Speakers
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Ananta PrasadFounder-Director, BharatanubhavAnanta Prasad is a tourism policy and urban development professional with over 15 years of experience in destination development, governance, and city transformation. A native of Puri, he combines deep cultural roots with extensive experience across more than 20 Indian cities. As the Founder of BharatAnubhav, he promotes community-led tourism and sustainable destination development that integrates culture, local economies, and institutional capacity. His work focuses on creating resilient, inclusive, and culturally rooted heritage cities through collaborative and people-centred development.
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Dr. Asutosh AcharyaChief Climate Scientist and Co-Founder, AurassureDr. Asutosh is the Chief Climate Scientist and Co-Founder of Aurassure, India, where he leads the development of AI-powered climate risk platforms for monitoring air quality, extreme weather, and urban flooding. He holds a PhD in Atmospheric Science from IIT Bhubaneswar and has conducted research at NCAR and NASA, USA. With over 12 years of experience, his expertise spans climate modelling, environmental monitoring, sustainability, nature-based solutions, and ESG. He is also an academic, science communicator, and Co-Convenor of OdishaFirst, promoting climate awareness and public engagement.
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Dr. Swayamprabha DasDevelopment ProfessionalDr. Swayamprabha Das is a development and environment expert with over 25 years of experience in climate change, natural resource management, policy, gender, and sustainable development. She has worked with governments, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society, and local communities, bridging policy and implementation. She has contributed to India’s G20 Presidency, BRICS Chairship, and Antarctic Treaty processes. She holds a PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University and is a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow specializing in natural resource management.
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Preeti Prada PanigrahiDirector, Socratus FoundationPreeti Prada Panigrahi is a senior public policy and equity-focused leader with over 17 years of experience driving evidence-based policy and large-scale development programs across India and other low- and middle-income countries. Currently serving as Director, Programs & Partnerships at Socratus Foundation for Collective Wisdom, she specializes in translating research into actionable policy, building strategic partnerships, and leading multi-stakeholder initiatives. Her expertise spans climate resilience, urban systems, and inclusive governance, complemented by academic training from the London School of Economics and Harvard University.
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Rachit KirteemanFood ConsultantRachit Kirteeman is a consultant chef and visual storyteller whose work explores the intersection of history, heritage, and food. Through culinary anthropology, he collaborates with local and tribal communities to document and preserve regional micro-cuisines. He champions indigenous, seasonal ingredients such as millets, mahua, and sweet potatoes, bringing traditional flavours into contemporary cuisine. Through The Odisha Table of Chef Rachit, he curates immersive dining experiences inspired by Odia heritage, while travelling extensively to discover and celebrate India’s diverse culinary traditions.
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Sandipan SarangiWaste Management Specialist, UN-HabitatSandipan Sarangi is an urban systems practitioner with over 15 years of experience in urban governance, infrastructure, sanitation, circular economy, and climate-resilient development. He has worked with UN-Habitat, UNICEF, EY, NASSCOM Foundation, and central and state governments to design and implement urban policies and reforms. His expertise lies in strengthening municipal institutions, promoting resource efficiency, and improving public service delivery. He brings a systems perspective on balancing heritage conservation, climate resilience, urban growth, and citizen well-being in Indian cities.
Local Time
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Date: Jul 07 2026
- Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Odisha Urban Vision 2036 (Part 2): Puri: Where Sacred Heritage Meets Sustainable Urban Futures
Odisha stands at a pivotal moment in its urban evolution, with each city playing a unique role in shaping the state’s economic, cultural, and climate futures. This webinar series, brings together leaders, experts, and urban thinkers to examine how cities can innovate, collaborate, and drive sustainable growth. From twin-city metropolitan integration to industrial modernization, cultural heritage stewardship, service-led expansion, and tribal-rooted urbanization, each session uncovers pathways for transformation. These dialogues aim to surface city-specific opportunities while building a shared understanding of Odisha’s urban trajectory. Together, we explore how every city can grow with dignity, sustainability, and resilience at its core.
Part 2: Puri – Where Sacred Heritage Meets Sustainable Urban Futures
Puri: Where Sacred Heritage Meets Sustainable Urban Futures is the second session in the Odisha Urban Vision 2036 webinar series under INHAF’s Rethinking City initiative. The webinar explores how Puri can evolve as a culture-safe, people-centred, and climate-secure city while preserving its sacred heritage and unique urban identity. Bringing together experts from urban planning, climate science, tourism, food systems, sustainability, and public policy, the discussion examines the interconnected challenges of heritage conservation, pilgrimage management, regenerative tourism, local livelihoods, circular economy, and coastal climate resilience. The session highlights the need for integrated, community-led approaches that balance economic development with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. By exploring innovative strategies for governance, climate adaptation, and urban transformation, the webinar aims to position Puri as a national model for sacred, resilient, and future-ready urban development, aligned with Odisha’s long-term urban vision.