Aastha Sood presenting her research paper during the international workshop held at the University of Oxford.
# Jwalamukhi’s Daughter Aastha Sood Brings Pride to Himachal at Oxford University
### PAU PhD Scholar Presents Research Paper at International Workshop in Oxford, Earns Recognition for Her Academic Excellence
**Jwalamukhi:** Aastha Sood, a daughter of the Jwalamukhi region of Himachal Pradesh, has brought immense pride to her family, university and hometown by showcasing her research at an international academic platform at the prestigious University of Oxford in England.
Aastha Sood, daughter of **Rajiv Sood and Usha Sood**, is currently pursuing her PhD in the **Department of Economics and Sociology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana**. She recently participated in an international research workshop held at the University of Oxford, where she presented her research paper before an audience comprising scholars, researchers and academics from different parts of the world.
## Research Presented at Brasenose College, Oxford
Aastha presented her research at the **‘Research and Mentoring Workshop in Honour of Uma Lele’**, organised at **Brasenose College, University of Oxford**.
The two-day international workshop was held on **August 24 and 25, 2026**, and brought together distinguished scholars and researchers associated with universities and research institutions from across the world. The workshop provided an important platform for academic exchange, research presentations, mentoring and interaction among emerging researchers and established scholars.
For Aastha, the opportunity to present her research at such an internationally recognised academic forum marks an important milestone in her research journey. Her participation reflects her dedication towards academic research and her growing engagement with the wider scholarly community.
## A Proud Moment for Jwalamukhi and Himachal
Aastha’s achievement has generated a sense of pride and happiness among people in the Jwalamukhi region. Her success is being seen as an inspiring example of how young scholars from Himachal Pradesh are making their presence felt on prestigious national and international academic platforms.
Presenting a research paper at an international workshop hosted by one of the world’s most recognised universities is a significant achievement for a doctoral researcher. Aastha’s accomplishment has added another proud chapter to her academic career while bringing recognition to her hometown and the state of Himachal Pradesh.
## Family and Well-Wishers Extend Congratulations
Following her achievement, Aastha’s parents, **Rajiv Sood and Usha Sood**, along with family members, friends and well-wishers, have congratulated her and wished her continued success in her academic and research career.
Her achievement is particularly significant for her family, who have expressed happiness and pride over her participation in an international academic forum of such stature.
Aastha’s journey from Jwalamukhi to an international research platform at Oxford is also an encouraging message for students and young researchers from Himachal Pradesh. Her success demonstrates the opportunities that determination, academic commitment and sustained research efforts can create.
With her research presentation at Oxford, **Aastha Sood has not only advanced her own academic journey but has also brought recognition and pride to her family, Punjab Agricultural University, Jwalamukhi and Himachal Pradesh.**