4 minutes with…Maya Chhetri, Swaviman Jaibik

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

Doing research in the field of bioenergy. Specifically liquid biofuels. The focused sources are mainly Jatropha, Castor and pongamia.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Increased output of cleaner and cheaper renewable fuel so that a country like mine also may afford. And yes, equally important is the sharing of ttechnology to improve production in poor countries as well.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

Political instability in the case of my country.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?

Reduce external dependency, and source diversification.

Where are you from? 

India

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

Economics, Political science. Attended Lady Keane College in Shillong, India. Was a reputed institution.

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

I don’t think if I have someone in my mind right now. Appreciate and admire self made people who achieved their goals through struggles and hardwork and not by luck.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Patience and never lose hope. Life is even more beautiful after long phases of failure, pain and struggle.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

Love to travel to remote places, see how people struggle for survival , how they manage their livelihoods amidst scarcity and deprivation.

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

That should be encouraging and help reach my destination. I am not fond of reading except related to my field. so I don’t have any specific book to mention.

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Political and economic news.

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

Had a brief stay in the US long time back. Love its food. So, any city in the US.