<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 107%; margin: 0in 0in 8.05pt 0in;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: #0F4761;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; color: #0f4761;">Statement of Purpose for &ldquo;Professor of Practice - Planning&rdquo;</span></u></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; color: #0f4761;"> </span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">I aspire to contribute to NICMAR as a Professor of Practice in the Planning Department by integrating real-world experience with academic rigor. My goal is to strengthen the bridge between industry and academia, ensuring that students graduate with the practical skills, professional mindset, and interdisciplinary exposure required to excel in contemporary planning and infrastructure environments.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">For over two decades, I have worked across metropolitan regions and emerging towns throughout north, south, west, and central India, shaping development strategies for diverse urban and regional contexts. My professional journey spans metropolitan region plans, neighbourhood‑level cluster plans, master plans, and multi-sector infrastructure projects for central, state, and local governments as well as international funding agencies. This breadth of experience&mdash;supported by collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across geographies and cultures&mdash;has given me a deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within India&rsquo;s urban transformation.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">A significant part of my expertise lies in the application of <strong>remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analytics</strong> for urban planning and management. I established the Geospatial and Data Analytics Lab at WRI India in 2015 and contributed to the framework for the <strong>Metropolitan Spatial Center for Bengaluru</strong>, envisioned to integrate data and decision-making across multiple civic agencies. I have also trained officials from various states under AMRUT and Smart Cities initiatives, strengthening institutional capacity in spatial technologies.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">At NICMAR, I aim to leverage this experience to enhance existing courses and develop new modules in <strong>Geospatial Technologies, Data Analytics, and Evidence-Based Planning</strong>. My teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning&mdash;where students engage with live projects, case-based simulations, industry collaborations, and partnerships with local agencies. This approach not only builds technical competence but also cultivates adaptability, systems thinking, and problem-solving abilities essential for navigating dynamic professional environments.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">Beyond classroom teaching, I am keen to collaborate with faculty and researchers on interdisciplinary studies addressing real-world urban and infrastructure challenges. I intend to use my professional network to foster <strong>academia&ndash;industry partnerships</strong> that generate actionable insights, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions. These collaborations can also create opportunities for student internships, applied research, and entrepreneurial initiatives.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in;">My vision as a Professor of Practice is to nurture talent, inspire innovation, and contribute to a learning ecosystem that prepares future professionals to lead with competence and purpose. I look forward to bringing my industry experience into academia and enriching student learning through a practical, forward‑looking, and impact‑oriented approach.</p>