instagram. A single conversation with one of the founders, Nandini Kochar, blossomed into an ongoing partnership.
My late grandmother truly shaped my time in Mumbai. She helped me polish my Hindi and Marathi, which were instrumental to both my success at Nazaria and my ability to navigate life in Mumbai. Her presence, along with the unwavering support of family and friends across continents, made everything possible.
Why were you drawn to Nazaria in particular?
I was adopted from an orphanage near Mumbai as a baby. What draws me to grassroots work, especially in my homeland, is the chance to give back not to one community, but to the wider fabric of young people who, like me, have the power to shape their futures when given the right opportunities.
How has the SCOM program informed your work with Nazaria?
The program has deepened my understanding of how to design messages that engage audiences and apply digital tools effectively. One area I’ve leaned into is AI. I introduced Nazaria’s Youth Artists to LLMs, helping them navigate everything from professional communication to personal tasks. In a small way, it’s made access to knowledge feel more equitable.
How do you continue to engage in storytelling while at Columbia?
I’ve worked with the Indian Students Association at Columbia to showcase Nazaria’s films across campus and submitted them to festivals, including the 2026 Barnard College Athena Film Festival. From afar, I continue to mentor Nazaria Youth Artists online and help facilitate and design their internship program. As a communications intern for Columbia Global, I help tell the stories of students from around the world–amplifying their voices and perspectives.
As part of my ongoing commitment to accessibility, I’ve offered pro bono headshots to students, from UNC-Chapel Hill to Columbia, helping them present themselves with confidence in their professional pursuits.
In every space–classroom, studio, or Zoom call–I’m reminded that storytelling is not just about what we share, but who we invite into the narrative. My time with Nazaria and Columbia has shown me how local stories and global platforms can come together to create lasting, meaningful change.
About the Program
The business world’s around-the-clock communications challenges are demanding a new level of strategic thinking. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication graduates emerge equipped with all the essential skills and tools for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields.
The part-time format is online and ideal for experienced full-time professionals based in or outside the New York metropolitan area. Learn more about the program here.
