Ramkrishna Paul
Ramkrishna Paul is from Siliguri, India. He has been working in the water and sanitation sector for three years now as a consultant.
“In India a lot of students choose engineering, I also studied engineering. After my studies I got a job in the water and sanitation sector. When I began, I started in the technical team and designed wastewater treatment plants. At the moment I deal with citywide sanitation planning. The main focus is to improve the lives of people by improving the sanitation facilities for their daily, basic needs “In India, recently people are focussing on building toilets, because almost 60 percent of the population does not have access to safe sanitation. However, sanitation is not only about toilets, sanitation also has other aspects to it with respect to the sanitation value chain post-toilet. This is a major drawback in India and this mind-set has to change. “In my job I was engaged with several extensive projects, working on the ground researching the sector demands. Over time, this strengthened my interest to specialize in the water sector and governance related issues. I selected Water Quality Management to have a broader view on the quality of water and its management perspectives, instead of being focussed only on sanitation.”
Ramkrishna heard about IHE Delft from alumni that he knows from his work. “Until now, I have been exposed to wastewater and I would like to explore the broader horizon of fresh water resources, here at IHE Delft. I also applied for another University but people were telling me that the content that IHE Delft has to offer is more valuable and enriching. Furthermore, I got a scholarship, which was also an added benefit.”
About studying at IHE Delft:
The discussions in the classroom are very rich in quality, we automatically start talking about the next topic, before the next slide is shown by the professor. It is also pleasant to meet people from so many different countries and different backgrounds.
''Everyone has a different perspective on a topic. It was easy for me to get to know other participants, because we all have a common interest, ‘water’.
When Ramkrishna finishes his studies he would like to work in his home country and implement his work on the ground, so that he will see the impact and the benefits it brings to the environment and people.’’
On life in Delft: “Delft is a very small city, because I stayed in a very big town previously, it looks even smaller. It is very peaceful and calm over here.”
What I would like to say to people who are interested in studying at IHE Delft: “It is beneficial for students to have a background in water and environment prior to coming here. This helps you in visualizing the practical essence of the points discussed in the class. So I would suggest, it is always helpful to have a related experience before pursuing your studies here.”
Interested?
IHE Delft offers two new Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Furthermore, IHE Delft is involved in joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.
