Trupti is a development professional with over 20 years of experience across grassroots NGOs, national ministries, international agencies, and research institutions.
Trupti possesses extensive experience in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs, currently working with Water For People as part of the Global Programmes – Strategic Accountability and Adaptation Team since March 2023. Prior roles include serving as a WASH Officer at the United Nations from June 2019 to December 2021 and as WASH Lead for Save the Children, India between September 2014 and May 2019. Trupti also worked as a WASH Consultant from June 2012 to August 2014 and has held positions with various organizations including UNICEF India, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. Academic qualifications include an M.Phil. in Natural Resource Management from IIFM and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Nagpur University.
Location: New Delhi
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/trupti-ashtankar-2177365/
Twitter: https://x.com/TRUPTIASHTANKAR
Insta: www.instagram.com/truptiashtankar
FB: www.facebook.com/trupti.ashtankar
Q. Tell us about your College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. I completed my Master’s in Environmental Science, securing fifth position in the Nagpur university merit list. I then joined NEERI, a premier CSIR laboratory, as a Research Fellow in the Water Technology Division, where I worked on water quality and environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects. After more than two years in research, I realized the importance of understanding the complex environment where research outputs are applied and thats when I came across the admission advertisement for IIFM in the newspaper, I felt it was the right time to apply and thanagpurt marked the beginning of my journey.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. IIFM not only equipped me with strong professional knowledge but also gave me the identity of being an IIFM’ite—synonymous with commitment and goal orientation.
Since then, I have worked with organizations such as UNICEF, Ministry of Jal Shakti, WOTR, Save the Children, and WSSCC/UNOPS, as well as the Mitchell Research Center in the USA. My expertise lies in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), climate resilience programming, program management, and multi-stakeholder engagement. I have also had the opportunity to represent my organizations at both national and international platforms.
Currently, I lead regional programming at Water For People, where I contribute to organizational strategy, climate and Water Resources Management (WRM) initiatives, program planning and monitoring at the global level with colleagues from Africa, Latin America, and USA.
My journey has ranged from driving grassroots watershed and climate adaptation initiatives, to managing large-scale national water and sanitation programmes, and leading global WASH efforts. These diverse roles have enabled me to influence policy, strengthen systems, and deliver measurable impact for communities worldwide. This diverse experience has been both enriching and rewarding.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. • Working at NEERI on national water supply and monitoring projects gave me a research and technical foundation.
• At WOTR, I worked on climate adaptation and carbon credit projects, linking grassroots interventions with global climate frameworks.
• With the Ministry of Jal Shakti, I contributed to national water and sanitation programmes, which shaped my understanding of policy processes.
• My role with UNICEF and Save the Children gave me deep insights into large-scale program design, field monitoring, and community engagement.
• International exposure at the Mitchell Center, USA, added perspective on social, environmental and economic issues in area of WASH.
• Currently at Water For People, I lead regional programming, contributing to country strategy and integrating climate change and water resource management into WASH.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. At Water For People, I am a part of a Strategic accountability and adaptation team of Global programmes which contribute to programme planning and monitoring at the global level. I also work closely with the Donor Impact team which involves donor discussions, reviewing project proposals, and ensuring accuracy of proposals and reports. I also contribute to climate change and water resource management initiatives, working with colleagues globally for cross-learning. Being part of a global team based in India allows me to bring local lessons to international conversations and vice versa.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career? Tell us about your College before.
A. Working with diverse organizations and expert groups on complex water and sanitation challenges has been deeply satisfying. I value the opportunity to provide solutions to stakeholders in different contexts – from rural villages in India to global policy platforms – and seeing how technical inputs translate into improved lives and healthier communities.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Yes, very much. IIFM trained me to approach problems systematically – calmly analyzing, planning, piloting, and scaling solutions. It also instilled in me the value of collaboration and convergence, which has been critical in multi-stakeholder environments.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. The biggest influences in my career have been the inspiring mentors and colleagues I have worked with, as well as the communities that taught me invaluable lessons through lived experiences.
My advice to freshers would be to stay open to diverse opportunities, invest in building both technical depth and people skills, and never underestimate the power of truly listening to communities. Careers in the development sector rarely follow a straight line, but every role, whether big or small, contributes to shaping one’s perspective, strengthening one’s skills, and adding meaning to the journey. to your perspective.
Q. Did you plan for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. I did not pursue full-time higher studies after IIFM but enriched my learning through multiple courses, including international ones on environmental governance. During my stay in the USA, I worked with the Mitchell Center and gained valuable international exposure by collaborating with US institutions and communities.
Also i had a very interesting experience after IIFM as I was selected in IIT DELHI for their Ph D program so i joined too but couldn’t complete it although i had a great experience. I had completed my coursework there with B tech and M tech students with relative grading and that was a new experience for me attending regular classes with them in the IIT ecosystem. Also opportunity to learn from IIT faculties was amazing.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Every corner of IIFM whether it’s a classroom, campus, mess, India Gate has memories attached to it. Evening gatherings with friends for group studies, field visits, and the support of faculty are some of my most cherished memories. IIFM gave me not just academic learning but also lifelong friendships and confidence.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The combination of rigorous academic training, exposure to real-world field problems, and the strong alumni network has been the biggest takeaway. It shaped my professional identity and gave me credibility in the sector.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. There are some true friends from IIFM, and they remain a lifelong treasure for me. Among the faculty, Parul Ma’am, Madhu Ma’am, Rekha Ma’am, MMY Sir, and Yogesh Sir have had a lasting impact on my life. I remain truly grateful to them for their guidance and inspiration.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Make the most of the two years – explore different subjects, participate in field assignments wholeheartedly, and build your network. These years will lay a foundation for your future professional and personal growth.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. Don’t be afraid of transitions. The skills you gain in one sector often add unique value when you move to another. Focus on how your experience can be reframed to match the needs of the new sector.
Q. What is your day like on a break?
A. On breaks, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling – exploring new places and catching up with friends.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I would be glad to contribute through mentoring students, engaging in placement or summer internship processes, and sharing insights from my global exposure in water, sanitation, and climate change.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. IIFM has certainly grown in its reach and visibility over the years. While the campus spirit and camaraderie remain unchanged, the institute today engages much more actively with contemporary global issues, making its presence felt beyond national boundaries. My last visit was a few years ago, and it was heartening to see that the same vibrant energy and sense of purpose still define IIFM.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
Aditya Petwal (MRM 2006-07)