What is the importance of Harvard University in the nonfiction book, Gang Leader For a Day?

After Sudhir finished his dissertation, he was offered a three-year fellowship at Harvard’s Society of Fellows in a paid position as a researcher. He was excited about the prospect. J.T. tried to change the subject when Sudhir told him the good news. It was around the time when J.T.’s buildings were being readied for demolition. J.T.’s life was being turned upside down. Now he was losing his friend, Sudhir, who had focused on him for six years.