India’s growing population presents complex urban planning challenges resulting in  inadequate infrastructure for sanitation and public health as well as poor waste management practices.

Abhilaasha Nagarajan, our next pathbreaker, works as Specialist at the Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP), one of the largest programmes in the world on Urban Sanitation, led by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Abhilaasha talks to  Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about repurposing her Architectural degree towards sustainable practices that drive social impact.

For students, the world of work is incredibly diverse, and the best part is – you can be a part of it!

Abhilaasha, can you share your background with our young readers?

I was born and brought up in Chennai, India. Both my parents were dedicated professionals, (Now, my father is a businessman, while my mother is an Executive engineer working with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board). Being an only child, (my brother was born only when I was eight), fostered a sense of self-reliance that proved invaluable later. Additionally, my grandmother, a gifted violinist, instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

To nurture my inquisitive nature, my parents enrolled me in various extracurricular activities. These ranged from artistic pursuits like drawing and crafts, to language development and physical well-being through yoga. My school actively promoted student involvement, and I thrived in leadership roles, serving on all student councils throughout my academic journey.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

For my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Bachelor of Architecture at SRM University in Chennai. During my final year, we embarked on a study tour. One of the destinations was CEPT University, a renowned institution dedicated to the built environment. Stepping onto their campus was a turning point! I knew I had to strive for a postgraduate program there.

After completing my undergraduate thesis, I confidently applied to CEPT’s Faculty of Planning. My hard work paid off, and I secured admission to their Master’s program in Urban and Regional Planning.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional in Urban Planning?

While engineering was a common career path within my family, I harbored a yearning for a different direction. I craved a field that combined creativity with structure, much like a superhero’s arsenal of innovative gadgets. In 7th grade, I discovered the fascinating world of architecture – a perfect blend of my artistic inclinations and a passion for creating functional spaces. This realisation was a pivotal moment, igniting a singular focus on pursuing this career path.

Initially, convincing my parents presented a challenge. Architecture was a departure from our family’s professional background, and the extended study period differed from traditional options. However, I was resolute in my desire to pursue my passion. I demonstrated my commitment by taking full responsibility for my academic journey, and acknowledging the potential financial implications.  For me, the pursuit of a fulfilling career outweighed immediate financial rewards. 

Tell us about your career path

My first internship at Edifice Architects & Interior Designers was a turning point. Forget measured drawings – it was about space, materials, and free-thinking! This opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond traditional architecture. Ar. Pramod Balakrishnan was and continues to be my mentor.

While I enjoyed creativity, I craved a career that connected with communities. My internship experience made me realize I didn’t want to just design fancy homes for the wealthy. I wanted to make a social impact.

That’s when I discovered urban planning. A visit to CEPT University and conversations with mentors sparked a new direction. My Master’s program exposed me to diverse cultures and ways of looking at cities. I thrived in an interdisciplinary environment, learning from architects, engineers, and social scientists.

Another internship at an MNC solidified my desire for a more personal and socially impactful career. This led me to specialize in housing, where I became fascinated by ‘Bastis’ (slums). Their resilience and cultural richness left a mark, but their poor living conditions and constant threat of eviction troubled me.

My Master’s dissertation focused on how these conditions affect girls and women differently. This research chiseled my career path – urban inclusion with a focus on gender.

Excelling in academics and winning awards at CEPT gave me a strong foundation. My next step was a Research Associate position at the Centre for Urban Equity (CUE), under Prof. Darshini Mahadevia. Here, I deep- dived into field research on critical issues like megaprojects, urban mobility, and women’s safety. This honed my skills in working with the urban poor and gender aspects of urban planning

My passion for teaching also flourished as I assisted with courses at CEPT. This is where I met another inspiring mentor, Prof. Mona Iyer, who introduced me to the world of urban sanitation, which is my current area of focus.

After 1.5 years at CUE, I returned to Chennai and joined the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS).  Today, I continue to learn, grow, and contribute to tackling critical urban challenges in India. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find inspiration and expression through urban sketching and doodling. This creative outlet not only fuels my imagination but also translates into innovative approaches within my work

This journey wasn’t always linear, but each experience shaped my passion for using urban planning to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

How did you get your first break?

Perhaps a ‘break’ isn’t the term I would use.  Every experience has been a stepping stone.  

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

  • Financial Security:  Initially, the development sector’s compensation structure offered a lower starting salary compared to some corporate options.  However, my passion for this field fueled my determination.  I focused on continuous learning and skill development, which has led to competitive growth in both my expertise and salary over time.  In this sector, building a strong skillset is highly valued.
  • Communicating Expertise:  Explaining my work and niche expertise to others could sometimes be challenging.  To address this, I  developed a clear and concise way to communicate complex concepts in simple terms.  This has helped me effectively engage diverse audiences, from community members, government officials to family members.
  • Fieldwork Challenges:  Working in challenging environments within slums or urban poor communities presented unique challenges.  To navigate these situations effectively, I honed my ability to adapt and build rapport with residents.  I learned to see the world from their perspective, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving and solution creation.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

Making a Difference in Sanitation: My Work at TNUSSP

I’m currently a Specialist at the Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP), one of the largest programmes in the world on Urban Sanitation, led by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Together, we’re ensuring safe sanitation for 30 million people across the state, localizing the SDG 6.2.

My focus within TNUSSP is on inclusive sanitation, particularly gender equity across the sanitation chain.  I research and develop action plans to integrate gender perspectives into sanitation planning and processes.  Currently, I’m involved in scaling up these inclusive sanitation plans across Tamil Nadu.

I’ve played a key role in the programme’s behavior change communication (BCC) efforts, spearheading campaigns like “Kakkaman” and the “Women in Sanitation” campaign.

Beyond TNUSSP, I co-lead the Chennai Slum Sanitation Assessment in Chennai and the WaSH Strategy Development for Kannagi Nagar. Currently, I’m implementing BCC programs focused on WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), engaging the community and youth to promote sustainable practices.

I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge. I contribute to teaching and capacity building through workshops, international conferences, and I teach at the Urban Fellowship Programme at IIHS. I believe that my work exemplifies a commitment to inclusive urban development, combining research with practical strategies for sustainable sanitation solutions.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

The skills I use today come from a combination of on-the-job learning with fantastic mentors and colleagues, staying updated on the sector by reading, conducting field research, and taking relevant online and offline courses.

No two days are the same! My typical day involves a mix of office work, engaging field visits, and important stakeholder meetings.  What I love most is meeting new people and working closely with communities to make a real difference on the ground.

How does your work benefit society? 

At its core, I believe that my work enables improved quality of life, especially for the vulnerable population.  By ensuring access to safe sanitation, we contribute to better public health outcomes and create healthier communities.  Furthermore, I focus on gender equity, ensuring specific needs of women are met.   I also contribute to sustainable practices that communities can manage themselves, leading to long-term benefits for all. Finally, I close the loop through teaching and sharing my knowledge and lived experiences.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

While working on the Chennai Slum Sanitation Assessment, a project close to my heart, I visited over 30 slums and interacted with countless residents.  Each location was unique, a microcosm of diverse cultures and professions. Initially, I expected to encounter a lot of challenges. Yet, what I discovered were vibrant communities with a strong sense of resilience.  Residents had developed ingenious ways to manage sanitation despite limited resources. For example, houses had installed localized systems to ensure water reaches the taps in their homes.  Their resourcefulness and determination truly inspired me.

This experience was a powerful reminder that even in challenging circumstances, people can find innovative solutions. It also highlighted the importance of listening to and learning from communities. Beyond the technical aspects of sanitation, this project fostered a deep connection with the people I met. Their stories and struggles continue to motivate me in my work today.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Imagine a world filled with amazing career possibilities, like creating buildings that touch the sky, designing video games, or even solving mysteries like a detective!  The world of work is incredibly diverse, and the best part is – you can be a part of it!

Here are some tips to explore your options:

  • Dive into your interests: Do you love (not necessarily good at it, it’s a skill – and you can develop it with practice!) art and drawing? Architecture or graphic design might be a great fit! Are you fascinated by science and technology? Explore engineering, coding, or even medicine!
  • Take different subjects: A well-rounded education exposes you to various fields. Who knows, you might discover a hidden passion in history or literature!
  • Talk to people! Chat with professionals in different fields. Ask about their work, their journey, and the skills they use. Family members, teachers, or even online mentors can be a great resource.
  • Try new things! Volunteer, intern, or take online courses. These experiences can help you discover your strengths and interests.

Remember, It’s Okay to Be Flexible!

Your career path doesn’t have to be set in stone by 8th grade.  As you explore and learn, your interests might evolve.  That’s perfectly okay!  The key is to be open to new experiences and keep learning throughout your life.

Here’s how to embrace flexibility:

  • Don’t be afraid to change your mind. It’s normal to discover new passions along the way.
  • Develop transferable skills. Communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are valuable in any career.
  • Focus on lifelong learning. The world of work is constantly evolving. Embrace continuous learning to stay ahead.

The most important thing is to find a career path that excites you! Remuneration is important, but let it not be the deciding factor. My career path wasn’t always linear and it is still evolving. Exploration and flexibility helped me find my passion in urban sanitation.

Explore, be flexible, and believe in yourself.  The world of work awaits your unique talents and contributions!

Future Plans?

My plans are fueled by a desire to make a lasting impact through teaching, multi-sectoral urban planning, and scholarly research.

  • Teaching:  I have a deep passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others.  In the future, I see myself actively involved in teaching urban planning and practice.  
  • Multi-Sectoral Urban Planning:  I’m excited about the future of urban planning, where collaboration across disciplines is key.  I envision myself working with multi-disciplinary professionals to create holistic solutions for our cities. 
  • PhD Aspirations:  In the future, I aspire to pursue a PhD in a field related to urban sanitation or social inclusion in urban planning.  Research allows me to delve deeper into critical issues and contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse and would feed right back into my practice.

I believe that this combination of teaching, multi-sectoral planning, and research will allow me to contribute at various levels for creating equitable and sustainable urban futures for all.