Born in Coiambatore, India, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Achinthya studied world politics and economics at the Ohio State University. She has worked on a range of policy issues in the United States and in India through civil society organizations and the legal system, politics and movement building, and private philanthropy. Most recently, Achinthya supported policy and advocacy work for the climate adaptation, agricultural development, and nutrition portfolios at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to her time at the foundation, Achinthya has worked on a congressional campaign in Ohio's third district and on land rights and policy in India at the Centre for Policy Research. She's interested in climate narratives and communications, especially as they relate to adaptation and development.