Qualifications:

Email: raj@dakshin.org

Profile: Born and raised in Ratnagiri, an ecologically sensitive region in the Konkan of Maharashtra, Raj has always felt a deep connection to nature. He has been driven to work on environmental issues and the sustainable development of the region. Before transitioning to the development sector, he served as an Assistant Professor of Political Science in Pune. His interest in political ecology bridges both these professions.

Over the past few years, he has gained experience in the education and livelihoods sectors. He has interned and volunteered at the grassroots level with indigenous communities in Jammu, Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra, working on issues ranging from foundational education to forest rights. During his Master’s, he studied ecotourism initiatives in the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts to understand their contribution to ecological conservation and the economic growth of the Konkan region.

Raj joined Dakshin as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Programme in Maharashtra. He looks forward to working with indigenous fishing communities to explore inclusive marine resource management.

Apart from work, he enjoys going on long bike rides, exploring offbeat places, and understanding local cultures.