When Abhishek Bhatia and Mansi Dhingra reflect on their time at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), they see not just a period of academic growth but the beginning of their journey as lifelong partners. Their story is one of serendipity, shared values and a love that deepened with every late-night conversation and shared cup of masala chai.


Abhishek Bhatia (MIA 2023) and Mansi Dhingra (MPP 2023)

A Meeting Written in Fate

Their paths first crossed in a twist of timing. Abhishek had secured admission to the Master in International Affairs (MIA) programme in 2020, but the global pandemic delayed his start until 2021. Meanwhile Mansi had applied for Master in Public Policy (MPP) 2021, but planned to defer her enrolment to the 2022 admission cycle due to personal reasons. However, fate intervened, and she received the scholarship in time to arrive in Singapore and join the 2021 cohort. It was as though the universe conspired to align their timelines.

At LKYSPP, their connection grew naturally. Long walks through the adjacent Botanic Gardens, deep discussions about life and policy, and poetry readings at College Green became their shared rituals.

A Foundation Built at LKYSPP

As student leaders, Abhishek and Mansi didn’t just excel academically – they actively shaped the community around them. From organising the Policy Hackathon to hosting Deepavali celebrations, their collaboration brought them closer. Abhishek recalls how their complementary strengths – his creative ideas and Mansi’s precision in execution – helped them achieve great things together. “We relied on each other’s best skills,” he says, “and we realised that we hold deep intellectual resonance and complete each other as partners.”

Memories Etched in the Heart

For the couple, LKYSPP became a canvas where their relationship flourished. They fondly remember lunches at the cafeteria, philosophical debates over cups of Teh-C and hours spent studying side by side in the reading rooms. Even in challenging moments, such as when Abhishek sprained his ankle or when Mansi suffered back pains, they were there for each other to provide support, care and warmth, further strengthening their bond.

Their favourite spot? The bench near the pond where the black swans frequent, where they shared emotions, dreams and even some of Abhishek’s poetry. It was there, amidst the serenity of the Botanic Gardens, that they realised their partnership was for life. As Abhishek puts it, “We realised we liked each other’s company a lot, and hence, we decided to tie the knot.”

From Partners at School to Changemakers in Society

Today, Abhishek works as a Policy and Advocacy Consultant at Health Diplomacy Alliance, focusing on global health and policy, while Mansi works as a consultant with the Government of India. Together, they dream of becoming serial entrepreneurs, empowering marginalised communities in India through skilling and financial independence initiatives.

Their shared passion for making a difference – whether through improving access to healthcare or championing inclusion in the workforce – reflects the values they honed at LKYSPP. And, of course, they still make time for masala chai, a reminder of their roots and the rituals that brought them together.

A Lifetime of Partnership

From their first chats as classmates to celebrating their union with blessings from their families at College Green, Abhishek and Mansi’s journey is a testament to how love can grow in unexpected places. Their story isn’t all romance and butterflies; it’s about finding a partner who supports your dreams, challenges your perspectives, and shares your passion for building a better world.