From Data to Impact - How it all began
Let me start with why I chose Impact Consulting. This goes back to my second year of college, when I was interning with the Reliance Foundation. I was working as a data analytics intern, and my project involved two key tasks: first, researching how Reliance Foundation could enter the sport of wrestling in India; and second, identifying hotspots across the country where promising athletes could be scouted.
During the 2024 Olympics, Reliance Foundation officially entered wrestling and partnered with most of the wrestlers I had included in my initial case study. They also partnered with the state of Odisha, another one of my recommendations, and the athletes from there have gone on to break record after record. Even though my role was small, knowing it opened opportunities to athletes who went on to bring pride and medals to the country felt like a personal victory.
Where It All Took Off
Sports has been constant in my life. Every opportunity, every friendship, and every community I've been a part of since then has somehow been tied to sports. It all began back in fifth grade, where I ran my first race. I was leading, but curiosity got the better of me, and I turned back to see who was behind, and I ended up with a bronze medal (sigh). Well, there was no turning back from then on.
Signed off school as a House captain, best athlete award, 3 individual championships, finalist in TN state meet, yet got 8 years of 100% full attendance, and topped the school.
When the Rules Changed
I made it to SRCC. But while I was thrilled to be there, I couldn't pursue athletics the way I used to. But grateful to my friend who introduced me to Ultimate Frisbee. A sport that's as athletic as it is strategic, and it completely changed the way I approached competition. Coming from an individual sports background, I had to set aside that solo mindset and fully embrace what it means to be part of a team. It wasn't easy at first, but the sport taught me invaluable lessons about team spirit, trust, and being present for others even when you're not on the field, and our team went on to win the Spirit trophy at the National Championships.
Several organizations are using the sport to teach life skills to underprivileged children, and for good reason. If you read the rulebook, you'll see why it's one of the few competitive sports in the world played without referees because it runs on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
It's a sport that doesn't just build athletes; it builds character.
When Work Meets Passion
After college, joining GDi felt like the stars had aligned once again. I found myself surrounded by passionate people driven to create impact.
To my joy, even our founder turned out to be a fellow sports enthusiast. I told him that I wanted to return to athletics after nearly four years away, and he didn't just support the idea; he actively helped me find a coach.
That kind of support, especially in a work setting, reminded me that with the right people and culture around you, it's possible to show up fully, not just as a professional, but as your whole self.
The past year at GDi has been nothing short of transformative. I found myself working on projects I couldn't have imagined stepping into when I started.
- With the Ministry of Rural Development, I explored how livelihood opportunities for women can extend beyond farm livelihood opportunities.
- A strategic philanthropic piece on Women's Economic Empowerment gave me first-hand exposure to how empowerment is defined and acted upon at different levels, and how to craft strategies for impact by philanthropists.
- I worked with the Mayor of Delhi on Municipal Solid Waste management, building a digital product to track 500+ garbage-vulnerable points across the city. Leading this end-to-end project from product design and training government officers was one of the most rewarding experiences.
- At the Ministry of Women and Child Development, we supported the PMMVY scheme to ensure pregnant and lactating women across the country received timely benefits. From our team playing the strategic support unit role to the Ministry to fondly conversing with Anganwadi workers, we understood how a small needle-movement at the central level created an impact even at the remotest of villages.
A year ago, during college, I was on the other side, attending pre-placement talks and participating in case competitions, but after joining GDi grateful to return to my alma mater for the pre-placement talk and later judged one of the biggest policy case competitions - closing a full-circle moment for me.
Looking back, it all came down to one thing: saying yes to opportunities. Every experience updated my understanding of where my interests lie, what strengths I bring, and how I can grow further. Much like in Bayesian theory, each new piece of evidence refined my prior beliefs - bringing me closer to who I am becoming.
Bayesian in Motion
When I returned to athletics after a four-year break, my plan was simple: focus on one event and build consistency. However, my coach had other ideas. Not only did he not limit me to one or two events - he put me in seven!
Now, I run, jump, throw... and occasionally throw up. I've somehow become a heptathlete.
I don't fully understand how I'm balancing a full-time, high-intensity job alongside training for seven events. However, I've somehow adapted to this lifestyle. And when I made it to the nationals, which served as a direct qualifier for the Asian Championships, I landed in the top 8. I didn't qualify, but for someone who took a leap of faith to restart athletics, that finish meant everything. It wasn't muscle memory; it was mindset.
Lessons Beyond the Track
I may not have 10 years of continuous experience in one sport, but I do have 10 years of building a mindset: Every transition, every challenge, every unexpected change has shaped how I see the world.
This dual journey of sports life and professional life has taught me discipline, team-building, and mental strength. The ability to balance and to lead with integrity and compassion.
Whether you're chasing a medal or working to transform public service delivery, success doesn't come from clinging to a rigid plan - it comes from listening, learning, and evolving.
That's Bayesian thinking in action. And that's been my story - on the field, and off.