A typical day for me starts with some good breakfast and coffee while thinking about the exciting parts of the day, checking Instagram reels and sharing the good ones with my spouse and friends (honestly, the Instagram part may happen at any point during the day.). It then moves on to attending the lectures for my PhD coursework and engaging in discussions with my peers about anything academic or non-academic. Then, I dedicate some time to my coursework assignments. After lunch, I put on my research hat and focus on my PhD research and various research projects. In the evening, I spend quality time with my spouse. We go out for walks, cook together, visit places in the city, etc. We make sure we have at least one meal together every day. I also set aside time to catch up with my friends, both on campus and virtually. And, of course, calling parents is a priority. I end my day by reading books/research papers and reviewing my plans for the next day/week/month. Reading every day is very important to me. Whether it’s research papers, books, or anything I find relevant to my learning, I make a point to read. At present, the book I am reading is “Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action” by Elinor Ostrom.

How do I balance my professional and personal life? It takes planning, prioritisation of what’s really important, doing small, consistent things every day rather than leaving things until the last minute, and avoiding procrastination. And yes, maintaining good eating and sleeping habits is essential. I practise this routine consistently to balance both personal and professional aspects. I started using the Eisenhower Matrix to manage my time in 2014 (https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix).With time, I became better at it. Also, not every day is the same. Some days are good; some days are bad. As long as there are more good days than bad days, I am happy. Only if the ratio reverses do I feel the need to address it.

One transformative lesson came from Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao, former RBI Governor, who emphasised the critical principle: "Remember the people behind the numbers." In an era of data-driven policy, he reminded us that statistics represent human experiences. This insight fundamentally reshaped my approach to policy-making, ensuring that I always consider the human and social dimensions behind every metric and recommendation.

Kautilya School of Public Policy distinguished itself by offering a truly comprehensive educational experience. Unlike traditional policy schools, the curriculum provided an unparalleled interdisciplinary approach, covering governance, business, media, public administration, and global affairs. This holistic education equipped me with a nuanced understanding that effective policy-making requires synthesizing insights from economics, constitutional law, social dynamics, and technological trends.

I am currently engaged in a pivotal moment for India's future, contributing to sustainable mobility. We are actively writing the next chapter in the country's transportation evolution, focusing on innovative, environmentally responsible mobility solutions that will shape India's developmental trajectory.

Dean Amb. Syed Akbaruddin sir profoundly influenced my policy perspective. I vividly recall an early assignment where he used a powerful metaphor of a ship navigating challenging waters. He illustrated that successful policy implementation requires all stakeholders to understand and execute their responsibilities collaboratively. His teachings emphasised that meaningful change emerges when diverse actors align towards a common objective.

Identify the sector or problem statement that resonates with your passion. Develop a multi-dimensional analytical approach. Build a robust professional network, engage in continuous reading and debate, and remain perpetually curious. Remember that creating substantial impact is a patient journey requiring consistent effort, self-motivation, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

My day begins with a comprehensive review of global and sector-specific news, followed by strategic planning using a meticulously crafted to-do list. I prioritise professional commitments while ensuring completion by early evening. Personal time is sacred,I unwind through music, reflective walks in serene locations like Sunder Nursery, and moments of quiet contemplation at Hanuman Mandir or Nizamuddin Dargagh. These practices help me stay grounded, practice gratitude, and maintain holistic well-being.

Empathy for everything around you is core attribute which I believe a public policy professional should have. It keeps you curious about the things around you while challenging your assumptions & opinions. This combination of understanding others and questioning yourself shapes how you view society and carry yourself. Hence. empathy makes public policy beyond just solving problems – it becomes about understanding the human impact of every decision.

In this short span of my professional journey the only significant challenge I faced was embracing difference between expectation and reality been a public policy professional. I've learned that public policy work is far more complex than it appears – it demands patience as you navigate through challenging situations and sometimes frustrating processes.

Apart from exceptional set of faculties and an interdisciplinary curriculum ‘Staying true to your roots’ is the most important aspect which I realised at kautilya and helps me professionally to conduct myself. Accepting and reflecting your ‘roots’ has much more to contribute in the space of public policy than setting a benchmark for yourself which defies the motivation to bring in the impact you envisioned at first place.

Public policy is set to evolve significantly in the coming years. As participatory policymaking gains traction, the field will progressively realize its full potential. It presents exciting yet challenging opportunities for passionate individuals eager to contribute their expertise toward meaningful and positive change.

Building a core expertise while keeping a generalistic perspective can help you to gain relevant skills while keep aware of what systemic levers which will build the process of impact. Hence one has to “trust the process”.

One of the challenges I faced was recognizing when I had reached a point of comfort in my role. While stability can be reassuring, I realized that continuous learning and growth often require stepping into new and unfamiliar spaces. Making the decision to transition wasn’t easy, but I navigated it by engaging with my peers, seeking mentorship, and gaining insights from those who had taken similar steps. Their perspectives helped me assess my goals and the skills I wanted to develop further. Ultimately, while advice and analysis are valuable, listening to my gut played a crucial role in taking that leap. Change can feel uncertain, but embracing it with the right support system ensures that each step forward adds to both professional and personal growth

The most valuable aspect of my education at Kautilya has been the ecosystem of my cohort and faculty. Beyond the coursework, it was the people I met who left a lasting impact. I continue to reach out to them—for brainstorming, fresh perspectives, domain expertise, connections, and unwavering support. Whether it’s discussing policy ideas, navigating career decisions, or seeking advice, I know I have a network that truly has my back. It’s not just about what I learned, but who I learned with—friends, mentors, and colleagues who continue to inspire and challenge me. I am deeply grateful for this community, which has shaped both my professional and personal journey in more ways than I can count.

It's straightforward: Read more, listen more, write more, and talk less. Be respectful. One should be always willing to entertain an opinion without condemning it. When you turnover your transcript, your Professor will immediately know whether you put in effort and did the research. Even in consulting, your pitch deck is not your fancy presentation- it is your findings, your perspective on the gap, your solution, based your experience, because you spoke to the stakeholders, affected by a problem that you are trying to find a solution to. A guest lecturer remarked that the biggest part of public policy should be public listening.

First of all, very few people are directly involved in policy making. But knowledge about policy making is essential in our field. Primarily, consultants contribute to the policy-making process, among other roles. Virtually most state agencies with time-sensitive performance deliverables rely on consultants. Consultants, largely, fill a gap and can do a really good job. Governments recognise this. Opportunities are available across various sectors and at different levels. You could draft a policy document that could potentially be presented in an assembly, or manage communication strategy. Either ways, impact is huge.

One of our alumni drafted a by-law for a ULB. I would argue that public policy professionals with an good understanding of economics and finance will hold a significant advantage. Public Policy alone will just not suffice. One can conduct a simple comparison by examining the educational background and internship choices of an EU energy consultant (entry-level). If you are familiar with the consulting landscape, you will recognize that your degree is merely a starting point. Indeed, it is an opportune time to collaborate with governments to enhance the lives and livelihoods of communities. However, I foresee entry-level barriers emerging for the most coveted strategy roles.

It's essential to become comfortable with delivering sharp, precise answers that demonstrate depth without appearing overly confident. Avoid coming across as a "know-it-all," as this can be off-putting.

Secondly, align your internship with your project and job aspirations to build a cohesive narrative. Identify a domain and develop expertise in it. While LinkedIn can be helpful, it is no substitute for being thoroughly prepared for a job role. When interviewing, you should have a solid understanding of the work involved and be familiar enough with the subject to engage in a meaningful conversation about it. Lastly, engage actively with your professors. They are invaluable resources, having excelled in various roles and possessing a wealth of real-world experience. I always kept my mentors updated on my job hunt, they gave me good inputs.