Team

Manvita Baradi has over 25 years of technical experience in developing and administering programs to local governments in the areas of service delivery, local governance, urban planning, heritage management, citizen participation, capacity building of local government associations, development of urban indicators and performance measurement and international development. She has served as Director-South Asia for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), been technical consultant for United Agency for International Development (USAID) and served as an expert on World Bank funded programs for local governance, association development and urban planning programs in post-conflict regions like Afghanistan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In her role as director of UMC, she provides expert guidance to the various projects undertaken by the organization. She is the Gujarat State Convener of Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Manvita is an alumni of the senior executive institute, Darden Business School, University of Virginia, USA. And has done a summer course for local government management from University of Illinois, USA. Manvita is passionate about theatre and is a renowned name in Gujarati theatre. She has been actively involved in developmental communication using street theatre as an effective medium for communication. She has guided over half a dozen video productions on urban issues. She effectively uses her knowledge of city planning, design and theatre to work with people across age groups and knowledge skills. Manvita also serves as the Dean of School of Habitat Management at CEPT University. manvita@umcasia.org

Meghna Malhotra has been working in the fields of urban governance and urban management across sectors including urban health, performance measurement, urban water and sanitation and in supporting local government associations’ development. Over the past 18 years, she has provided extensive technical support to programs in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Afghanistan. She supported the operationalisation of local government associations in India and has been the technical facilitator for several USAID supported programs for Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Meghna currently manages the convergence program between the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). She also leads the team supporting SBM in Gujarat. She has facilitated climate change and urban health programs and city specific action plans. She has managed city partnerships programs which UMC-ICMA facilitated between Indian and US Cities. Well aware of the role of communication in local urban governance, she is actively involved in designing Information Education Communication and Behaviour change communication plans for local governments. She is also a visiting faculty at CEPT University.

Meghna is a graduate in Architecture and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning. She is passionate about sustainable solutions which local governments can implement and has been involved in several capacity needs assessment exercises for state and local government institutions. She also took the lead in writing a manual for local governments to prepare their disaster management plans. Meghna has assisted in compiling and designing books documenting built heritage in Surat and Ahmedabad; a manual on Documentation of Best Practices, the role of an association in the transfer process and a Starter Kit on formation of Local Government Associations. meghna@umcasia.org

Xerxes Rao is an architect and urban planner with over 15 years of experience in the field of architecture and urban planning. His experience spans the area of urban planning, urban governance, project management, community participation, capacity building, training and monitoring &evaluation of projects. Xerxes has a diversified skill-set developed over time and spanning from macro to micro management. Having gained experience in Germany and South Asian region in urban planning and management his work in India and Afghanistan has given him the technical experience in managing projects related to master plans, local area plans, capacity building, urban development policy, monitoring and evaluation of programs, project management support to various governments.

Xerxes has worked with various USAID projects in India and Afghanistan. He has been instrumental in leading the projects related to preparation of master plans for Mysore, Amritsar, Srinagar, Puducherry, Bharuch, etc. He has successfully led a team of 10 Urban Planners and GIS experts who are working with Naya Raipur Development Authority to implement the development plan and smart city proposals for Naya Raipur.

He has a wide and varied experience of working with projects funded by various multilateral agencies like World Bank, USAID, ADB and various national & international government organizations. He has actively participated in training of urban planners at the SIUD, Mysore.

Xerxes has completed his architecture from Vallabh Vidyanagar following which he attained his master’s degree from University of Stuttgart, Germany. He has also done his diploma in project management from IIMA. He is passionate about sustainable solutions for cities relating to land use plans, micro level plans, local economic development, environment issues which can be implemented and replicated by cities. Xerxes is an avid runner and an enthusiastic cyclist. xerxes@umcasia.org

Anurag Anthony has 10 years’ experience of working in association with local governments. His key areas of expertise include statutory master plans, sanitation, transport and heritage. Anurag has contributed in various capacities for preparation of city sanitation plans, SWM Master Plans and DPRs, heritage documentation and management, urban design plans, municipal data management and improvement studies, urban poverty schemes, policies under the Swachh Bharat Mission and industrial area planning.

Anurag has academic exposure and professional experience in India, USA, UK, Italy, Pakistan and Libya. A graduate in Architecture, Anurag has a Master’s degree in Architecture (Urban Design), MSc in International Trade & Transport, London, MBA in International Business, Pondicherry and is currently pursuing Environmental Law from NLSUI Bangalore. anurag@umcasia.org

Abhijit, a Masters in Labour Studies and Social Protection from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Bachelors of Commerce from Maharaj Sayajirao University is working as Project Associate in EMBRACE, Surat. His area of interest are Industrial relations, Labour Markets, and Occupational Vulnerabilities. abhijit@umcasia.org

Abhishek Brahma has been working as community coordinator in SBM-NULM project in the district of Dhenkanal of Odisha. He has completed his Master’s in social work from University of culture, Bhubaneswar. He has 12 years of experience in the developmental sector and has worked intensively on issues of persons with disability, women and children, inclusion, livelihood and gender based violence, SHG etc.

Anil is a audio video editor with over 12 years of experience at various news channels and Ed-tech companies. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Audio-Visual & Television Production from Gujarat Vidhyapith. Anil@umcasia.org

Arham is a development practitioner with a keen interest in migration and urbanisation. A masters in Development and Labour Studies from JNU, she has worked on-ground with migrant communities of Gurugram for the past two years. She has developed the processes and managed the program for rights and entitlements of migrant workers ranging from getting them linked to various government schemes to capacity building of community members.
Arham is also a theatre worker and believes that theatre is a great way to bring reform into the society and engage people in critical thinking. Arham@umcasia.org

Arvind Kumar Singh is a development professional with over 20 years of work experience in the water and sanitation sector. He has significant experience in implementation of community based, demand driven state/national programs on safe drinking water and sanitation in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. He has worked with various state governments, national and international agencies.

Arvind coordinates and provides technical support to ‘Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban’, Gujarat, aids documentation and dissemination of innovative practices. He is an expert facilitator for local government training for the national flagship programs. He specializes in training grass root communities and SHGs/CBOs/ NGOs, district officials and senior government officers. A post graduate in Social Science (M.Sc, Applied Geography), he has a Master degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He also has a post graduate diploma in Human Resource Management from Pondicherry University. arvind@umcasia.org

A recent computer science graduate, Arvind is currently working as a junior software engineer at UMC. He completed his graduation from Udaipur, Rajasthan, and is excited to bring his technical skills, passion for backend development, and problem-solving abilities to the team. Currently, he is working on sanitation mapping portals and a few in-house software projects where he aims to use his  skills to make a meaningful impact.

Atit, an alumnus of NIT Surat, is associated with our waste management projects. As a budding professional, he has worked extensively with multilateral international agencies, state governments, and urban local bodies. Atit earned national recognition for his thesis on Urban Heat Islands, reflecting his profound interest in local climate management and climate change as well. He has a keen interest in urban infrastructure and the aspiration to create waste-free cities. With a background in Civil Engineering and Urban Planning, his expertise equips him to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Quietly dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability, Atit’s work resonates at the intersection of academia and real-world impact. atit@umcasia.org

Beena has more than 35 years of work experience with Capacity Building, Project Management & Coordination, Volunteers/ Team Training & Management, Business Management, Leadership & Networking. beena@umcasia.org

Bhanu is a dynamic Policy Consultant and Technical Advisor known for spearheading impactful projects in public policy and management. His expertise in project management and driving grassroots-level social impact is underscored by a 2-year Executive Education course in Public Policy & Management from IIM Ahmedabad sponsored by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship program. He has served as a Technical Advisor (ODOP) at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and led transformative initiatives in agriculture and skill development. His accomplishments include facilitating red chilli exports, introducing innovative farming technology, and fostering collaborations that enhanced product prices. Beyond agriculture, he has worked on skill development programs, conducted extensive research, and empowered women-led Self-Help Groups. His dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment reflects a fervent commitment to fostering enduring social change. bhanu@umcasia.org

Bhimji has more than 7 years experience, conducting different survey (Household, Demarcation, Topographical, Drone etc.) for various GIS Based infrastructure, planning, sewer line, storm line, water supply schemes, development plan, master plan, town planning scheme etc. projects.

With over 6 years of experience, Binita is a dedicated and results-driven professional specializing in project execution and strategy development within public health, waste management and the rural development sector. She has worked with prestigious organizations such as Tata Trust-TINI, NAZDEEK, World Vision India, PAJHRA, Scary Mommy, and various government institutions, contributing significantly to national flagship programs. Her expertise spans across project management, government partnership, community engagement, resource mobilization, relationship building and management, and effective risk management.
Her unwavering commitment is to create a positive change in society, and she is enthusiastic about thriving in any environment that champions meaningful impact.
Her life motto has always been the aspiration to learn more about the world we live in and to share this critical knowledge with others to empower others. binita@umcasia.org

Dhairya is an Architect and Urban Management professional from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. She has worked with the local government to develop strategies for improvement of urban and rural service delivery. Her key interest areas include water sanitation and hygiene, solid waste management, water conservation, urban governance and community engagement. At UMC, Dhairya works in the National Urban Livelihood Mission programme.

Dhaval is a network engineer with five years of experience in data and systems management.

Eilaaf Fatima is an architect and an urban planner. She has experience of working on projects both in the private and government sector in the field of architecture and planning. She has worked on the Pilot on Formulation of LAP and TPS for Aizawl and Dehradun under the AMRUT mission and further prepared guidelines for the implementation of TPS in Dehradun while earning her Masters in Urban planning from CEPT University. Public policy, urban planning and management, governance, and all other aspects pertaining to the growth and development of the public domain are areas of great interest to her. eilaaf@umcasia.org

Gajinder did his graduation from Delhi University, Delhi. He has over 20 years of experience in software designing, development, roll-out, training and documentation. Gajinder has a passion for process re-engineering by leveraging Information Technology and has extensive experience of working in the development sector. In his free time he likes reading books. It’s an excellent way to improve your vocabulary, healthy reading habits mean a healthier body. Also he likes cooking, it helps to improve positive moods and other positive mental health outcomes. gajinder@umcasia.org

Harsha has 3.5 years of experience in the Accounting & Banking sector. She has expertise in financial analysis, reconciliations, and risk management, ensuring accurate and compliant financial transactions. She is a detail-oriented accounting professional proficient in ledger maintenance, budgeting, and auditing, and is adept at navigating complex financial systems to guarantee precision. Harsha performs general administration tasks like cashing cheques, checking statements, processing payments, making money transfers, and updating account details. She holds a degree in Master of Commerce. harsha@umcasia.org

Jayshree Bhavsar is associated with UMC from last 10 years. She assists Accounts and HR team in addition to maintaining the data entry and organization’s library. She is a commerce graduate with 22 years of experience in handling office operations. She has previously worked as clerk and accounts assistant with an architectural firm. She has the knowledge of voice mixing, editing and providing voice-overs due to her stint with the radio station of Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Ahmedabad. jayshree@umcasia.org

Dr. Jeeban Jyoti Mohanty is an enterprising professional dedicated towards making the financial system work for the deprived section and the entrepreneurial communities. He has worked for over 14 years in areas, viz. development finance (Microfinance, micro pension and micro insurance), microenterprise development, digital financial services, research and analysis.

Previously, Dr. Mohanty was associated with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) overseeing the Technical Assistance (TA) component of the bank. He has also worked with E&Y LLP as a State Mission Manager – Financial Inclusion and Micro-enterprise in National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM); NABARD Rural Micro Pension Programme in Odisha at Invest India Micro Pension Services (IIMPS); and DHAN Foundation on SHG Bank Linkage Programme.

Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Economics, PG Diploma in Development Management and MA in Rural Development. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in United Nations and International Understanding from Institute of U.N. Studies and Project Management for Managers from IIT, Roorkee. He has published more than 20 research papers and articles on financial inclusion, microenterprise development, micro pension and microfinance in both National and International journals. Jeebanjyoti@umcasia.org

Kaninik Baradi is an engineer exploring ways in which better management and technology can scaffold each other and build better cities. He graduated from the 2019 batch of the Faculty of Technology undergraduate program at CEPT and since then has taught at CEPT, and IIT-Gn. He has contributed to program design, social mobilization, institution building, municipal data management, e-learning, urban poverty schemes, and heritage documentation projects. His key skills are communication for diverse audiences, bridging the gap between designers, engineers, and end-users, and data analysis and interpretation. Kaninik has received international academic exposure in the United States of America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. kaninik@umcasia.org

Karunamoy Agnihotri has been an integral part of the UMC team since 2007. With core specialization in finance, accounts, procurement, logistics, general and contract administration, he has over 20 years of experience in financial management and administration of donor funded programs. He has vast experience of working for non-governmental organizations, including prominent organizations like Janadhar.

He has also worked for the Indian School of Micro Finance for Women (Ahmedabad), Mott MacDonald (UK), CARE India etc. Karan’s key tasks include setting up budgets, monthly forecasts, cash flow, financial planning and analysis, accounting and administrative systems for monitoring and control of day-to-day transactions, FCRA and donor reporting overseeing banking functions and interacting with donors. He is CWA from the Institute of Cost and Works Accountant of India. He has cleared inter-CA of the Chartered Accountants of India. karan@umcasia.org

Lopamudra Das has joined as the City Co-ordinator for Bhubaneswar for the convergence program of SBM & NULM. She has almost 11 years of experience in both Private and Government sector. Prior to this, she was working for the AMRUT project as the Team Leader\Urban Planner for Cuttack Municipal Corporation and then moved to the State level and monitored for the all 9 AMRUT cities of Odisha. Related to her qualification she completed 5-year integrated MBA(HR & Mkt) from Utkal University, Odisha in 2004 and then moved to Bangalore. There she worked with Wipro Technologies as Training Associate for 3 years and again moved back to Bhubaneswar and worked for a software company as Asst.Manager HR for 3 years. She loves to work in areas where one can connect more closely to the group of people for whom we are working. lopamudra@umcasia.org

Namrata is a development sector professional with more than 4 years of experience working in Plastic and Solid Waste management, urban livelihood, with a focus on gender mainstreaming and social inclusion. She has experience in working with Government of Odisha, Municipal Corporations, not-for-profit organizations and UN Agency- UNDP. Namrata have demonstrated skills in stakeholder management, liaising, project management, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation. She holds a MBA degree in Rural Management from KIIT School of Rural Management, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. Namrata loves to travel and explore local delicacies.

Nandini has been an ‘interventionist’ in the social sector focusing in rural settings for multiple programs in diverse geographies across India and has worked on community focused programs in the past. With focus on themes like migration, marginalization and gender in all community-led programs, women-led collectives in the domain of community health, fostering women leadership, community forestry, entrepreneurship and natural resource management. She is a guest faculty in the area of women entrepreneurship and skill training. She earned her Masters’ in Clinical Psychology and Doctoral degree in Gero-Psychology and is a trained mental health professional, and volunteers for mental health issues as a trainer and counsellor. She is a solo traveller, enjoys bird watching and pets. nandini@umcasia.org

A Master’s Degree in Social Work from Utkal University, Odisha has diverse experiences. Ability to conduct assessments and provide help to wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic,
cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds, utilize community resources and provide education to those in need. Also has experience in different projects of Govt of Odisha & international
organization. narendra@umcasia.org

With an extensive 10-year+ background, exclusively within the Government-PSU ecosystem, Neeraj possesses a wealth of expertise in Management Consulting, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Capacity Building, Problem Solving, Operations Management, and Business Development. During his highly successful 2-year tenure in the Public Sector Consulting domain, Neeraj had the opportunity to develop capacity-building plans for six Government of India (GoI) Departments associated with the Agriculture & Allied Sector. He not only facilitated the creation of a roadmap for need-based capacity building for officials within the Departments, but also proposed organizational-level improvements having a positive and lasting impact on both the State and Central Governments, as well as the farmers.
Before entering the Consulting domain, Neeraj worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Secretary, Gujarat, where he gained a holistic view of State Administration and provided valuable insights as an internal consultant on 34 projects of significant importance to the State and Central Government.
Academically, Neeraj holds a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Nagpur (VNIT) and is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX Co’ 2021). Before pursuing MBA, Neeraj had worked in the Coal Mining sector for over 7 years overseeing management of core technical operations. neeraj@umcasia.org

Nikita is a development sector professional with about 4 years of work experience in WASH sector. A graduate in Engineering, Nikita has a masters’ degree in Urban & Regional Planning with specialization in Infrastructure planning. She has contributed in various capacities in preparation of WASH assessment tools, preparation of city based WASH improvement plans, worked as technical consultant in Swachhta Sarvekshan, Swachh Bharat Mission, and supporting innovations in WASH. nikita@umcasia.org

Post Graduate in Social Work course from Killing University, Raipur, India. Have a total 5 years of experience in the social work sector including an experience in the field of Women empowerment role of Health and
Livelihood facilitator in the NULM project of SUDA conducted by VISHWA JEVEEN SEVA SANGHA, Bhubaneswar. Also have an experience of working in different slums of Bhubaneswar. Worked in Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) as block coordinator at Ganjam for 2 years, facilitated different youth and women specific programme committee and 2 years experience at SOPVA, Bhubaneswar in women hygienic related programme.pitambar@umcasia.org

Poushya C, a dedicated Civil Engineer and Urban Planner, is fervently committed to transforming the sanitation sector in India to bringing about positive change at both the grassroots and systemic levels. As a Project Associate at the Urban Management Centre – Technical Support Unit, she actively contributes to the Sanitation Workers Development Scheme in Tamil Nadu. Collaborating with the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Poushya oversees the scheme’s progress, ensures city- wide implementation, and plays a key role in its strategic development across all Urban Local Bodies in the state of Tamil Nadu. Poushya, with expertise in civil engineering and urban planning, is realizing her dream of improving sanitation in Tamil Nadu. Her hands-on involvement demonstrates a genuine concern for sanitation workers’ well-being. With a civil engineering background, she is drawn to urban planning for its infrastructure development opportunities and enjoys the multidisciplinary challenge of solving complex urban issues. Poushya is actively contributing to creating healthier, more sustainable urban environments, making a significant impact on sanitation practices and workers’ lives. poushya@umcasia.org

As an architect, urban planner, and researcher, Pranay works on various types of urban development projects. Space syntax analysis and visual storytelling are his expertise. He follows the mantra: ‘Create something beautiful, otherwise, don’t.’ When not bogged down with work in the office, you will find him sketching, reading about art and society, and ideating a draft copy of his illustration book. pranay@umcasia.org

Priyambda is a Ph.D. and Masters in Social Work from Tiss, Mumbai. She has more than 15 years of experience in Government Advisory, Social Research, and Project Management. She has worked with diverse organizations and her research interests include Collective Action Models such as grass root organizations (FPO, Self Help Groups), Social Exclusion, and Public Policy
priyambada@umcasia.org

Prutha is an urban planner and holds the degree of Bachelors in Planning from Nirma University, Ahmedabad, and Masters in Urban Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. During her academics, she has worked on preparing Development Plans for Ahmedabad and Dehradun, Town planning Schemes for S.G Highway, Ahmedabad, and Koba Circle, Gandhinagar, City Climate Action Plans, and dealing with the triple challenge of urbanization, fractured urban governance, and climate change to name a few. At UMC, she is working on Sanitation Workers Safety Scheme. Her major areas of Interest include but are not limited to public policy, urban development and management, environmental planning, and climate change. prutha@umcasia.org

Rabindra has 19 years professional experience in the development sector for Program & Project Management, partnership management, and Community development. He has provided technical support to Govt. of Odisha for the reform initiative of MGNREGS, PDS, Skill development, Land Rights and Livelihood. Extensive experience of working with Government at state and district level for execution of development projects like health & nutrition, disaster response, safe Migration, and Capacity building of Govt. Officials, service providers of government, Staff, NGO partners, SHGs & PRIs. A Masters in Social Work and MBA-HR from Eiilm University. rabindra@umcasia.org

Rakesh Vasavda has been maintaining the accounts and finance reports since the inception of UMC. With 15 years of experience in accounting and finance management, he assists the senior finance manager in preparing financial MIS, budgets, setting out financial and administrative procedures. He is also responsible for book keeping, file maintenance, issuing cheques and vouchers for the organisation projects and programs. Rakesh holds a first-class degree in Commerce from the Gujarat University. rakesh@umcasia.org

Ramachandra has over 14 years of experience in field of Adolescent Health & Nutrition, Menstrual Hygiene Management(MHM), Child Health & Nutrition, Primary & secondary Education, Child Right & Protection program with national & international funding and implementing agencies in state of
Jharkhand and Odisha.He holds Master degree in Social Work, Post graduate certificate in Ambedkar Philosophy and Development of Weaker section and Certificate in Human Rights from IGNOU.
ramchandra@umcasia.org

Rashmita is a development professional with more than thirteen years of experience working with the Government of India, different state governments and with national and international development organisations. She has worked across sectors of urban management, with a focus on gender mainstreaming, social Inclusion and inclusive sanitation.
Rashmita holds a post-graduation degree in English language and social work and a MBA in rural management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. She has also worked in areas of water-sanitation in Srilanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. rashmita@umcasia.org

Rishika Srivastava is a lawyer exploring ways to make our cities more equitable and sustainable. She graduated from the 2020 batch of the Institute of Law, Nirma University and has practiced with senior advocates and law firms to better understand how laws and organisations intersect. At UMC, she has contributed to program design, social mobilization, institution building, policy implementation, and governance. She is currently managing UMC’s education projects and capacity building and training vertical. Her key skills include communication for diverse audiences, bridging the gap between policy design and implementation. Rishika has also received certificate from the London School of Economics for completing their professional development course on Public Policy Analysis. Rishika@umcasia.org

With over eight years of experience, Roshan is a seasoned professional who thrives in seeing projects through to completion with careful planning and execution. His experience includes overseeing a variety of programs (Skill Development, Capacity Building) and making sure that budgets and schedules are followed. Through meticulous attention to detail and a methodical approach, he has continuously raised income, productivity, and efficiency on projects of all sizes. Impact assessment, stakeholder communication, community mobilization and project planning are all part of his dynamic skill set. For an expert dedicated to the highest standards of execution of projects, contact roshan@umcasia.org

Rujul Joshi is an architect and holds a Master’s Degree in Infrastructure Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Since 2014, he has been engaged in a diversified project portfolio viz. Tourism, Urban Development, Urban Solid Waste Management and Real Estate to name a few. Owing to this, he has gained experience in project development, project financing and Business development.

He started his urban planning career with Urban Management Centre in 2015, wherein he was involved in projects such as HRIDAY, Heritage Management Plan for Jodhpur, Rajasthan, DPR preparation for Solid Waste Management projects and so on. Later, he worked as an independent consultant for a few years working across projects in SWM and Tourism, before recently joining UMC back as Program Manager in February 2023.

Rupjyoti holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication and Journalism and boast over five years of professional experience in the domains of WASH and Public Health, strategic communications, and program implementation. During his tenure, he dedicated four years to UNICEF in diverse roles within the Swachh Bharat Mission Program. Most recently, he worked as a Team Lead – Communications at Dasra, followed by a position as a Communication Officer at John Snow India in Mizoram. His skill set encompasses a wide range of competencies, including expertise in behavior change communication, program implementation, knowledge management, research, advocacy, social mobilization, demand generation, capacity building, and effective
collaboration with various partners. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is an an avid traveler with an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world’s wonders. He finds joy in hiking, immersing himself in diverse cultures, savoring culinary delights, and engaging in stimulating conversations. rupjyoti@umcasia.org

Rutuprajna is a development professional with over four years of experience in the social and development sector. She holds a master’s
degree and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Utkal University. Rutuprajna possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in various social issues, including child rights, labor rights, and women’s rights in both rural and urban Odisha. rutuprajna@umcasia.org

Chimmiri Sai Rashmi is an urban planner, who has done her Bachelors of planning from NIT Bhopal and Masters in urban planning from CEPT University. She is inclined towards the development sector while tackling multilayered urban issues. During her academics, she has done research on socio-cultural dynamics of migration, City Climate Action Plans, and dealing with the triple challenge of urbanization, fractured urban governance, and climate change. She has worked on capacity building programs for government officials including AMRUT, SBM & the Smart City Mission. Her major areas of interest include urban development, social planning and infrastructure, environmental planning, climate change and sustainability. At UMC, Sai Rashmi works in the National Urban Livelihood Mission Programme. sai@umcasia.org

Samikshya is an urban planner with a passion for creating communities that include equity, innovation, and a sustainable environment. My interest areas broadly includes rural & urban development, biodiversity & climate change and urban governance. She recently earned her Masters in Urban Planning from the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women in New Delhi in 2022.
samikshya@umcasia.org

Sandeep Khasnavis, a versatile Urban and Regional Planner, boasts a robust foundation in Architecture with a specialization in Sustainability and expertise in Data Analytics. With a four-year track record, he has made impactful contributions to numerous green commercial and residential projects. Holding a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from COEP Technological University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science Business Analytics from IIIT Bengaluru, Sandeep has showcased his proficiency in various domains. Notably, his outstanding work on revitalizing traditional local water bodies for water security and community development, recognized during an internship with Mission Amrit Sarovar – Jal Dharohar, MoHUA, earned his team a prestigious top 25 national accolade. He has also presented his work at various international conferences where his work showcases a critical connection between land records and town planning, emphasizing the “significance of data analytics in tackling complex urban challenges”. His areas of expertise and interest include Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM), Circular Economy, Data Analytics, and Sustainability. Beyond his professional pursuits, Sandeep is an enthusiastic traveler and enjoys creating travel vlogs while indulging in his passion for reading. sandeep.k@umcasia.org

Sarbeswar is a development professional over 18 years of experience in the sector in a progressive
responsible capacity, specialized in project management, monitoring & evaluation,
networking and partnership building, training and advocacy.
He has worked with various national and international organization with the projects
focused on empowering youth and women about their rights and entitlements, land
rights, livelihood, Natural Resource Management, child education, nutrition, skill
development training. Sarbeswar@umcasia.org

Shashwat is an architect and holds a masters’ degree in urban planning from CEPT University Ahmedabad. At UMC, he contributes in providing support to Jodhpur ULB with a focus on WASH, sanitation mapping and heritage management.

He has worked on urban development projects with the ULBs in the states of Chhattisgarh and Telangana for their respective State Finance Commissions. He has also worked on National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and has assisted on projects of UNICEF and MHRD looking at WASH compliance in schools. He has worked as an architect professionally in Hyderabad and Auroville and has also been associated briefly as a faculty with JNAFAU in Hyderabad. shashwat@umcasia.org

Shiva is an HR professional with five years of experience in managing human resources functions for different organisations. Her passion for people and talent development has driven her to excel in the field of human resources. She is skilled in Talent Acquisition and Recruitment, Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution, Performance Management, Training and Development, HR Compliance and Legal Knowledge, HRIS and Data Management, Strategic Planning and Decision-Making. Her mission is to contribute to organizational success by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. She thrives on creating inclusive and supportive work environments where employees can flourish, leading to improved business outcomes. She has completed her graduation in B.Com (Management Honours) from IEHE, Bhopal and MBA in Human Resource from IPER, Bhopal while securing 91% in Human resource planning & development.
Feel free to reach out to her at shiva@umcasia.org for any HR-related inquiries or opportunities.

Shruthi Gurumoorthy is a development professional and has completed her graduation and post-graduation in Social Work from the University of Delhi and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She has worked with NGOs, and policy think tanks and has been part of a reputed Delhi Government Fellowship. Her interests include caste and gender. shruthi@umcasia.org

Sneha Maria Varghese has an MSc in Urbanization and Development from the London School of Economics, a bachelors degree in architecture from NIT Trichy, and a PG Diploma in Sustainability and Built Environment from the Anant Fellowship program. She has 2 years of work experience with non-profit organizations in Bangalore and Ahmedabad and has worked on projects such as the AMRUT Masterplan 2040 for Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Pudukkottai, the NUDGE Research Innovation Grant supported action-research on ecological resilience in urban villages of Ranchi, and an advocacy project on enhancing access to skilled jobs for women construction workers. She is passionate about addressing the interlinked challenges of gender and urban inequality and she aims to grow and develop as a feminist urban development practitioner. sneha.m@umcasia.org

Snehal is an urban planner and holds the degree of Bachelors in Planning from COEP, Pune with a specialization in Urban Infrastructure Planning from CEPT university, Ahmedabad. During her academics she has done research on Vulnerability Assessment to Flood risk in the slums of Pune and GHG Reduction from Effective Municipal Solid Waste Management for Surat city. Her major areas of interest include WASH services, waste management, climate change, land use planning, and public policy.

Soubhagyalaxmi Mishra has done her B.Tech in Electronics and Telecommunication from Biju Pattnaik University of Technology. Now her Master’s of Social Work is in continuation from IGNOU. She is currently working as a city coordinator at UMC under the GARIMA Scheme in the Rourkela Municipal Corporation. Earlier, she worked as a senior executive-corporate social responsibility position for more than 6 years at NTPC-Jhabua Power Limited, Madhya Pradesh. She has worked as a development professional at the grassroots level in Primary Health, Education, Women Empowerment, agro-based livelihood, and Dairy Development activities. Before that, she worked as a placement coordinator at Tech Mahindra’s CSR for 3 years. She supports and provides placement opportunities in Retail, ITES, and the BPO sector to underprivileged youth after being skilled in a market training course provided by the Tech Mahindra Foundation. soubhagyalaxmi@umcasia.org

Subrajit Mohapatra is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished academic background, holding a Masters in Structural Engineering. With an impressive tenure of 12 years, he is currently working as City Coordinator at UMC under the GARIMA scheme. His dedication to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technological advancements allows him to incorporate cutting-edge approaches into his work, elevating the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the projects he undertakes. His expertise lies in Engineering, teaching professional & developing strategies to improve waste management systems, sanitation infrastructure, and public health awareness campaigns. He has also worked with local government as well as state government to develop strategies for improvement in urban areas of Odisha. subrajit@umcasia.org

Sumedha is an architect-planner who has earned a Master’s degree in Urban Infrastructure Planning, specializing in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) Sectors from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Throughout her academic journey, some of the research conducted by her include the Effective Utilization of Treated Used Water in the commercial sector in Mumbai and the final waste disposal methods for Municipal Solid Waste Management in Rajkot city. Sumedha’s primary areas of focus encompass WaSH services, water and waste management, climate change, resilience, and public policy. At UMC, she is actively involved in the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. sumedha@umcasia.org

Swagat Jhankar Mallick has 7 years of experience as a development professional. He was engaged in WASH based projects focusing on diverse communities including persons with disabilities, elderly and adolescent girls. He primarily coordinates and manages projects on ground while securing support from decision makers and duty bearers followed by tracking the activities for overall development of the community. He plays a prime role in advocacy for persons with disability on RPWD Act disability schemes with the government, private stakeholders and other private agencies for welfare of the community. swagat@umcasia.org

Utkarsh is a Media & Communications specialist with around 5 years of experience across academia, journalism, public relations and the development sector. Having obtained a communications degree from the Manipal University, he spent a semester in the Netherlands wherein he majored in International and Intercultural Communications. His inclinations are toward International Relations, Public Policy, Brand Marketing/PR, Reputation Management etc. Previously, he has been associated with Ashoka University, Thomson Reuters, Network 18, Societal Thinking, and MICA  Ahmedabad. He believes learning is reciprocative, and one should yearn for it, regardless of roles and organizational statures.
Going by the adage ‘Divided by boundaries, united by emotions’, his travels have rendered him with an innate sense of empathy whilst blending with different cultures. utkarsh@umcasia.org

Varun V Nair, a distinguished professional in the field of urban planning, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Karpagam School of Architecture, Coimbatore. Following his academic endeavors, Varun commenced his career as a Junior Architect at KEC International, contributing his expertise to significant infrastructure projects encompassing electricity substations, data centers, and airports. Eager to deepen his understanding of urban planning, he pursued and successfully completed a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurugram. During this period, Varun cultivated a keen interest in the development of Child Friendly Cities and the application of Blockchain Technologies in Urban Governance. Post-masters, he further enriched his experience as a Research Associate at Flame University, actively contributing to the documentation of the urban development landscape in Maharashtra. varun@umcasia.org

Qualification – B.Com Graduate from Gujarat University.
Work Experience – 16 Years in UMC, Ahmedabad.
Area of Interest – Always wanted to learn new things, which is useful in skill Development.
vinay@umcasia.org

Vinay Patel is an expert in municipal accounts, finance, income tax and auditing, Vinay has more than 16 years of experience in the field of urban finance and accounts. His key areas of expertise include municipal accounts (conversion of cash to accrual), assessment, finance, FOP preparation and taxation. Vinay assists to capture financial information from the field. He has assessed the municipal finance for the City Sanitation Plan and Solid Waste Management Master Plan for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation; and prepared a financial operating plan for the City Development Plans for 7 cities of Madhya Pradesh.

He worked as program assistant at City Managers’ Association Gujarat (CMAG) where he worked for the Gujarat Municipal Accounting Reform Project. He was involved in working with 159 urban local bodies of the state to prepare Balance sheet on accrual based double entry accounting system. He has supported in financial operating and modeling for Jodhpur Heritage Management Plan (HMP).

He has also gained technical expertise in WASH through working in this sector since 10 long years. Moreover, he has acquired wide knowledge on local governance as he is involved in supporting Government of Gujarat for Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban for solid waste management; providing guidance and support for ODF, ODF+, ODF++ to ULBs. He is also a part of the technical support and program management unit at Commissionerate of Rural Development, for Swachh Bharat Mission-Garmin in ODF Sustainability and preparing Solid Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) plan for 14,057 GP and 18,000 villages of Gujarat.

He has completed a certification course in Malaysia on FSSM and has gained international exposure through his recent visit to Pearland and Houston in United States of America for study tour under city to city partnership program under MISAAL project. vinay.p@umcasia.org

Vivek is an IT Manager having experience of more than thirteen years in oversees technology deployment and maintenance. He has led IT staff members in support of hardware, software and networking infrastructure. He also actively works with executives to determine and implement tech needs. vivek@umcasia.org

Yashika is an Architect – Planner, specialized in Regional Planning and Infrastructure. She has a diversely comprehensive experience in both architecture and planning disciplines. She has worked on development plans in Rajasthan and climate resilience in Gujarat. She has a keen interest in policy framework for inclusive and sustainable cities. As part of her academic curriculum at SPAD, she has also worked on health, education, tourism and infrastructural aspects in rural development for Sanis Block, Wokha, Nagaland and City Region of Varanasi, UP. At UMC, she is contributing in Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and Health Plans for districts in UP. In architecture, she has worked for Hungary, Indonesia and Ghana Embassies on residential and commercial projects at Delhi. Apart from these projects, she has also worked for defense and naval projects at Chennai, Kochi, Port Blair and Mumbai. She is also associated with several organizations such as COA, ITPI and IIA.yashika@umcasia.org

Munindraji worked with Gujarat State Archaeology Department for 32 years in a variety of roles ranging from exploration assistant, technical assistant, superintendent archaeology, head of office (Saurashtra region), assistant director, head of office (North Gujarat Circle). At UMC, his field experience and expertise provide guidance to the team involved in the heritage survey projects. Munindraji holds a Master’s degree in Indian Culture from the Gujarat University. munindra@umcasia.org