Professional Experience:
I am a development professional with over 10 years of extensive experience in the rural development sector, specializing in the implementation of livelihood enhancement programs, Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM), and large-scale government-led development missions. I hold a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology and has worked closely with government, non-government, and donor agencies at state, district, and grassroots levels.
As a Senior Programme Officer at WASSAN (Sept 2022 – Sept 2024), I was involved in the strategic implementation of the Odisha Millets Mission. I coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, designed training modules, and led capacity-building efforts. My role also includes preparing project proposals and mobilizing funds from CSR initiatives and donors, in addition to facilitating convergence among key stakeholders to ensure policy compliance and effective program delivery.
Previously, as Manager in Basti, Uttar Pradesh with Transform Rural India Foundation (June 2021 – August 2022), I led rural livelihood initiatives and collaborated with UPSRLM to mobilize financial and human resources. I supervised cross-functional teams, conducted field assessments, and implemented targeted development interventions impacting over 4,000 households.
From October 2018 to May 2021, I served as an Aspirational District Fellow in Malkangiri and Koraput (LWE areas) under the Transforming Aspirational District Program, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Tata Trusts. I led district-level coordination for convergence across departments, focusing on sectors such as Health, Education, Agriculture, Skill Development, and Financial Inclusion. My responsibilities included data-driven gap analysis, mobilization of resources, and strategic planning to improve development indicators in these high-priority districts.
Beginning of my career with PRADAN in Keonjhar, Odisha (June 2014 – Sept 2018), I worked as a Development Apprentice and later as an Executive. I facilitated the formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cluster Level Federations, and Farmer Producer Organizations. I was instrumental in implementing livelihood action plans focused on sustainable agriculture, livestock development, and financial inclusion. My grassroots initiatives emphasized gender equity, social inclusion, and natural resource management through community mobilization and training.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to bridge policy with practice. My core competencies include project management, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, data analysis, and resource mobilization. I have consistently delivered impact-driven results while aligning development goals with the aspirations of marginalized rural communities.
With a solid grounding in both technical and social domains, and fluency in English, Hindi, and Odia, I bring a multidimensional approach to development challenges.