Meet our alumnae Neharika and Krithika Rajagopalan - a story of strength, learning and purpose

Meet our alumnae Neharika and Krithika Rajagopalan - a story of strength, learning and purpose

Studying for a Master’s degree in Economics at Warwick is more than attending lectures, submitting coursework, and sitting exams – it’s a transformative experience that shapes careers and lives. For sisters Neharika and Krithika Rajagopalan, who pursued their MSc Economics degrees in 2013 and 2017 respectively, their time at Warwick was more than an academic pursuit; it was a defining chapter that led them to impactful careers in development economics, sustainability, and mental wellness advocacy.

Choosing Warwick Economics: a family decision

Growing up in India (Chennai), Neharika and Krithika developed a passion for economics early on, nurtured by their parents’ discussions about policy and social issues. Their father, a self-made individual who pursued his education through government scholarships, instilled in them the value of giving back to society. Their mother reinforced these ideals, prompting thoughtful conversations about socio-economic challenges.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai, Neharika sought global exposure and decided to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. The UK, with its financially viable one-year Master’s programmes, was an attractive option. She chose Warwick after hearing from peers and family about the University’s strong Economics course and student-friendly environment.

Krithika, following in her sister’s footsteps, also applied to Warwick, recognising its commitment to academic excellence and student wellbeing. Her journey to Warwick, however, was marked by deep personal loss. Just months before she was due to begin her studies, their father passed away suddenly. Encouraged by their mother’s unwavering support, Krithika decided to continue with her plans, knowing that Warwick would provide both academic rigour and a supportive environment. She recalls:

"Warwick wasn't just a university; it was a place that truly understood the needs of its students. The way the staff supported me after my father's passing - by offering accommodation near a resident tutor and extending kindness beyond policies - made all the difference in helping me settle in."

Making careers choices after graduation

Both sisters took their learnings from Warwick and applied them in impactful roles across development economics, sustainability, climate change, and monitoring and evaluation.

Neharika’s career began with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), where she worked in sustainable urbanisation under renowned Indian economist Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia. She later moved into consulting roles at Ernst & Young LLP, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), and IFMR LEAD, specialising in ESG strategy, policy& development, and sustainable development.

Krithika, meanwhile, worked with institutions such as IFMR LEAD, and professors from the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT on behavioural research studies, followed by roles at CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia and CEGIS, where she helped refine monitoring and evaluation frameworks and improve data accuracy in state governance.

The shift to independent consulting

Having gained valuable experience in roles within large international organisations, the sisters felt drawn to independent consulting, which led them to establish their own consultancy, Nivritti Advisory. They recognised that their work – focused on culture, sustainability, and mindset shifts – required an approach beyond traditional deliverable-based structures. Consulting allowed them to work autonomously, blending their complementary skills: Neharika’s expertise in sustainability advisory and writing, and Krithika’s strength in field interactions, data visualisation, and impact measurement.

Their consultancy has led them to meaningful projects such as climate budgeting for Chennai’s municipal governance in collaboration with C40 Cities, a study on establishing a wellness centre at IIT Madras, and policy brief on electronic health records' adoption in India funded by FCDO UK and released by the British High Commissioner and the Chief Economic Advisor in India. Their work brings together data-driven research with human-centred approaches, making an impact across policy, corporate sustainability, and mental wellness.

Sustainability as a core philosophy

For Neharika and Krithika, sustainability is more than environmental responsibility – it’s a way of life that encourages mindfulness, long-term vision, and conscious decision-making. They advocate for a return to India’s traditional philosophy of earning money rather than making money, emphasising that financial stability should coexist with ethical and sustainable practices. Neharika explains:

“Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints or setting targets – it’s about making thoughtful decisions every single day. The smallest actions, when done mindfully, shape the future.”

Their work is guided by this ethos, ensuring that economic and environmental goals are integrated rather than treated as separate entities. This belief is central to their consultancy efforts, as they encourage corporations, governments, and individuals to adopt sustainable practices in ways that are practical, adaptable, and culturally relevant.

Giving back through DESHA DHWANI

Among their many initiatives, DESHA DHWANI stands out. The sisters launched this mental wellness platform in 2019, inspired by personal experiences and the realisation that a secure childhood plays a significant role in building resilience. Their workshops, which combine traditional Indian wellness practices with contemporary mental health approaches, are conducted across schools, colleges, and workplaces, helping individuals navigate stress and life challenges. Neharika reflects:

“Our personal experiences made us realise the importance of mental resilience. We were privileged to have a secure childhood, but many do not. With DESHA DHWANI, we hope to create awareness about mental wellness and help others develop inner strength.”

Both sisters are also passionate Carnatic singers, occasionally performing joint concerts. Music, like their work, remains a powerful tool in shaping perspectives, fostering wellbeing, and preserving cultural heritage.

Cherished memories from Warwick

Beyond the academic experience, Warwick holds cherished memories for both sisters. Neharika recalls her first experiences of independence – walking to Tesco at Cannon Park, savouring hot chocolate at the Library Café, and seeing snow for the first time. She fondly remembers the kindness of the lady who cleaned their rooms and even gifted her family Christmas presents.

For Krithika, Warwick was a place of community, support, and discovery. She spent time playing badminton and tennis, studying in the Economics Department’s common room, and navigating challenges with the help of university staff.

We are grateful to Neharika and Krithika for sharing their story with us, and we wish them every success in the future.

Top banner: Neharika (left) and Krithika (right)

To connect with Neharika and Krithika, please visit their LinkedIn profiles:

• Neharika Rajagopalan, (MSc Economics 2013), Independent Consultant, Co-founder Nivritti Advisory, Delhi
• Krithika Rajagopalan, (MSc Economics 2017), Independent Consultant, Co-founder Nivritti Advisory, Chennai