I have worked with, and intentionally choose to work with, entities that are not large private corporations and businesses; most of my experience is therefore with non-profits, small and micro enterprises, non-government organizations, people's movements and campaigns, researchers and activists and sometimes (but rarely) lower-level governing bodies and authorities. Wherever possible, I prefer to collaborate with different entities rather than to "deliver" a service.
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There shall be flowers of blessings?
What I do
My work usually involves:
- the world wide web - planning, designing and development of websites, platforms, information systems and architectures
- data (including spatial data) - its collection, management, cleaning and visualization
- user interface and experience design
- project management and training
Skills and capabilities
Technologies and software that I use regularly include Linux (on personal computers and servers), Apache & Nginx, WordPress, PHP, JavaScript (jQuery, Leaflet, D3, bootstrap and other small scale libraries).
I have also used QGIS and R in some of my work, but I only have limited knowledge and experience in both. When I have free time I like to experiment with Open Street Map data, peer-to-peer web technologies, networking systems, Android and open hardware like RaspberryPi.
Experience and training
I started working professionally in 2008, while still pursuing a Bachelors's degree in Animation and Multimedia at BIT's Noida campus. I learnt several things while studying in college, but web development, design, computer science and information technology were not part of that experience. I have pursued these on my own beginning high school and continue to do so today.
Apart from working at Sputznik, I have been a consultant with Akvo Foundation and the 7th Disability, Sexuality and Rights Online Institute (CREA) in the past. I am currently part of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, and Datameet and Hillhacks. For a more comprehensive list of my work, engagements and associations, you can request my resume via email.
Interests and aspirations
I love to use and contribute to free open source software, open data and open access. I have a keen interest in how these three intersect with current socioeconomic and geopolitical affairs around the world. I hope to see radical change in how internet (or digital information) access is organized and governed, especially through an anti-capitalist, anti-caste and anti-patriarchal process. This starts by acknowledging the privilege and power I have in various personal or professional situations and relationships. Among other things, my politics translates into my professional life through: making the world wide web easier and affordable to use; breaking down barriers to technological access such as knowledge obfuscation and gate-keeping; using and helping others use software tools that are open, secure, and respectful of personal information; creating and maintaining a healthy work environment for my colleagues and collaborators.
On a slightly personal note, when I am not working I like to play video games. Away from keyboard and screens, I am playing football or my guitar/ukulele. I have recently started gardening! I also love to travel - typical statement of an upper class man, yes I agree. It is true though - it's the only way I can try and get away from work. I enjoy traveling long distances by train and by road, visiting historical and cultural sites, and natural beauty. In recent years I have been able to do five, super long road trips that involved in three different countries.
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If you'd like to work with me, share thoughts or ideas, or just say hello, please do get in touch here, I'd love to hear from you. I shuttle between New Delhi, India and California, USA every few months, I maybe delayed in my response if our timezone's don't match.