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Where are you from?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai but I have also stayed at Jaipur and New Delhi.
What sparked your interest in public policy?
My interest in the policy analysis has its roots in my exposure to both academic and work experience. During my post graduation in Health Management I developed a keen interest in the area of health economics and financing and my subsequent experiences of working with NGOs in India has slowly drawn my interest towards, the area of public policy.
In addition the interdisciplinary nature of the policy analysis, where one can use multiple perspectives from economics, political science, sociology, and management sciences has further aroused my interest in this area. In addition to this the applied nature of policy analysis has deepened my interest in this field as I look forward to contribute in solving real world problems by research and teaching.
Why did you choose to pursue a PhD at LKYSPP?
I felt that my previous course, Master in Public Policy (MPP) has improved my conceptual and analytical skills involved in public policy formulation. But the MPP course is multidimensional and it gives a bird’s eye view of many domains with core analytical skills for policy analysis. During the course, Associate Professor Phua Kai Hong has deepened my interest in the area of health economics and financing and I decided to take PhD because I felt that I still don’t know enough and there is much more to learn.
Among Public Policy schools, LKYSPP’s faculty profile, the leadership position it occupies in Asia and an excellent support structure has made me choose, LKYSPP over other schools.
As I also did my Master in Public Policy at LKYSPP, I came across the support structure which I wonder any one would get anywhere else. LKYSPP has some of the top experts in various area of public policy but the faculties here live in such a nested community and so approachable that it becomes very easy to get different perspective.
What do you enjoy the most about your studies or research work at LKYSPP?
The intellectual environment at LKSPP is very conducive for the research work. Even though the faculty at the school are top experts in their area, they are very approachable. When I reflect on my last 2 years at the school, I now realized the faculty’s patience and perseverance with which they have answered my stupid question on so many occasions.
The School also provides an opportunity to listen to, and interact with leading global policymakers and academicians. In last two years I had an opportunity to interact with many distinguished people from Tony Blair to Douglas North. In addition to this, the weekly seminars on different topics help us grow beyond the narrow confines of our research areas.
Apart from the intellectual environment the administrative support at LKYSPP is exceptionally good. During the last two years (during the MPP) it was like hand holding for me as I feel that they had taken care of every small need in a timely and professional manner.
Want to share any highlights such as awards, special events, professional presentation of your work?
I was awarded Harwin Award (Silver) for academic excellence (Semester 1, AY 2008-09) during the MPP Program at LKYSPP and I was also selected for the Dean’s List (Semester 1, AY 2008-09).
What are your career goals?
I am keen to pursue a career in academics and devote my rest of life to research and teaching in the area of Health Policy. | 
