AI for the People: Reimagining Governance in the Digital Age

 

"AI can be a powerful enabler to ensure sustainability if the Government uses it well and strategically in the areas of governance, development and while designing policies. To ensure this the Government require to understand how this can be done".

https://meghalayamonitor.com/reimagining-governance-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/#google_vignette

From Planning to Practice: Why Research Processes and Protocols Matter

 "Typically, a well-designed research protocol and process framework transforms knowledge into a credible, ethical and impactful study. In addition to this it warrants that a research project is transparent, disciplined, and scientifically trustworthy".

https://meghalayamonitor.com/from-planning-to-practice-why-research-protocols-and-processes-matter/

Moments in the Land of Endless Skies: My Australian Odyssey

 

"History mentions that Dutch explorers named these parts New Holland in the 1660s. In 1770 Captain Cook from Britain claimed it as New South Wales. It was in the early 1800s that Mathew Flanders, a British voyager used the work Australia since he found it was more appropriate. In 1824 the British Government officially adopted the name Australia which includes the entire continent and the nation that was formed later"

https://meghalayamonitor.com/moments-in-the-land-of-endless-skies-my-australian-odyssey/

Reverse Research in Action: Aligning Research with Governance

 "Reverse research methodology includes a problem statement defined by policy makers and stakeholders; Think Tanks and research organisations  tailor their research approach based on this". 

https://meghalayamonitor.com/reverse-research-in-action-aligning-research-with-governance/

Collaboration as Strategy: Strengthening Ties Within and Outside

 " In the realm of policy making, having a robust strategy in place serves as a roadmap for building and executing effective policies. It includes developing a set of goals and long-term plans. Ideally a strategy specifies what an organisation does, how it should be done and the direction it will lead to".

https://meghalayamonitor.com/strategy-a-compass-of-policymaking/

Stray Animals and Birds-Every Paw and Wing Needs Kindness (My Booklet)

My love for animals and birds is very strong. I have put together my experiences and some anecdotes-happy, sad and funny in this booklet-"Voices of the Voiceless-Stray Animals and Birds: Every Paw and Wing Deserves Kindness". You can read it here.

You can access the booklet here https://www.flipbookpdf.net/web/site/2a9ef2cdb408261d4297ece75436c64f675fbaba202509.pdf.html

Why India’s nonprofits must embrace data culture

 I coauthored this article with Samar Verma where we discuss "Data is evidence – it will shape social action in the digital age. Resisting it risks inefficiency and irrelevance".

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/why-india-s-nonprofits-must-embrace-data-culture-3736487

Musings, Anecdotes and Experiences

 This is the link to my book titled Musings, Anecdotes and Experiences: Compilation of Articles on Research Communication, Policy Engagement and Communicating Data. 

https://flipbooks.fleepit.com/f-101661-musings_anecdotes_and_experiences

The Ripple Effect: Do recommendations made by think tanks make an impact in policymaking?

"Impact encompasses influencing public policy, including its effect on the public policy-making process, the community, and governance.  So, how does a Think Tank know that the research it conducts is impactful, useful, and, yes, helps contribute to the policy-making process?" I write in an article in On Think Tanks.

On Think Tanks | The ripple effect: do recommendations made by think tanks make an impact in policymaking?

Podcast on Assertive Communication Podcast

In this Podcast I speak on Assertive Communication, I focus on how "Assertive Communicators express their thoughts and feelings openly and directly while respecting other's rights".

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cPu5Vf6xRTG2DnGksbokX?si=JkvVs4m5QNe8V7yrpWmlIw

Strategy: a Compass for Policy Making

 "A viable and useful strategic approach includes having a clear vision with actionable points for implementation and outcomes" I write in an article in Meghalaya Monitor

Strategy: A compass of policymaking - Meghalaya Monitor

Port Blair: Where patriotism meets paradise

"From Cellular Jail’s solemn history to coral reefs and tribal heritage, Port Blair blends patriotism, natural beauty, and unforgettable adventures" I write on my experiences on a travel to the Andaman Islands.

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/lifestyle/travel/port-blair-where-patriotism-meets-paradise-3672087

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The Case for Cyber Saathis

"Defining cybercrimes in particular, we are talking not about standalone crimes, but a suite of purposeful crimes such as digital arrests, cyber stalking, blackmailing, sextortion, cyber frauds and attacks perpetrated against young adults and digital pornography, crimes through online games victimising children" I write an article with Dr. Anupama Shetty and Dr. Harini Santhanam in the Deccan Herald. 

You can access the article here The Case for Cyber Saathis: Community Heroes Against Cybercrime

Recipe for writing a winning CV

 "A well-written CV ensures clarity, a compelling read, showcasing your achievements, experiences, knowledge and suitability for the job applied" I wrote in an article in The New Indian Express. You can access the article here Dr Annapoorna Ravichander gives us a recipe for writing a winning CV

My Reflections from the 2025 OTT Conference

 I recently visited Johannesburg to attend the On Think Tanks Conference 2025. Post the same I wrote an article on my experience. The same was published by On Think Tanks. You can access the article here https://onthinktanks.org/articles/my-reflections-from-the-2025-ott-conference/

A refined FCRA can enable India’s knowledge economy

"The May 2025 amendments to the FCRA Rules further deepen this regulatory vision, aligning India’s compliance mechanisms with international standards such as those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF") I wrote in an article in the Deccan Herald.

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/a-refined-fcra-can-enable-india-s-knowledge-economy-3630082

Clothing as a tool of political communication

 "A common man often recognises the political “meaning” of a party based on the attire or political clothing depicted" I wrote in an article published by Meghalaya Monitor". You can access the article here https://meghalayamonitor.com/clothing-as-a-tool-of-political-communication/

Plagiarism a challenge in academics

 

Plagiarism should be avoided to ensure academic integrity, success in professional life and intellectual growth I wrote in an article published by Meghalaya Monitor. You can access the article here https://meghalayamonitor.com/plagiarism-a-challenge-in-academics/

Meghalaya banks big on AI technology

 

The State of Meghalaya is emerging as a pioneer in adopting AI to enhance governance, optimise resource allocation and promote inclusive development I write in an article in Meghalaya Monitor. You can access the article here https://meghalayamonitor.com/meghalaya-banks-big-on-ai-technology/

Digital dialogue: How govts use social media for public good

 

"Social media makes public policy more interactive, data-driven, and people-focused, bridging the gap between govt & the governed: I wrote in an article published by @Meghalaya Monitor. You can access the article here https://meghalayamonitor.com/digital-dialogue-how-govts-use-social-media-for-public-good/

The dead horse theory and think tanks

Broadly, the Dead Horse Theory is an old saying coined by the Dakota Native Americans and is used as a metaphor in management, policy making, and politics to understand conditions where people endure with failing strategies, programmes or policies despite clarity. ...It is born from a saying, “When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”

It also describes situations where governments and policymakers continue implementing failing policies instead of abandoning or reforming them. One reason could be political, economic, or bureaucratic pressures that do not encourage or support change. Using effective communication strategies and tools to include interactive data visualisation, social media platforms and videos and podcasts.

You can read the article here

Should one foster consortium or competition?

Choosing between consortium and competition depends on strategic goals, resources and timelines of a project. For example, initiatives regarding environmental issues, use of technology to drive better outcomes.

You can read the article here

Importance of strategy in public policy and communication

Strategy is neither a set of norms, goals or long-term plan to ensure stability. Simply put, it is a ‘unique way to create value in sustainability’. Simply put, it is a strategy in public policy and is like a compass — it guides decisions, aligns resources, anticipates roadblocks and helps achieve impactful change. Without a strategy, policy risks becoming fragmented, reactive and ineffective.

You can read the article here

Dehradun Unplugged

 Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Dehradun and visited Rishikesh and Mussoorie. Post the visit I penned my experiences, and it was published in Meghalaya Monitor. 

You can read the article here

Cellular Jail, Port Blair

 

I write my experience post my visit to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. "It was one of the most harrowing ordeals for the Indian freedom fighters during the colonial era"

Read the article

Podcast-Communication Styles-Episode 2

 

In this Podcast I discuss the four primary styles of professional communication-Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive and Assertive. I emphasise on the importance of assertive communication which fosters healthy relationships, effective problem solving and overall professional success.

You can listen the same here

Podcast-Effectice Professional Communication Episode 1

 

Welcome to my Podcast series. In the first episode I explore the importance of effective communication in a professional setting. Communication is defined as sharing of information, ideas and emotions. It plays a crucial role in team work, conflict resolution, engagement, productivity and overall professional growth.

You can listen to the same herehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4PpcDk8TUAbqc714j29YoJ?si=9bf69b50956f4c5e

How to Develop an Effective Annual Report

 In this Vodcast I unlock the power of the Annual Report as a crucial communication tool. This video walks you through the essential steps, from conceptualizing the story with a visual layout and identifying your key audiences, both internal and external, to gathering impactful achievements – the 'WoW' factor – from your team. We'll explore the importance of a well-planned production strategy, including design considerations for both hard and soft copies, such as color schemes and font choices, and the critical process of internal review for accuracy and ownership. Ultimately, we emphasise the value of learning from each report, both from successes and areas for improvement, to continually enhance your organization's communication and create a truly compelling annual report.

You can watch the entire episode here Annual Report

Vodcast on How to Structure a Policy brief?

 

"Typically a Policy Brief is a concise, targeted communication piece developed to help policymakers, stakeholders and decision-makers with clear, evidence-based information on a specific issue, policy option, or recommendation" I share in this Vodcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMruMOZ1zbw

How policy labs change the game

"A succinct definition of a policy lab is a hub to learn, meet and understand the nuances of policy-making processes. Policy labs can play a crucial role in meeting the demands of attaining the SDGs by being a soundboard to discuss key issues and develop Policy Briefs for understanding and dissemination" an article I wrote with my colleague, Dr. Harini was published in the Deccan Herald.

https://www.deccanherald.com/education/how-policy-labs-change-the-game-3387456

Vodcast on Structured Writing

"I share structured writing is a way to organise and present content in a clear, consistent and systematic way. It focusses on breaking down complex information into smaller, modular units that can be easily understood, reused and maintained" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6M0mXpHlPc 

What Lessons does the Government of Karnataka Learn from the Economic Policy?

 A general understanding of Economic Policy includes strategies, values and programmes adopted by a government. It helps in standardising the economy of a State/country to include growth, stability, equity and sustainability. It also involves outcomes on production, distribution and consumption of goods and services which affects individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. In short, an Economic Policy includes fiscal, monetary, trade and development policies which provides critical lessons for a government.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/admin/uploads/pdf/IIPA-KRB_Newsletter-December_2024.pdf

Is it policymakers or policy decisions?

 "Policy decisions are the outcomes or specific actions taken as part of the policy-making process. They are choices which have been formalised and address specific challenges to help achieve said objectives. On the other hand, Policymakers are people or an individual whose prime task is to understand a challenge/issue, take decisions, formulate and implement policies" I write in an article in Meghalaya Monitor.

https://meghalayamonitor.com/is-it-policymakers-or-policy-decisions/