Student's Profile

Diploma in Environmental Law XV Batch Students’ Profile

MAHI PURI
I have completed my graduation in Mathematics Honors from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. During my three years of college, I was actively involved in AIESEC – world’s largest youth run organization. I want to make a mark in the field of wildlife conservation through research, campaigns and films. I’m currently working at Riverbank Studio, a production house managed by Mr. Mike Pandey, a renowned wildlife and environment conservationist. I have been working as a researcher, scriptwriter and producer for Earth Matters, a weekly wildlife and environmental television series telecast on the National Network. The films that I have successfully completed are a) Wetlands and Sarus Cranes b) Bandhavgarh National Park c) Wonders of the Ocean d) Kiteflying- A Death Trap for Birds and e) Diminishing Resources- Fisheries. As a result of my work experience I have developed a keen passion for wildlife and environment.

My hobbies include pottery, traveling and reading.

ELSIE GABRIEL
I have a degree in Education Honours and a Post Graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism as well as Psychological Counselling. I have an experience of over 15 years in the world of media and writing. Working as a free-lance journalist with India’s largest circulated newspaper- The Times of India, Mumbai, I am an ardent social worker. Having delivered a paper on Government-Society enhancement as part of an advocasy programme at the UNICEF Patna to the Directorate General and Senior Officials of the Public Relations department of the Government of Bihar, I have also worked in area’s of social concerns like Drug Abuse and Aids. My attachment and tryst with water, lakes, beaches and rivers have taken me to explore not only the Powai Lake but also the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas,Lakes in LA, Malaysia, Mauritius,Swizterland, Holland, Nepal, Lakshwadeep and France besides numerous other water spots of the world.

My other passions are in area’s of Adventure sports, Photography, Culinary delights, Gardening and Envrionment writing.

PRAKASH K MOHAPATRA
I am working as Asst. Env. Scientist of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Orissa. He is a first class PG in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack of 1987 and was awarded with Ph. D. from Utkal Univ. in 1995. He was a JRF in a UGC project from 1987-90 for doctoral research work on industrial pollution studies. During 1990-93, he served Orissa SPCB, Bhubaneswar as a JSA in a CPCB project on water quality studies (MINARS). In 1993, Dr Mohapatra joined M/S J. K. Paper Mills, JayKaypur to work as Asst. Manager (Env. & Pollution Control) and he was promoted to Dy. Manager in the later part of 1995. In 1997, he came back to Orissa SPCB where he served in the HO at Bhubaneswar during 1997-99 and 2001-05 and is now at the Regional Office at Angul – Talcher area since 2005. He was the Regional Officer at Balasore in northern Orissa from 1999-2001. Now, he is associated with WWF-India to learn more on national & intl. environmental laws & rules and norms of pollutants to maintain sustainable industrial development and protect, control & conserve the environment.

PRISCILLA CHUNDA
I have recently relocated to Delhi from Harare, Zimbabwe where I had been lecturing in the Biology Department of the University of Zimbabwe. Prior to my lecturing I obtained a MSc. Biology degree with specialization in Natural Products and Biodiversity at Leiden University in the Netherlands. I am planning to pursue my PhD in the same field and I quickly realized that it would be important for me to understand the Laws and Policies that exist in this field. I also hold a BSc. Honours degree in Biochemistry from the University of Zimbabwe. I have worked as a Research assistant in Biochemistry projects as well as projects that have sought to publish the economic potential of some indigenous trees of Southern Africa.

SANJOY MAJI
I am Sanjoy Maji, M. Sc. Environmental Science from Banaras Hindu University, have qualified in UGC-NET for eligibility for Lectureship held on 31st December, 2005. Presently I am working as an Executive-Environment in Unitech Ltd. My job responsibility includes supporting and oversees EIA work and Environmental Clearance of different construction projects under the EIA guidelines. I am also responsible for ensuring all statutory compliance for Environment and act as a key person for spearheading all the initiatives pertaining to environment. Responsibility simultaneously include preparation of contractual terms, preparation of guidelines steering Site Environmental Activities, liaison with Govt. and Statutory authorities, formulating procedure and system to deal with local standards. Prior to Unitech Ltd. I was in National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Delhi Zonal Laboratory as Project Assistant, in project “Surveillance of Microbial Quality of Drinking Water Supply of Delhi Jal Board.”

GEETA VISWANATHAN
I hold a Bachelors degree in Zoology from the University of Mumbai and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Oceanography and Fishery Science. I have always been enthusiastic about nature and all it has to offer and wildlife photography. I' am a member of Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai. I have volunteered in an educational exhibition called the Aqua India which promotes knowledge about the various kinds of fish that inhabit our coast lines by displaying various kinds of aquaria. To augment my career I have participated in various nature trails, I enjoy bird watching and have participated in the recently held HSBC Mumbai Bird Race. My interests have secured me a seat in the University of Victoria, New Zealand for a degree in Masters of Marine Conservation which encouraged me to take up the course in Environmental Law as a foundation and to get acquainted with various laws for conserving wildlife and the environment both nationally and internationally.

Other interests include listening to music, traveling, sketching and reading.

GITANJALI KAPOOR PURI
I have a Masters in Botany; have pursued Diploma in Web Designing and Bioinformatics. I have taught in various public and Army schools. I am presently self-employed as a Securities Trader, also actively associated with AWWA and NGO's located in remote areas. I work in diverse areas like environmental causes, population control and public health. I believe that compassion and dedication towards common goals can cross all regional, linguistic and social barriers and help bring out reforms at the brain level - a task which can never be impossible as change is the very law of nature. Presently pursuing Intro module I of NSE India and Environmental Law from WWF.

My interests include traveling, reading and sports like squash and golf.

TANUSHREE CHAKRABORTY
I am pursuing my MBA in Tourism from International Institute of Professional Studies, Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Indore. I have done my graduation in Commerce from Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidhyalaya. I am also pursuing a Diploma in Heritage Management from M.P Bhoj (Open) University.

I have done my Summer Training from Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel Udaipur & Inland Container Depot, Bhilwara. I have completed my On the Job Training from Letz Go Travels and Control Indore (GSA Cox & Kings).

LOVLEEN BHULLAR
I am currently interning with the legal department of a NGO called The Friends of the Earth in London, U.K. Prior to commencing this internship, I completed Masters of Law (LLM), with distinction, from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, with an emphasis on environmental law related courses.

I completed BA. LLB (Hons.) at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore from where I graduated in 2003. After finishing law at Bangalore, I worked in the law firm- Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. at their New Delhi offices in their litigation and arbitration department from August 2003 to July 2006.

SABINA PANDEY
After my graduation in law from Bayreuth and Wuerzburg, Germany, I have been living in India throughout my working life. Initially starting off as an advisor for German companies doing business in India, at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata and Mumbai, after which I moved on to work in the corporate banking team of a leading international bank in Mumbai. I have then been associated with TERI as an advisor – CSR and am now working with a leading firm on corporate sustainability reporting and advisory. Through this course, I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge about international and India specific environmental law, especially from the point of view of nature conservation and finding different, new and truly sustainable models for development.

DR. MAYURESH GANGAL
I hold Bachelors degree in Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry from Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai. Have actively participated in Bombay Veterinary College's campaign on awareness about toxic effect of "Diclorofinac" on vultures during my internship programme. I have also worked with Ranthambhor based NGO- TIGER WATCH as research volunteer. I want to pursue a career in the field of wildlife and conservation. The areas of my interests are wildlife diseases and eco-toxicity. I am currently pursuing masters in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine from College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan.

SMITHA KAMATH
After twelve years of working in the IT sector, took a sabbatical with an environmental NGO and handled their organization development for a year. I wish to make a difference to this environment and preserve it so that future generations of all living beings are able to live in harmony. I am consciously trying to rid my kids of their indifferent attitude towards other living beings who share our planet.

Enrolled in this program to understand the various environmental laws and ways in which they could be implemented effectively. I believe that Economic Value add to every organization’s product or service needs to be evaluated for “environmental sustainability” and this could lead the organizations to own up and be more responsible. During this course I would very much like to interact with others to identify the collaborating entities to make this a reality.

SHIPRA SRIVASTAVA
I am a post graduate in Environmental Science, from University of Lucknow. I did my graduation (B.Sc. Botany, Chemistry) from Isabella Thoburn Degree College. I undertook a project titled "A Study of Pollution at Locomotive Workshop" as part of my M.Sc. curriculum. I have a keen interest in understanding the legal framework that exists for our environment and this brought me to Centre for Environmental Law. I have a career objective to work in the field of environmental education and awareness and spreading information about various environmental issues to all the sectors of the society both urban and rural.

Apart from academics I enjoy reading thrillers and a bit of acting & dancing as well. I also enjoy group activities and organizing events.

UNNIKRISHNAN
I am currently working with Accenture India's e-learning group as a senior instructional designer. I am a graduate in visual communication from Loyola College, Chennai. I have been interested in wildlife ever since I can remember. I am a fledgling birdwatcher as well. I now wish to extend my interest in wildlife into conservation. My professional skill-set is primarily related to training development and my personal interest is in wildlife. I wish to combine these areas -- specifically, I am keen on contributing to wildlife conservation in India through the development of e-learning programs on issues relating to conservation issues.

URVISH PATEL
I, Urvish Patel basically from Baroda, want to enhance my career in environment field through better acquisition of knowledge and research. I want to do so because; I love this planet earth and this incredible nature and biodiversity. I think that all the problems which are going on nowadays with environment are all due to anthropogenic activities. According to me all these problems seem serious with big name, but the solutions are simple with a little effort. Lets all put our hands together to save this planet.

Academically, I have completed my Bachelor degree in Science (Environmental Science) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and my Masters degree in same subject from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune. Currently, I am working with World Wide Fund for Nature - India, Gujarat State Office as an Educational Office.

I am interested to meet new people and make friends, Wildlife photography, to play snooker.

COL PILLAY
I work as Planning Officer (Defence) in the Defence Ministry where I handle issues related to Defence Policy, Strategy, International Cooperation, Internat- ional treaties and obligations like CWC, CCW, BTWC, Environ Policy etc. I represented India at UNGA and UNOG, Conference on Disarmament and the UNEP. He is currently pursuing a Masters program in Sustainable Development and is an alumnus of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Switzerland.

I am deeply concerned about the environment and I take keen interest in socio-environmental issues. During my career in the army while serving in the Northeast and Kashmir I have been actively involved in apprehending traffickers and poachers. I am also a recipient of the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry along with Wound medal for successful encounter against terrorists. While serving as Vice Principal at the King George School , Bangalore was actively involved in training and educating the staff and children to enhance environmental consciousness.

I am an outdoor person and a teetotaler and vegetarian by choice.

SHIVANGI KATOCH
Academically, I started my schooling from the Montessori International in Katmandu, Nepal. I finished Grammar school from LaSalle language Academy, Chicago. And completed my schooling from DPS Rk Puram, New Delhi and appeared for my CBSE 10th and 12th boards from there. Then I got into Miranda House to do an honors degree in Political Science, during which I traveled extensively in Bhutan and realized my love for nature and photography. I then decided to come down to Pune, Maharashtra to pursue Law with the Symbiosis Societies Law College, I received my LLB degree last year. I have worked with the WWF Pune office on various occasions from collecting funds to organizing awareness drives, being a part of AISSEC also helped me get closer to environmental issues. I am presently doing a documentary making course from The Institute of Moving Images, Mumbai, and am assisting an NGO for social awareness through media here in Pune.

I take asylum in my love for music and the visual arts. I hope to one day be able to make a positive difference towards the growth of our environment and our future generations, and to make the best possible use of the information and learning that is imparted to me through this course.

DEO KUMAR CHAUHAN
I am an environment professional with over six years of work experience currently working in an Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company. With a graduation in Architecture, I hold post graduation with specialisation in Environmental Planning. I was fortunate to be part of multidisciplinary infrastructure consultancy projects in initial half of my career.

One of the key components in my current job as Field Environment Engineer is to ensure regulatory compliance in company’s operations. I expect that this course will help me building a thorough knowledge base of environmental legislation and update me about latest developments. Personally, I have more interest in laws related to Biodiversity and its conservation.