I am a social scientist based at Stanford University. My academic and activist work have mainly centered on improving the delivery of basic public services such as health, education and nutrition services. Prior to joining Stanford, I did my Ph.D. at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Before that, I coordinated the Support Group of India’s Right to Food Campaign. [Get to know me better…]
LibTech
How can we harness the power of technology to make governments more transparent, accountable and democratic
Most viewed articles
- How I became interested in TN’s public services
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- NREGA for the disabled
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Recent articles
How I became interested in TN’s public services
My training in mainstream economics and my social background had convinced me that government programmes to address hunger were a waste of public resources. I adhered to the idea that they should be eliminated in favour of promoting economic growth. That changed in 2002 when I travelled to the Chambal Valley of Madhya Pradesh, which was suffering its third consecutive year of drought. Here is a short note on that transformation.
Hyderi Mansion: Gandhi’s greatest moment in shambles
A note and some pictures from a bittersweet visit to the place where Gandhi sat on a fast for peace at the dawn of India’s independence. Hyderi Mansion (Calcutta) lies in shambles today, much like his memory.
Combatting corruption with mobile phones
A project for proactive transparency using mobile phones
Two tips for expressing love to your wife
On using academic training to express love…and if you are wondering what a squirrel is doing here, read on!
Thinking of NREGA from the beautiful Adirondacks
The spectacular work of CCC in restoring the Adirondacks after fire gives me some dreams for NREGA in India.
NREGA for the disabled
NREGA presents an unprecedented opportunity for disabled persons across India to earn a living and to showcase their talents. But as things stand, NREGA is not designed for disabled people to participate in it, but we can change it all with some tweaking.
My Academic Journey at the Delhi School of Economics: A Lasting Impression
Explore engaging tales from Delhi School of Economics and beyond in this curated narrative journey.
Love, Language, and Terror at the Delhi School of Economics
To truly understand my experience at D.School, you must consider three things: love, terror, and the hillarious outcomes of Indians trying to communicate across linguistic divides. Let’s start at the beginning. I had dreamt of D.School from the far-off Tamil Nadu for a two-and-half years before the life-changing phone call on July 27, 1997. Not […]
Human Mirror Test: Should we use AI?
The Human Mirror Test Designers and Product Managers often come to me with questions about whether we should use AI, given issues like bias, hallucinations, and inaccuracies. These are big concerns that need to be thought through. However, I believe that avoiding AI altogether usually does more harm than good. To help us reflect on […]
P2: Dynamic Information Architecture: Rethinking IA Principles for the AI Era
Research methods to create good information architecture have to change in the world of dynamic IA.
Welcome to Vivek’s Info, my place to share my research, debate issues and indulge in good old gossip. Please use the links on the top or the right to find the content you are looking for. Hope you enjoy your stay while you are here.
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