<p class="MsoNormal">I, Aditya Bhattacharya, am an architect and urban planner, with work experience spanning across the realms of research, consulting and academia. Right from the initial period of my academic and professional journey, I have been interested in understanding cities, their growth, and how to make these cities more inclusive and functional. With a background in architecture (Under-Graduation) and urban planning (post-graduation), I have always been interested in the relationship between the built environment, urban governance, and the everyday lives of people. As a result of this training and experience, I am motivated to apply for the position of Associate Professor in Urban Planning at NICMAR.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I completed my Bachelor of Architecture from Jadavpur University, where I first developed an interest in the larger questions of urban development. My architectural education set up the base and helped me understand the spatial design and the physical structure of cities. However, with work experience at a private architecture firm after my Under-graduation, through exposure to macro-level projects, I realized that urban challenges go beyond design, and require a deeper understanding of planning systems, governance, and policy. This led me to pursue a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from CEPT University with a specialization in housing. This Post-Graduation trained me towards understanding the relationship between planning, housing markets, and urban growth in Indian cities.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After my M. Plan degree, I worked as a Real Estate Research Analyst at Liases Foras in Mumbai. Here, I was working on feasibility studies and market research for residential, retail, and commercial projects, across Mumbai, Pune and Delhi NCR. This experience gave me practical insight into the real estate sector and helped me understand how planning decisions interact with market forces. I have also briefly worked as an Urban Development Researcher and writer at CityScope, where I researched and wrote analytical pieces on Indian cities and urban development issues.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Presently, I have been working as an Assistant Professor at Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior (March 2022 to present). Teaching students of architecture, planning, and interior design has been a very meaningful and important part of my professional journey. I have taught theoretical subjects, guided design studios, and supervised thesis and dissertation work. Along with teaching, I have also been involved in several academic responsibilities such as program coordination, internship coordination, and departmental activities. These roles have helped me develop a deeper understanding of academic processes and student mentorship.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Presently, I am pursuing a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from SPA Bhopal (an institute of National Importance). My tentative research topic is the issue of inaccessibility to affordable housing in India. Affordable Housing remains one of the most pressing challenges in Indian cities. Through this research, I aim to contribute to discussions on more equitable and accessible urban development.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With an institute like NICMAR having a strong focus on the built environment sector, I believe my academic background, diverse teaching experience, and exposure to real estate research and familiarity with the Mumbai-Pune zone, would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the prestigious institution. From a personal level, I see NICMAR as a place where I can continue to grow as a teacher and researcher while engaging with important questions related to urban planning, housing and urban development in India.</p>