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Upendra Mani Pradhan's Page

Upendra Mani Pradhan Male Darjeeling (India), Winnipeg (Canada): 1ii99hhrqglr8; Share

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Started Mar 9

Upendra Mani Pradhan added 4 photos. View Photos

Jun 27

May 8

Upendra Mani Pradhan added a photo: Ex-soilders brutalized

Apr 12

Upendra Mani Pradhan started a discussion called Gorkhaland... A Quest for Identity by Indian Gorkhas (Gurkhas) Mar 9

Upendra Mani Pradhan added a video: Prashant protest GBHS

Mar 9

What motivated you to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?: I come from Darjeeling, India. Home to the "Champagne among teas" Darjeeling tea, UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train, 3rd Highest mountain in the world Mt. Kanchenjunga, and one of the IUCN biodiversity hot-spots. Darjeeling is strategically very important as it shares borders with four different countries, viz: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Tibet (China), and right from my childhood I have witnessed conflicts of all sorts brewing in the region. Be it Political problem in Bangladesh and Nepal or Ethnic cleansing in Bhutan and Tibet (China). Further, my growing up years were marred by the demand for separation of Darjeeling Hills from West Bengal. The struggle still continues and the region is still the hot bed of conflicts. Hence, my interest in studying various peace and conflict resolution that I may eventually be able to apply in fostering peace in my own region.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself (no more than 3 paragraphs): I am currently a graduate student of Natural Resources Management, studying at Natural Resources Institute, Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, Canada. I have my previous Masters in Economics from North Bengal University, Darjeeling, India.

I have previously worked as Research Associate under Dr. Milindo Chakrabarty, Director, Center for Studies in Rural Economy Agriculture Environment and Appropriate Technology (CREATE), Darjeeling. My work involved looking at the linkages in grassroots level and developing framework for sustainable development using the existing institutional structure. I have also worked as guest lecturer in Environment-Economy Interactions at St. Jospeh's and Loreto College, Darjeeling. I have also been guest lecturers for Ecotourism Management at St. Joseph's and Loreto College, Darjeeling.

My current research is looking into the decision making process and public involvement in Developing a Sustainable Solid Waste Management Plan, in a Mountain Ecosystem. Currently I am in the process of writing my thesis which I expect to complete by August, 2008.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you have direct and significant expertise: My expertise lies in South-Asian countries. Particularly India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Besides this I have work experience in Canada too.

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?: Natural Resources Management

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box): http://www.iisd.org/

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise?: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Conflict Resolution, Democratization, Development, Gender, Youth, Education, Civil Society, Environment

Which are your primary skills areas?: Training, Evaluation, Program Design, Program Administration, Research

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?: Currently I am completing my thesis research, which involves the Development of a Sustainable Solid Waste Management Plan for A Mountain Ecosystem. My focus is on institutional linkages, public participation in decision making and sustainable development.

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At 1:37am on March 14th, 2008, Bobichand Rajkumar said…: Dear Upendra,
Thank you for your proposal. Let's see how can we collaborate.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,
Bobichand

At 3:37pm on March 10th, 2008, Martina said…: When i travelled to India i missed going to Darjeeling. I still kick myself for that. You SHOULD be proud to be from Darjeeling :)

At 4:50pm on March 4th, 2008, Martine K. Miller said…: Dear Updera,

It would be a pleasure to link with you. You're interest match closely with mine in conflict transformation and natural resources.
Welcome to the Network!