Saaud’s story begins in the scenic yet disputed valley of Kashmir, where the beauty of snow-capped mountains often contrasts with the complexities of conflict. Experiencing and growing up in a conflict zone, Saaud learned about resilience and the complexities of conflict since childhood. This personal experience instilled in Saaud a curiosity about world politics and disputes worldwide.

He completed his early education in Kashmir and moved to the capital, Delhi, for higher education. Moving to Delhi was not just about education for Saaud; it was an opportunity to grow and live away from conflict for the first time. Because of his curiosity about politics and international relations, he started his bachelor’s in international relations at Amity University, Noida. Amity was an experience that made Saaud participate in many seminars and MUNs, which laid down the foundation for his academic and professional pursuits. During his Bachelor's degree, he also interned with an NGO that worked on women empowerment initiatives. He actively participated in vocational, digital, and academic programs organized by the NGO.

After completing his bachelor's and working for various organizations in India, Saaud decided to move abroad for his master’s. He started his master’s in world politics and international relations at the University of Pavia, Italy. Saaud found himself where history spoke from every cobblestone, and academia thrived amidst piazzas and espresso cups. Here, his work took on a sharper focus. His thesis on how India and Japan counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Indo-Pacific region reflects his academic rigor and engagement with some of the most pressing geopolitical shifts in contemporary times.

Germany added yet another dimension to his journey. As a research intern at the prestigious think tank, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), in Hamburg, Saaud delved into the intricacies of global power dynamics. From analyzing legislative impacts in South Asia to researching the role of non-Western actors in international conflicts, he embraced every challenge as an opportunity to expand his understanding of geopolitics. Hamburg was not just about the work for Saaud; it was an experience full of intellectual discussions, travel, and making new connections.

Saaud’s experiences are as much about people as they are about places. His work has taken him from health campaigns in rural India to coordinating international conferences in Nepal and volunteering at multicultural festivals in Italy. Along the way, he has developed a knack for building connections across borders, languages, and cultural divides. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and now conversational in German and Italian, Saaud understands that communication is more about listening and bridging divides than just speaking.

Saaud’s journey, from Kashmir's valleys to global think tanks' corridors, is a testament to adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. Each chapter of his life has added a new layer to his identity, shaping him into a thoughtful and engaged global citizen. He approaches the world with a sharp analytical lens and a heart attuned to the complexities of human experience. For Saud, the journey is not about titles or accolades but about meaningful connections, transformative ideas, and the relentless pursuit of understanding the world in all its diversity and nuance.