Ananya Rao-Bhattacharya is a political psychologist and cultural theorist whose work explores the intersections of identity, memory, and collective consciousness in postcolonial societies. Educated at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the University of Oxford, she has spent over two decades researching the psychological undercurrents of nation-building in South Asia. Ananya has contributed to various academic journals and think tanks, offering insights into the evolving narratives of democracy and pluralism. The Elephant's Second Heartbeat is her seminal work, synthesizing years of field research and theoretical exploration to present a nuanced understanding of India's contemporary challenges and aspirations.