I protect the pulse of the planet through engaging with people at all levels – from farmers in remote mountain comunities to the highest level of decision makers – to learn, share and collectively promote simple and affordable solutions that are minimally dependent on external resources and expertise.

Continuous learning opportunities and working with a wide range of people including rural community members, governments, scientists, experts and people in the private sector across the Himalayan region to find solutions to the problems of livelihoods, agriculture, climate change and effective delivery.

For some time now, I’ve been passionate about working with governments and people for grassroots level development in sustainable ways and in ways that reduce dependence on outside sources for support. Agri-entrepreneurship with profit sharing with farmers to help them getting better returns is my most recent passion.

I am a development professional with 20+ years of progressive experience combining implementation, strategic and managerial leadership on adaptation and resilience building, nature-based solutions, microfinance, livelihoods, and development finance. Prior to joining ICIMOD in 2012, I worked with the German Development Bank (KfW) leading their rural development and natural resources portfolios in India and the Philippines. I was actively involved in setting up and executing several large programmes focusing on watershed management, tribal development, climate change adaptation, and sustainable financing for natural resources and livelihoods. I started my career at the grassroots level with the Indian NGO Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and later with a microfinance consultancy, EDA Rural Systems. I hold a post-graduate diploma in rural development management from the Institute of Rural Management Anand and an undergraduate degree in forestry from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, both in India.