Who am I?
Great question. One of those existential conundrums we're all in the process of figuring out. Here's what I know so far.
Professionally, I am an Indian public policy expert drawing on nearly 15 years of experience navigating complex systems, through my work in civil society, at the government’s apex policy body NITI Aayog, and with the United Nations in India. At Rocket Learning, I currently lead public policy and program engagement across Government of India stakeholders, towards strengthening early learning. Graduating at the top of my class in public policy at the University of Tokyo as a World Bank Scholar, I also hold a degree in sustainable development from the United Nations University, Tokyo. My writing has been published in the Hindu, Hindustan Times, NDTV, the Wire, Times of India, and more. My interests lie in public sector management, strengthening service delivery, government partnerships, gender and climate. I studied English literature at the famously feminist Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi, and have loved cats ever since.
Personally, I'm a eager photographer and an amateur birder. I've traveled to national parks in India, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Japan and Bhutan, and can't wait to add to the list.I used to dance, and have recently begun exploring embroidery, so always pursuing creative outlets. I read constantly, whether it's articles and long-form journalism, or escaping into the wonderful world of fiction. I'm also always looking for interesting opportunities to collaborate, create, or simply share.
Triquetra is my attempt to simply share.
What's in a name?
The triquetra has been meaningful in cultures from Germanic to Celtic to Christian to Japanese. I first came across it, as many others, in the 90s-2000s TV show Charmed, which I would watch growing up in Delhi with my mother and sister. It was one of my earliest introductions to female bonding, on- and off-screen, and has stayed with me as a symbolic representation of self. To me, it also represents balance, usually of things threefold. It is the known, the unknown and the doors of perception between them. It is mind, body, and soul. It is the Maiden, Mother and Crone. It is femininity, power. The circle is eternity, ensō 円相: the circle of life, the universe and the void.
And so, the triquetra, also my first tattoo, is my symbol of choice to re/present myself to the world. Hello. It's lovely to meet you.
If you're interested at all in anything on my site, please do get in touch - I'd genuinely love to hear from you. Have fun exploring!