Category: Alumni

IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.

The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Dr. Smriti Saraswat who had their exchange period between 08. July 2024 until 08. August 2024 at RWTH Aachen University under Prof. Axel Sowa. Their home institution is the Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India and their home supervisor is IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode.

Smriti’s work focuses on on citizen engagement in various initiatives, including #SmartCity and Vibrant Village Development, #handicraft rejuvenation, and sustainable tourism in #Uttarakhand. Their research exchange with the IGCS included developing a concept note on higher education collaborations for such vibrant villages and sustainable communities in the #Himalayan and #Alpen regions. There, Smriti engaged with various professors and teams at RWTH Aachen, leading to initiatives and proposals for upcoming projects aligned with her concept.

Smriti highlights the value of cultural exchanges and interdisciplinary discussions, particularly enjoying her interactions during the IGCS Summer School, including a memorable lecture on circular economy in Mumbai. She aims to leverage the connections made during her exchange to foster interdisciplinary projects and enhance sustainable development initiatives in the #GlobalSouth, sharing insights with her academic and professional networks.

You can read her full experience report here:

The IGCS actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge by facilitating collaboration between students and researchers, aiming to generate innovative solutions for sustainability. It is a research hub dedicated to addressing pressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is one of the core pillars of IGCS and is reflected in a wide array of our activities and events. The centre’s research involves collaborations with various esteemed institutions across Germany and India.

Today, we are excited to present a research brief from our alumni, offering insights into the key areas where our efforts are focused. Geethanjali R V was our exchange student who had their exchange period between 15. May 2024 until 30. July 2024 at the Chair of Development Studies, Universität Passau, #Germany under Prof. Dr. Martina Padmanabhan. Their home institution is the Dept of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, #India under IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode. Their research was on the topic of ‘Analysing the ecological interventions in the Thamirabharani river using a political ecology discourse analysis.’

Geethanjali studies the #Thamirabarani River, #TamilNadu, India’s only perennial river, which had traditionally supported irrigation and maintained groundwater levels for communities in #Tirunelveli and #Thoothukudi. However, more recently as a result of urbanization, cultural practices, and pollution have degraded the water quality standards.

Since 2011, efforts under the #SmartCity plan, and the community-driven ‘Nellai Neervalam’ project, aim to restore the river, although pollution issues continues to persist. The 2023 floods in the region, further highlighted the encroachment and excessive sand mining problems along the river.

In early 2024, a field visit to Tirunelveli revealed that while stakeholders broadly agreed on “restoration,” their definitions varied, often centered on river “cleanliness.” Geethanjali’s study expands on this; in understanding through discourse analysis.

IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.

The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Geethanjali R V who had their exchange period between 15. May 2024 until 30. July 2024 at the Department of Development Studies, Universität Passau, Germany under Prof. Dr. Martina Padmanabhan. Their home institution is the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India under IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode.

Geethanjali’s motivation stems from her deep personal connection to the Thamirabharani river, having witnessed its pollution over the years. This project allowed her to apply her knowledge of sustainability and political ecology to a cause she was passionate about. She pursued this project under the Global River Cities Network and, after a rigorous application process, received a scholarship to continue her research in Germany. Her main goals were to gain knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop her Master’s thesis. The research exchange experience, particularly the supportive environment and the constructive feedback from her research team, helped her refine her research approach and boost her confidence. She values the lasting friendships and learnings she gained during her stay in #Germany, and encourages others to apply for similar opportunities to experience personal and professional growth.

You can read her full experience report here: