Alpha Toppo
Master of Public Policy (MPP) Class of 2026
Name: Alpha Toppo
Programme: Master of Public Policy, Class of 2026
Nationality: Indian
I wanted to learn in an environment that connects ideas, people, and real-world policy challenges, and SPP offers exactly that.
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPP programme at SPP?
I come from a tribal Adivasi community in Jharkhand, and much of my life and work has been shaped by the realities I grew up with. Over the past several years, I have worked across India especially in Jharkhand and Odisha, leading policy advocacy initiatives, social-impact and livelihood programmes. I have worked closely with indigenous and rural communities, informal workers, waste-picker and sex-worker networks, navigating policy, institutions, and everyday constraints on the ground.
Being selected as a Chevening Scholar was a deeply meaningful moment in this journey. It represented both recognition of my work with marginalised communities and an opportunity to step back, reflect, and grow as a leader. My field experience taught me that technical solutions alone do not create change but political will, institutional design, and leadership matter just as much.
I chose the MPP at LSE because it offers the space and tools to connect my grassroots experience with broader questions of governance, leadership, and public value, and to prepare myself to contribute more effectively to public life in India. It also offers rigorous training in public management, policy analysis and governance. The programme’s strong emphasis on practice, its close engagement with practitioners, and the opportunity to build a global professional network were all key reasons for my decision. I wanted to learn in an environment that connects ideas, people, and real-world policy challenges, and SPP offers exactly that.
What are the highlights from Welcome and your first few weeks?
Welcome Week helped me settle into LSE in a way that felt both exciting and reassuring. What stood out to me most was the people, being in a cohort with students from so many countries and professional backgrounds made the classroom feel rich and alive from the very beginning.
I particularly enjoyed the ‘Getting to Know Britain’ session led by Tony Travers, which gave me a clearer sense of the social and political context of the country I am now studying in. I also really valued Delia’s sessions on communication and public speaking, which helped me think about how to express my ideas more clearly and confidently. Beyond the sessions, the campus atmosphere, informal conversations, and welcome events made the transition into life at SPP feel warm and supportive.
What have been some of your takeaways from your studies so far? How are you hoping to apply these to your next steps?
One of my biggest takeaways so far has been learning to slow down and look at problems more carefully. Through the Public Management course and seminar discussions, I am beginning to understand how institutions, incentives, leadership, and politics shape what is possible in policy, not just what is desirable on paper.
The seminars have also been new for me, and I’ve come to value how much learning happens through listening to my peers’ experiences from different parts of the world. Moving forward, I want to carry this way of thinking into my work in social impact in India; designing programmes that are grounded in evidence but also attentive to political realities, institutional constraints, and community voices.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am particularly excited about the MPP Group Projects under the ‘Craft of Government’, and about working with British International Investment. The opportunity to work closely with a small group on a real, live policy challenge feels like a natural extension of the kind of work I care about. I am especially looking forward to engaging deeply with complex policy questions related to green, social, and sustainable finance, and to learning how development priorities, climate goals, and institutional decision-making come together in practice.
What are your main objectives whilst at LSE SPP?
While at LSE, I am focused on learning as much as possible, building strong analytical and leadership skills, and preparing myself to return to India. I hope to leverage the LSE network and its global reputation to build meaningful partnerships that will support my future work in social impact and public life.
What is the best thing about being a SPP student?
The best thing about being an SPP student is the access to leading academics, practitioners, and global conversations and how much learning happens outside the classroom, through talks, policy events, workshops, and everyday discussions with people working across the world.
Who would you recommend the programme to?
I would recommend the programme to mid-career professionals who are serious about building the skills needed to navigate institutions, politics, and public systems especially those who are motivated to create meaningful change and are willing to reflect, learn, and grow through a rigorous academic environment.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering studying the MPP?
Come with curiosity and an openness to change. The programme will challenge how you think about public problems, and that is one of its greatest strengths. Stay engaged, take initiative in your learning, and make the most of the diverse perspectives and experiences of your peers. Use the time to reflect on your goals and grow as a policy professional.
What are your hopes or plans for your future after graduation?
After graduating, I plan to continue working in social impact in India, focusing on sustainable development and inclusive governance. Over time, I hope to take on greater leadership roles in public life and contribute to shaping policies that reflect the needs and realities of marginalised communities.
What is your favourite place in London?
My favourite place in London is Waterloo Bridge. I love walking there and along the river, with the view of the London Eye and Big Ben. It’s one of the few places where the city feels both alive and peaceful at the same time.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is the SPP Silent Zone when I need to focus and get work done, and SKVP café when I’m craving chai and a little comfort between classes.
Can you describe your SPP experience so far in 3 words?
Transformative. Rigorous. Global.