Dr. Ajith Kaliyath is a Human Geographer and Urban and Regional Planner. Dr. Kaliyath holds a PhD in Land as a Critical Ecological Resource for Sustainable Cities from Queen’s University Belfast, UK. Considering the transferable skills acquired by him during his PhD, Dr. Kaliyath had been awarded ‘Researcher Plus’ award by Queen’s University Belfast.
He is a recipient of the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship and Overseas Research Scholarship from the Government of UK. He has 20 years of professional experience which include technical positions in State and Central Pollution Control Boards, Ministry of Environment and Forests, German International Cooperation (GIZ) and in the private sector.
Dr. Kaliyath had earlier served in the elected executive boards of Young Academics of Association of European Planning Schools Association and oikos International. He was the Indian Principal Investigator of UK-India Joint Network on Sustainable Cities coordinated by NIUA and University of Nottingham which secured the Runner up position in the Newton Prize 2017.
During the year 2016-17, Dr. Kaliyath was the Convener of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) Committee for International Cooperation which organised the International Conference on Future of Cities in July 2017. Since 2015, Dr. Kaliyath has been the Regional Studies Association’s Ambassadors for India and led the process of launching the RSA India Division in April 2017. Dr. Kaliyath is one of the founder members of the Sustainable Chennai Forum established by Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Specialisation/Areas of Interest
Urban Resilience, Urban Planning Education, Inclusive Planning
My view on the future role of RSA in India
India is emerging as a major global destination of talent, technology and investments. Making an effective spatial articulation of these needs a deeper understanding of the various regions and their dynamics.
Ajith Kaliyath, PhD, Associate Professor, Sushant School of Planning and Development, Ansal University, Gurgaon, India