Anila Smriti Surin

Doctoral Student

EXPERTISE

• Governance institutions and tribal land rights in urban development in India
• Social equity in addressing land rights inequalities faced by tribal communities in urban areas
• Spatial orientation and integration of ethnic villages within urban contexts
• Preservation and Contemporary Application of Vernacular Architectural Practices
• Sustainable Transportation Planning and Mobility Solutions

BIOGRAPHY

Anila is a doctoral candidate in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration
in urban policy, specializing in the advocacy of land rights for marginalized urban indigenous
communities—a pioneering research area that is both globally unique and critically
underexplored. Her doctoral research focuses on understanding how governance institutions
balance urban development priorities with the constitutional protection of tribal land rights.
By examining the intricate relationship between governance structures, land tenure systems,
and social equity, her work contributes to broader discussions on inclusive urban governance
and the equitable integration of indigenous communities in urban spaces.

She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and a Bachelor’s in Architecture; she is also
deeply committed to sustainable transportation, having collaborated with non-profits focused
on preserving indigenous art and cultures and understanding the intersection of urban
development, land rights, and social justice. Her work with tribal communities has provided
invaluable insights into the structural inequities that urban indigenous populations face,
further informing her research on how urban policies can be reimagined to create more
inclusive, equitable cities.

Anila’s teaching experience spans over six years, during which she has mentored both
graduate and undergraduate students at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (India). Her
dedication to pedagogy is reflected in her commitment to fostering critical thinking and
preparing students for real-world challenges in urban planning and architecture. Anila’s
academic work and professional pursuits aim to challenge conventional policies that
marginalize urban indigenous communities. By bringing their voices and land rights into the
mainstream of urban planning discourse, she is dedicated to advancing social equity and
sustainability in urban development.