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Sayli Udas Mankikar
Policy strategist. knowledge broker @NITI Aayog
Sayli Mankikar is an accomplished professional with a rich educational background and extensive experience in the field of journalism, policy development, and urban affairs. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to societal improvement, Sayli has made significant strides in her career, establishing herself as a prominent figure in various organizations dedicated to knowledge management, urban policy, and climate solutions. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to fostering informed discourse around public policy and community engagement.
Sayli's academic foundation is particularly impressive. She holds a Master’s degree in International Journalism from the prestigious University of Westminster, where she honed her skills in analyzing and communicating complex global issues. Additionally, Sayli earned her MA in Mass Communications from the renowned Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, further enriching her expertise in media and communication strategies. Her academic pursuit didn’t stop there; she also completed her MA in Political Science at the University of Mumbai, gaining a thorough understanding of political frameworks and the impact of governance on society. To complement her educational qualifications, she pursued advanced studies in Graphology at the Institute of Graphological Research, showcasing her unique interest in understanding human behavior and communication through hand-writing analysis.
Professionally, Sayli Mankikar has held a variety of esteemed positions throughout her career, reflecting her diverse interests and expertise. She served as a Senior Research Fellow and Urban Policy Head at the Observer Research Foundation, where she led vital research initiatives to influence urban policy and governance. Her role has allowed her to engage actively with critical urban issues, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for cities in India. In her pursuit of impactful urban policy work, she also held the position of Director of Policy and Partnerships at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), contributing significantly to the nexus of urban research and practical application.
Additionally, Sayli has made her mark in the academic realm as a former Board Member (Hon) of the Academic Council at Symbiosis International University. She has a keen interest in academic policy and shaping future leaders in communication and public policy. This role indicates her commitment to education and her desire to contribute to the development of academic programs that align closely with the industry’s needs.
Her leadership in climate initiatives is noteworthy as well. As the former Chair of the Task Force for Collective Building at the India Forum for Nature-Based Solutions and the Head of the City Climate Alliance at NIUA, Sayli has played a pivotal role in advocating for holistic and sustainable urban environmental practices. These positions underscore her commitment to climate action and sustainable urbanization, key topics in current global discourse.
Throughout her career in journalism, Sayli has also garnered respect as a seasoned media professional. She held significant roles such as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times and Principal Correspondent at Indian Express. Her experience in these leading newspapers equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of media management and storytelling, allowing her to effectively communicate critical issues to the public. Her early days as a reporter at Mid Day laid the groundwork for her journalistic skills, where she was able to capture the essence of everyday stories that resonate with readers.
Sayli Mankikar's contributions are deeply influential, and her varied experience across journalism, policy, and sustainability demonstrate a commitment to impactful communication and public service. Her unique combination of academic excellence, extensive professional experience, and dedication to bettering society through informed policy make her a notable figure in her field.
