WASH Specialist | Communication & Advocacy | Community Engagement - Sarkaritel.com :News & Information on Govt Policies and Programmes

Prashansha Gupta (Our Jal Yodha 2019)

I am a dedicated professional with over 8 years of experience in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), community development, and communication strategies. My career has centered on designing and leading capacity-building initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable solutions in water security and hygiene practices. With expertise in training coordination, program implementation, policy research, and strategic communication, I have consistently driven impactful interventions for marginalized communities.

Currently, I serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Institute for Water and Climate Initiatives (IWCI), an Uttar Pradesh–based non-profit. IWCI works to empower marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods.

The organization emphasizes water conservation, sanitation, waste management, and climate-resilient practices while promoting circular economy principles, green infrastructure, and gender equity. Aligned with India’s climate commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IWCI champions community-driven solutions, research, and advocacy to build cleaner, healthier, and more equitable futures.

In my previous role as Training Coordinator with Aga Khan Foundation India (December 2022 – July 2024), I led capacity-building programs, facilitated stakeholder engagement, and mobilized communities to strengthen WASH initiatives across Uttar Pradesh. Before that, I was Communication Lead at ActionAid India (September 2021 – November 2022), where I designed and executed advocacy campaigns, communication strategies, and digital outreach to amplify pressing social issues. I also worked with WaterAid India as a District Coordinator and Consultant (October 2020 – March 2021 & April 2021 – August 2021), where I oversaw WASH programs, ensured access to sustainable water sources, and facilitated training at the grassroots level. Earlier in my career, I contributed to projects on women’s hygiene, nutrition, livelihood, and agricultural practices with organizations such as Akhil Bhartiya Samaj Seva Sansthan and Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan.

Academically, I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rajshri Tandon University, Prayagraj, along with an MBA in Advertising & Marketing Communication and a B.Sc. in Electronic Media from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal. My strong academic foundation allows me to integrate research-driven approaches into practical interventions, especially in policy advocacy and community-led solutions.

My contributions to the sector have been recognized nationally and internationally. In 2022, I was selected as a UNLEASH Global Talent for SDG-6 (Water & Sanitation) at the Infosys Campus, Mysuru, for my expertise in water security solutions. I also serve as the Event &Communication Coordinator for the Young Water Professional India Chapter under the International Water Association (IWA-YWPs). My research work includes a study on the role of digital media in raising COVID-19 awareness, as well as publications and blogs for IWA and WaterAid India on WASH and public health issues.

Over the years, I have been honored with several awards. I received the “Jal Prahari Samman 2019”, presented by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and U.P. Singh, for my leadership in water conservation.

I was also recognized as “Jal Girl” by U.P. Singh, Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry, for the “Kuwa Talab Jiao Abhiyaan”, a campaign aimed at rejuvenating traditional water sources. I represented Banda district administration in the “BhujalBadhao, Peyjal Bachao Abhiyaan”, which won first place in the Water Project category, covering 470 gram panchayats through Jal Chaupals and water conservation activities.

I have presented research papers, including “Sustainable Water Supply by Rejuvenating Dry Wells through Cluster Approach in Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting”, published in IJTTIMES (UGC-approved journal). I have also participated in panel discussions on water and climate issues at platforms such as the Urdu Museum, Lucknow, and the 5th Smart Cities India Expo, Pragati Maidan, Delhi.

My professional journey reflects a blend of program implementation, advocacy, research, and communication. I remain deeply committed to advancing equitable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene while leveraging storytelling and strategic communication to inspire behavior change. I can be reached at prashansha.charu@gmail.com.