How JNU helped you in your study, research and growth as a person?

Academic exposure, facilities and interactions at JNU contributed substantially for my success. I am ever obliged to Prof. P. S. Ramakrishnan and Dr. AL. Ramanathan at School of Environmental Sciences for their guidance, assistance and encouragement all along.

How Oxford is different from JNU?

It is different in many ways, more so in the approach to research. The process and scope of learning is absolutely wide and diverse. Just to give you a sense of this diversity, I am studying for D.Phil (PhD) but simultaneously enrolled in a course on management and business at the Said Business School, Oxford.

You have been abroad before also, how do people outside perceive us (Indians)?

Indian brain is well respected and people are always warm and welcoming

Environmental Science is a growing and popular field. What are the prospects in this area?

True, its reach is comprehensive. As far as career is concerned the opportunities are immense and diverse, from academics to business through social engineering and beyond.

In higher studies we need to specialize and focus on a particular aspect of the subject. What is your focus and area of specialisation?

That is absolutely right. I am looking in to Mangrove Resource Conservation and Human Security in Bhitarkanika Ramsar site in Orissa, India. I specialize on Environmental Governance and Adaptation.

How you would like to utilsie your knowledge and expertise? What is your aim?

My aim is to put my training and knowledge for capacity development in my country and region.

In what way you would like to contribute to your native state Orissa?

Well, I need to be very precise else I might sound idealistic and unrealistic. Primary focus and concern of all my initiatives and engagements will be centered around environment and development in Orissa.

What do you think of Orissa's Development? What are the obstacles in progress?

We are rolling on and certainly gaining momentum. We have become a major destination for investment in capital, both natural and human. But we need to take in to consideration pressing issues of equity and justice as well.

What role scientific knowledge can play in the growth of a traditional society like that of Orissa?

Knowledge generated through scientific endeavors always compliments the existing traditional knowledges and approaches, rather than replacing it. And this is where I see a great role and contribution of scientific knowledge in Orissa.

Now-a-days Orissa is a preferred destination for FDIs. How the FDIs will help Orissa especially in Sustainable Development?

Certainly these FDIs will help. We need to partner with and work together in each others' mutual interests. Trade offs and adjustments are part of this. Without getting in to the jargon of Sustainable Development, I am sure there are existing scopes and potentials in this partnership and we need to harness them. Like under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme these MNCs can contribute substantially to community development.

Orissa has a sizeable chunk of NROs who are hard working and recognised for the contribution in their respective fields. How they can be helpful to Orissa's brand image and growth?

Each one has his/her own expertise and potentials. For the benefit of our state we need to channelize this expertise accordingly and responsibly. That is where the role of responsible and concerned people comes to picture.

Any message for OrissaDiary and our Readers?

Knowledge without its use and application is a complete waste. And it is high time we act as per our own capabilities and existing resources to bring forth changes. Orissadiary is doing a good job and I am not surprised to know that it's widely read abroad. I want you people to focus on the issues related to youth, environment and development and I should congratulate you here in your consistent endeavor in projecting a positive image of our state. I wish a very Happy New Year 2007 to the readers and the members of OrissaDiary.