Where are you from?
I am from New Delhi, India.
What did you study for your undergraduate degree?
I studied Bachelor of Architecture from Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, Pune.
Why did you choose Columbia?
Columbia had been a dream university for me (and my family, especially my mother!) since my II Year in college. I had a picture of Avery stuck to my college desk, reminding me of my dream (very cliche!).
I visited GSAPP in November 2014 and met Prof. Andrew Dolkart who was an awesome company and showed me around. That just motivated me further. I brought home a lot of Columbia goodies. My brother joked around saying “You are shopping as if you made it to Columbia!”
Come 2016, and yes I did make it to Columbia. I am living my dream right now here and I absolutely love it.
Plus, I do not think there is any better place to study Urban Planning than New York, and what better university than Columbia!
Concentration?
My concentration is International Planning and Development. International policies interest me and see myself working for organisations committed to the betterment of people across borders around the world.
What is your favorite part of living in NYC?
Broadway Musicals
Why is something you miss most about home?
Mum’s food, Dad’s pampering and my bed.
What is one of your pet peeves?
When people aren’t punctual (but I am!)
What initially made you interested in urban planning?
During my internship with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, New Delhi, I was working on the HRIDAY project. It was a Government of India initiative to revive historic cities in India like Varanasi and Gaya.
My association with this project made me explore national policies and its implications on society. I could understand policies which would have a positive impact (more importantly, policies which won’t!). This made me think of a possibility to pursue masters in Urban Planning.
Tell us something about you that few people in the program may know.
I love the stage! As a kid, I would do extempore dance performances in community events and other competitions. This inherent love continues till today. I have emceed a lot of events for my college and have loved every experience.
