Dr. Nayar is an Indian National, born on 4th August 1947 in Montgomery, West Punjab, India. 

She completed her education in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. She was married to a scholar from Bombay who worked in sustainable international development who studied at Brandeis University, Boston, Mr. Ram Chandran Nayar. He passed away in December 2000. 

Dr. Nayar has one daughter, Pria, born in June 1983, who graduated from the Honor’s College, double majoring in Philosophy and Communications from Adelphi University, New York. Pria is working towards her graduate degree and is a Communications Officer for German University Alliance.

Usha's hobbies and interests include listening to classical, light Indian and western music, practicing yoga and reading on a wide variety of subjects. She is determined in engaging institutions and organization for development and change towards which she spends most of her time. 

In Usha's words: 

"My passion is to continue to serve in the human services profession, as a people professional, to make a difference even if it is a drop in the ocean. It is with this motive that I have chosen my field and have enjoyed working with all my students, colleagues and communities."

Education

Ph.D.
Developmental Social Psychology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 1973
Dissertation: Fears in Children: A developmental study
Supervisor : Late Professor Durganand Sinha
Evaluators : Dr. Jahoda, Glasgow University, U.K.& Dr. M.C. Joshi, University of Udaipur, Udaipur

M.A.
Clinical Psychology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 1964

B. Sc.
University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 1962

Research Methodology Certificate Course, Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, 1966

Certified Rehabilitation Psychologist, Rehabilitation Council of India, 2000