Pratima learned about Dakshin while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts, introduced by a senior community member. She was subsequently selected for Dakshin’s Coastal Grassroots Fellowship, which expanded her knowledge of various socio-economic issues affecting the fishing community. During her fellowship, she also honed her skills in communication, dispute resolution, photography, and community organising. In her current role, Pratima organises community-level workshops on non-communicable diseases, mental health, and adolescent health. She also supports women’s participation in fisheries livelihoods through meetings with village committees, youth groups, community health workers, Anganwadi workers, and children. Additionally, she facilitates the SeaChange initiative by identifying issues and developing health interventions. In her free time, Pratima enjoys taking walks on the beach, capturing stunning scenery with her camera, and indulging in music and dance. She is proficient in Hindi, Telugu, Odia, and English.