Anjana Divakar

About Anjana Divakar

My work sits at the intersection of research, policy, and practice. I focus on questions of education, healthcare, agriculture, philanthropy, gender and labour, and local governance. At the CDPP, I help shape research initiatives and co-lead our journal on development policy.I’ve previously worked with organisations like E&H Foundation, Sanket Development Group, and the Foundation for Democratic Reforms, which taught me how layered development work can be — and why listening, patience, and collaboration matter just as much as technical skill. My leadership approach is simple: trust people, stay clear about purpose, and create space where others feel grounded enough to do their best work.Outside of work, I’m trying to live a more active life — not out of habit, but to avoid looking back with regret. I love the mountains — climbing them, walking around them, or planning the next trail.For now, life has brought me to the coasts of Lakshadweep — all sand, sun, and sea — so I carry the mountains with me while learning to make a home by the water.Always open to connecting, learning, and sharing insights on people, policy, and the spaces that influence them.

Experience

1. Director

   Centre For Development Policy And Practice

   Apr 2026 — Present · Hyderabad, IN

   I contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction, research agenda, and external engagements, while supporting programme development and key institutional initiatives.

Education

• University of Minnesota

  Course

• St. Francis College for Women

  Bachelor of Arts

• Jindal School Of Government and Public Policy

  Master of Arts