Abhiram Padavala is graduating today with a degree in Master’s in Construction and Project Management, having started his career working on construction sites in India with his father. 

This experience sparked an interest in sustainable construction which led him to Belfast to complete his Master’s at Queen’s. During his time at the University, he secured competitive internships, contributed to sustainability projects in the local construction industry, and was named one of Northern Ireland’s 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers. 

His path to Queen’s was shaped by a strong desire to build on the values instilled by his father, as he explains: 

“I feel immensely proud of myself and humbled at the same time. I’ve learned so much more than just academic lessons through this journey. As the eldest in my family, I want to be a torchbearer, someone who sets a positive example for the generations to come. My father did that in his time, and I hope I can continue that legacy with the skills and mindset I’ve developed through my Master’s.” 

Abhiram’s family will join him in Belfast to celebrate his graduation, having flown over from India, which he describes as a dream come true. 

He said: 

“I’m incredibly grateful that we could make this happen. The planning felt like managing a project itself – researching, booking, coordinating, but now that they’re here, all I feel is excitement. It means the world to share this moment with them.” 

Before coming to Queen’s, Abhiram completed his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology in India. It was there he honed his interest in construction and long-term vision for project management. 

As part of his two-year Master’s degree at Queen’s, Abhiram secured an internship with Heron Bros, one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies. Over 12 months, he gained hands-on experience in key areas including construction planning, health and safety, carbon tracking and sustainability. 

Abhiram’s commitment to sustainable building practices also led him to be selected as one of Northern Ireland’s 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers 2025. The programme, led by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem, brought together young leaders working towards climate action. Abhiram’s selection was due to his passion for using sustainable building practices including reusing storm-damaged building materials in India, implementing carbon reduction initiatives during his internship, and focusing his Master’s dissertation on applying circular economy principles in UK construction contracts. 

Speaking about his time on the programme, he added: 

“Being part of the 30 Under 30 cohort has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve become part of a community like no other. It's a unique feeling to be among like-minded individuals that are all trying to make the world a better and more sustainable place. I have gained so much from my time on the programme.” 

Looking ahead, Abhiram hopes to remain in the UK for a few years to gain experience in the precast construction sector, a modern building method significantly reducing on-site construction time. His long-term goal is to return to India and establish his own company in the sustainable construction space, continuing the journey his father began. 

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