What inspired your interest in Planetary Health? 

I grew up in the southern part of India, where rapid urbanization and modern lifestyles often overshadow traditional sustainable practices. When I moved to Meghalaya for work, the contrast was eye-opening and deeply inspiring. Meghalaya’s tribal and Indigenous communities live in close harmony with nature, and sustainability is woven into their everyday lives. I saw bamboo widely used instead of plastic, locally crafted items replacing mass-produced materials, and waste managed with a sense of personal and collective responsibility. The example of Mawlynnong, known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia, showed me how community-driven ecological stewardship can create lasting impact. 

Experiencing this environment firsthand made me reflect on how such Indigenous practices could guide broader change across India, especially as climate change heightens food insecurity, environmental degradation, and health inequities. These observations sparked my interest in Planetary Health and strengthened my belief that integrating cultural wisdom with modern health systems is essential. As we face a rapidly changing climate, I feel a strong urgency to act now, before we reach a point where recovery becomes impossible.

Tell us about your Planetary Health work at JHU 

At Johns Hopkins University, I have been actively translating my personal commitment to sustainability into daily practices and community engagement. On a personal level, I carry my own reusable box, straw, and cups in my bag, ensuring that I minimize single-use plastics during meals, including at registered conferences. While these may seem like small actions, I view them as meaningful first steps toward reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable habits. Beyond my personal efforts, I serve as the One Health Student Body President, where I am planning and organizing events for graduate students at the Bloomberg School of Public Health with sustainability and health promotion in mind. In my role as a Health Promotion and Well-being Student Intern, I also advocate for sustainable practices among graduate students through my blog and newsletters, sharing tips and raising awareness about how small, consistent actions can collectively make a significant environmental impact. These initiatives allow me to combine leadership, advocacy, and personal accountability in advancing Planetary Health principles within the JHU community.

What excites you about the future of Planetary Health at JHU? 

I strongly believe that action must start today, from where we are, rather than waiting for some ideal moment in the future. While addressing planetary challenges can feel daunting, Earth remains the only livable planet we know, and it is our responsibility to make it as healthy and sustainable as possible for current and future generations. In an era of rapid technological advancement, AI, and modernization, we must not lose sight of our environment ,the foundation of all life. Climate change, environmental degradation, and the resulting impacts on marine life and vulnerable populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries, make it imperative that we act decisively.

I am particularly inspired by the potential for intersectoral collaboration and systems thinking. Every policy decision, whether in health, agriculture, infrastructure, or industry, should integrate a Planetary Health or One Health perspective. Translating policy into practice and fostering collaboration across sectors can create resilient, sustainable solutions that protect both human and environmental health. I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to this vision to help build a future where science, policy, and community action come together to make our planet more livable for generations to come.