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 organisation. 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

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.

Abhranil is an urban planner with a background in Architecture aiming to help improve places, livelihoods, and infrastructure. He’s passionate about leveraging data science methodologies and spatial econometrics. His expertise lies at the intersection of urban planning and advanced analytics, with a focus on optimizing urban environments for sustainable development and equitable growth. As a creative, he specializes in data visualization, graphic design, and digital publication.
In 2019, Abhranil led a team of students representing India at the World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam, an experience that enriched his understanding of global urban challenges and solutions. He previously worked for the New Delhi-based, award-winning architecture firm
Studio Lotus, where he assisted them in facilitating several major master-planning and architecture projects. He was also the Content Coordinator for Multilogue Collective, a non-profit organization based out of New Delhi. Formally trained in Indian Classical Music as a Sitarist, Abhranil likes to use that knowledge to learn how to play different musical instruments. Additionally, he holds a particular interest in playing and watching football. abhranil@umcasia.org

Anil is an 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

Antara is an architect and urban planner, with an interest in inclusive environmental design, policy making, livelihoods, urban mobility, and city planning. She aims for the betterment of society through different interventions of planning and design. She got an opportunity to work on the Bareilly Smart City project at a Delhi-based firm. She pursued her Masters in Urban Planning from CEPT University. In the course of her academic journey, she has worked on the master plan of Ahmedabad as a macro-level project, and micro-level local area plan for the Sabarmati HSR station area. Her academic research focused on the analysis of different road network parameters for urban arterials. She has experience in market research for worker housing projects as a part of her summer internship at a private equity firm based in Hyderabad. As a budding planner, she is eager to contribute to the sustainable and equitable development of the society. As a music enthusiast, she is formally trained in Rabindra Sangeet and Folk music as a vocalist and is determined to continue her extracurricular alongside. antara@umcasia.org

Apeksha holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture from MITS Gwalior and a Masters in Environmental Planning from SPA Bhopal. Additionally, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Environmental Management and Law from NLU Delhi and the Center of Environmental Law, WWF. She was involved in formulating regional plans for Coimbatore and The Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, as well as the GPSDP of Bilkisganj Gram Panchayat in Madhya Pradesh. As part of her academic curriculum, she has worked on significant projects such as the
Climate-Resilient Development Plan for Indore and the Regional Plan for Eco-Sensitive Regions in The Nilgiris. Her interests revolve around crafting urban strategies resilient to climate change and disasters, integrating sustainable nature-based solutions, WASH, public policy, and promoting citizen engagement in urban development. apeksha@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

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

Baijayantimala is a student at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. She previously worked as a supervisor and trainer for a project titled “Buddy System” conducted by GBL(Good Business Lab) in Bangalore. Currently, she works as a field Coordinator in the Jatni Municipality. baijayanti@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.

Chinmay Menon is a seasoned communications and media professional with over a decade of experience in diverse marketing and communication roles. A MICA alumnus with a specialization in Crafting Creative Communications, Chinmay has woven many compelling narratives to life and led several campaigns for political figures and corporate brands, including a notable documentary for the World Bank.
Chinmay excels at blending ideas with insights to create impactful communication strategies. He is driven by the belief that effective
communication is crucial for addressing challenges that significantly influence urban development and community engagement. His professional journey is enriched by his commitment to embracing diverse cultural perspectives and promoting inclusive dialogues across various fields. chinmay@umcasia.org

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

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

Harshita Seth brings over 11 years of distinguished experience in the development sector, underpinned by a Master’s degree in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Her expertise spans critical areas such as health, WASH, livelihoods, and gender issues. Harshita has successfully led strategic advisory programs across various states in India, as well as in diverse international settings including Indonesia and Afghanistan.

Her career journey includes impactful roles with renowned organizations such as BASIX, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), UNICEF, and Intellecap Advisory Pvt. Ltd. She is driven to contribute to a brighter future through the application of her extensive on-ground experience and strategic insights. Her work is characterized by a commitment to fostering sustainable development and advancing social justice initiatives globally. harshita@umcasia.org

Jaydip is an Android Developer with 1.5 years of experience in creating engaging and user-centric mobile applications. Proficient in Kotlin and Java, Jaydip has a strong foundation in UI/UX design and app optimisation. With a passion for innovative solutions. Jaydip is dedicated to contributing to impactful projects in the Android development space.

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

Jyoti Prakash Hota is a seasoned development professional with 17 years of experience focused on empowering tribal communities and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable natural resource management, with a particular emphasis on watershed management. Holding a Postgraduate degree in Social Work, he has led diverse teams, fostering collaborative environments to achieve impactful results.

His expertise spans key areas such as:

• Livelihood Promotion: Designing programs that empower marginalised communities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and improved access to resources for sustainable income generation.
• SHG Management and Capacity Building: Supporting and training Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to foster self-reliance and economic empowerment, enhancing the skills and confidence of SHG members to manage activities and pursue income-generating ventures.
• Institutional Building: Establishing and strengthening community-based organizations and grassroots institutions to empower communities in driving their own development initiatives.
• Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Managing projects end-to-end, including planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and sustainability by systematically tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.

With core competencies in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and SHG management, Jyoti brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to community development, driving positive and sustainable change.

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

Kumail Abbas is a dedicated development professional with a Master’s degree in Development Policy, Planning, and Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). With over three years of experience at the Department of Mission Shakti, he has been instrumental in advancing rural development by strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through capacity building, financial inclusion, and community empowerment initiatives.

Passionate about fostering social equity and sustainable development, Kumail works to bridge the urban-rural divide, empower marginalised communities, and support the creation of inclusive governance frameworks.

At UMC, he plays a key role in the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, particularly focusing on the waste picker component. His efforts contribute to sustainable waste management practices and advancing social inclusion.

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

Meet is a Senior Android Developer with 7 years of experience in designing and developing high-quality mobile applications. With a deep expertise in Android SDK, Kotlin, and Java, Meet excels at creating seamless user experiences and optimising app performance. Known for a strong problem-solving ability and a keen eye for detail, Meet is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and leading development teams to achieve project goals efficiently.

Monalisa is a budding Urban Planning professional with a passion for using her skills to uplift socio-economic growth and development. She has a strong foundation in Architecture, having earned her bachelor’s degree from Piloo Mody College of Architecture, Cuttack. During her 4 years of experience as an architect, she honed her leadership skills by leading various teams on a variety of projects, including smart-city projects, residential, high-rise commercial projects, etc. She recently furthered her education by completing Masters in Urban Planning. This academic background combined with her architectural experience, allows her to approach Urban Planning from a comprehensive
perspective. Throughout her academic career she has tackled diverse range of macro and micro planning projects such as Bharuch development plan, town planning schemes for Navi-Mumbai Airport Influenced Notified Area(NAINA), Accessibility analysis around Surat HSR station, feasibility studies in Bhubaneswar etc. Her Internship at ASCI focused on training needs for climate resilient Urban Planning and Development, highlighting her commitment to sustainable practices. Her creativity is evidenced by her skills in graphic design and sketching. Currently she leverages her expertise as a Project Associate at the UMC. monalisa@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.

Natvarsinh is a seasoned Senior Laravel Developer with over 7 years of experience in crafting dynamic, high-performance web applications. Specialising in Laravel, Natvarsinh excels in building scalable solutions, optimising code, and leading development teams to deliver innovative and efficient software. With a strong foundation in both backend and frontend technologies, Natvarsinh is passionate about driving projects to successful completion and mentoring the next generation of developers.

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

Pankaj is a Senior Backend Developer with over six years of experience in overseeing backend systems and software development. He has successfully led and mentored development teams, ensuring the efficient delivery and maintenance of high-quality backend solutions. Pankaj collaborates closely with stakeholders to identify and implement technical requirements, driving improvements in system performance and functionality.

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

Pradheeps is a seasoned professional in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, boasting a solid academic background and ten years of career experience. Armed with a graduate degree in Agriculture and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pradheeps exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
His career journey is marked by active involvement in a diverse array of environmental initiatives, spanning areas such as Environmental Planning, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Disaster Management, Biodiversity conservation, Climate finance, Solid Waste Management, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects. Blending academic expertise with practical experience, Pradheeps adeptly navigates complex environmental challenges with innovation and effectiveness. Driven by a passion for sustainability, Pradheeps engages in rigorous research, contributes to policy development, and excels in project management, all aimed at advancing global sustainability goals while empowering communities and ecosystems to thrive amidst environmental changes.
His collaborative spirit shines through his eagerness to partner with individuals, organizations, and institutions that share his vision of creating a greener, more sustainable world. pradheeps@umcasia.org

Prasanta Kumar Dhal has more than 18 years of experience in both the government and the development sectors with various positions in both urban & rural community development projects for housing, promotion of livelihood; sustainable development for the rural and urban poor with entrepreneur’s development program as well as mentor development program and well versed for training & capacity building activities,
stakeholder analysis & management, beneficiary interaction, and community mobilization, active community participation, institution building, liaison & networking with demonstrated abilities across various projects in different states. He has a Master of Rural Development (MRD) from Utkal University, Odisha, and is always a helping hand to needy people and People with Disability. prasanta@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

Ritwik Jain brings over 8 years of specialised expertise in Government Consulting. With a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Maharishi Dayanand University and a General Management degree from the Indian School of Business, he has driven transformative projects across diverse urban and rural landscapes in India.

Ritwik excels in team leadership and technical advisory roles, contributing to critical areas such as urban sanitation, water management, CSR implementation, and procurement strategy. His career is defined by a commitment to process optimisation and innovative approaches to advancing public infrastructure and services.

Currently at UMC, he is playing a pivotal role in the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, reinforcing his dedication to impactful and sustainable development. ritwik@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. rujul@umcasia.org

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

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

Sandip is a civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in the development sector. His areas of work include watershed management, the MGNREGA migration project, and the integrated farming project.
With a strong background in civil engineering combined with expertise in community-centric approaches, he is driven to continue making meaningful contributions to the advancement of society, particularly in enhancing the well-being of marginalized & vulnerable populations. sandip.b@umcasia.org

Sathish is a highly motivated and results-oriented urban planner with 7-plus years of experience in master and regional planning. He has a proven ability in land use planning and master planning through technical and analytical skills. He is also passionate about creating sustainable and livable communities. sathish.planner@umcasia.org

Dr. Sathish Kumar M is a distinguished GIS expert with a multifaceted background in academia and research, boasting over 14 years of extensive experience in Geography, Remote Sensing, GIS, and Civil Engineering. Currently serving as a GIS Manager at UMC, , he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to the field of GIS.
Dr. Sathish Kumar M is proficient in various software and practical skills essential for GIS applications, including ArcGIS, QGIS, Erdas Imagine, and GPS. His research interests span a wide array of topics such as Morphometric Analysis, Land Use Land Cover Change, Coastal Zone Management, and Groundwater Quality Management. Tourism Impact on Coastal area, Socio Economic Activities of fisher folk community etc. sathish@umcasia.org

Saurabh’s principal field is Environmental Planning, with a focus on exploring the interactions between urban areas, the environment, urban sociology, and public participation. He holds a master’s degree in Planning (specialisation in Environmental Planning) from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Saurabh has led research-oriented academic and professional experiences.

As a Research Associate at the Centre for Urban Studies, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Saurabh contributed to impactful projects, including a Women’s Safety Audit in Ghaziabad, advancing blue-green infrastructure initiatives, and devising innovative waste management strategies for Varanasi. Guided by a calm sense of continuity and purpose, he is committed to shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures. saurabh@umcasia.org

Shashank Shekhar is a committed development professional with a Master’s degree in Rural Development from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). With prior experience at United Way of Bengaluru, he worked on soil and water conservation projects, empowering rural communities to manage resources sustainably and enhance their resilience.

Passionate about environmental protection and rural development, Shashank brings expertise in implementing conservation initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering partnerships to address environmental and social challenges.

At UMC, Shashank is actively contributing to the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) initiative, driving efforts toward sustainability and inclusion.

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.

Shravani is an urban planner with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Mumbai University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from CEPT University. She has experience working as an architect on public buildings, landscape, and urban design projects with government entities. She has worked on projects such as the analysis of the Ahmedabad rental market, the Bharuch and Ankleshwar development plan, the town planning scheme for the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), and analysis and policy intervention for the Mumbai redevelopment scenario during her academic career at CEPT University. She works on Assam for UMC as a member of the Solid Waste Management
Team. Her areas of interest are urban governance and policy-making, research and analysis, environmental and sustainable planning, and urban mobility. In addition to this, she is also an enthusiastic cyclist. shravani@umcasia.org

Shreyali advances urban and regional planning with innovative geospatial solutions, leveraging a strong academic background and diverse field experience. She holds an M.Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS-ISRO) and a B.Tech in Town and Country Planning from the Government College of Engineering Pune (COEP). Her experience includes internships with IIT Roorkee under the Google Research Mentorship Program and with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as a Smart City Intern.

Skilled in advanced geospatial software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth Engine, Shreyali is proficient in urban/regional planning, supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, AutoCAD, and eCognition. Her notable projects include optimising blue-green infrastructure networks using complex network algorithms and analysing land surface temperature dynamics with built-up expansion.

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

Sithara Ravikumar, an architect-urban planner, holds a bachelor’s degree from BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in urban planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. In her previous professional experience as a junior architect, she had been exposed to working on scheme plan development and technical drawings (both interior and civil) majorly for residential and commercial projects. During her academic years in her masters, she has worked in detail on understanding the aspect of mainstreaming Water-Sensitive Urban Planning for the case of Bhuj apart from working for the development of a Land Pooling Area Development scheme for Thirumazhisai, Chennai, and also for curating the development plan for the so-called “Twin Cities” of Bharuch and Ankleshwar in Gujarat. Currently, She is a part of the team for the ACES Tibet Project and Guwahati Climate Action Plan (GCAP) for UMC. Her areas of interest include master planning, development of strategies and analysis, policy reading and making, and writing. Further, she also enjoys traveling and trekking in her leisure time. sithara@umcasia.org

Soumya Mishra is a social impact professional with 15+ years of experience in research, documentation, program planning and management, policy analysis and advocacy, stakeholder management, and providing technical assistance to the government, in the space of urban transformation. In her previous assignments, she has been engaged in knowledge-based learning and institutional capacity building for a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil societies, community-based organisations and
leaders, and other vulnerable and marginal groups. She has been responsible for knowledge development, documentation, overall project coordination, and management in her previous assignments with NGOs. Her strengths have been in project planning, stakeholder
management, strengthening governance, citizen participation, bringing social inclusiveness, and empowerment of diverse vulnerable and marginal communities including informal settlements, Transgenders, Persons with Disabilities, elderly, adolescent girls, and boys.
She has worked closely with government departments, particularly, the Housing and Urban Development Department, Municipal Corporations, Women and Child Development, and the Health and Family Welfare Department as a vital component in her previous assignments.
She has contributed to the process of the Smart City development, in Bhubaneswar with her involvement in building a child-friendly city, citizen connect forums, and neighborhood planning during her association with the IBI group, thereby working as the interface
between the urban planning agency (Bhubaneswar Development Authority) and the local citizen forums (wards, associations, societies, clubs, etc.), enabling community engagement and bringing social inclusiveness through micro-level planning. Her education has been in
Rural Management and Sociology. Soumya has been a part of the UMC State team partnered as TSU with the Housing and
Urban Development Department, Govt of Odisha, for managing the Garima scheme designed for core sanitation workers. Presently she is part of the TSU team for Capacity building of the “Jalasathis”, a community-led intervention for urban transformation. soumya@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

Sumi Roy is a seasoned development professional with a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations. With over a decade of experience, she specialises in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), FSSM (Faecal Sludge and Septage Management), Disaster Risk Reduction, Public Health, Communication, and Programme Implementation.

Throughout her career, Sumi has collaborated with leading organisations such as UNICEF, Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, the Public Health Engineering Department, and CRS India, contributing to impactful projects aimed at improving community well-being. As the State Project Coordinator and Team Lead at the Women Development Centre (WDC), she spearheaded initiatives that enhanced the lives of women in rural Himachal Pradesh.

Her expertise includes leadership, behaviour change communication, social mobilisation, capacity building, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication), with a proven track record in programme implementation and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Sumi’s contributions to social service have been widely recognised, earning her the National Youth Award from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. She has also proudly represented India at the World Youth Festival in Russia on two occasions.

Beyond her professional work, Sumi is passionate about teaching and is an avid traveller, always eager to explore new horizons and perspectives.

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

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

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