Dr. Yogesh D. Jadhav currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Barli Development Institute for Rural Women (Indore) (www.barli.org). He has extensively worked in the social development and conservation domain.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. The glorious 2 years at IIFM, with its academic and social learning experiences has proved to be an immensely valuable investment in my life, and this has gone a long way in shaping my thought processes and nurturing a holistic perspective about environment, sustainability, and development. Post-IIFM, I got several opportunities (freelance, regular jobs) in the corporate and academic sectors (national, international) and in NGOs & INGOs, which honed up my people management skills, enriched my cross-sectoral experiences (interfaces of development, policy, environment, and gender equality) and enhanced my understanding of the global developmental scenario.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I completed a B.Sc (environmental science) and M.Sc (chemistry) from the Institute of Science (Nagpur). Later, after clearing the cadre exam of central government civil services (non-IAS) and getting a posting in Ratnagiri, I faced my first career dilemma: of whether to pursue my life’s goal of environmental conservation & societal development OR choose a cosy governmental career. I chose the former, and appeared in IIFM’s entrance exam, and luckily got selected for its Y2K batch. At IIFM, I had the opportunity of my lifetime: to be in and with nature for two years! For both my OTs, I chose to work on conservation-centred socio-economic projects in tribal areas – the first OT was in Banaskantha, Gujarat (Balaram Ambaji sanctuary) on a UNDP funded project headed by Prof. Anil Gupta (IIM-A); while the second OT was an action research project on forest sustainability (funded by ITTO, Japan). IIFM’s placement landed me in the corporate world, as I was inducted into the CII’s Environment management division, in which I worked on consulting projects (ISO14000 & OHSAS (ISO 18000), & SA8000 systems).
But the corporate fast-paced life and alienation from forests really didn’t appeal to me. Fortunately, I got a call from the project cell (of the IIFM-ITTO project), that the earlier OT which I and my teammates/colleagues had worked on, had received a scaling-up project grant from ITTO (Japan). I gladly returned to IIFM, and for initial 6 months (while awaiting the project funds to arrive), I successfully completed an EC-FAO funded project on mapping urban forests of MP, in which I developed the Cardinal Grid Method (CGM™) for rapid mapping of urban trees (which was published as a technical document by FAO). I joined the ITTO project as project manager, and thus began a 2+ year journey of working and training with tribals (mostly Bhils & Bhilalas) of 8 districts in MP. I learnt innumerable conservation lessons while staying with tribal communities, organising training programs, launching awareness rallies, developing training materials and interacting with forest department officials.
Gathering momentum from this field experience, I wanted to experience and explore the broader conservation issues, and a momentous call from my close colleague (pre-IIFM) gave my career a pleasant international turn. I was offered a faculty job in a Caribbean university (AdeK University, Suriname). I moved to Suriname with my better half, and while at the University, apart from my regular classroom sessions on environment and STEM, the University also provided me ample space for pursuing my passion for conservation projects. I successfully applied (and procured) project grants for the university and worked closely with a number of Amazonian conservation agencies (incl. WWF, CI, TNC, etc). But most importantly, my field visits to Amazonian rainforests, and interactions with the indigenous Amazonian communities (incl. Bush-negroes, Creoles and Amerindians), are so special that I will never forget them. Due to a family contingency, I had to abruptly end my contract with the University and returned and re-join my parents in India.
For a couple of years, I pursued freelance conservation projects (incl. a grant from Smithsonian Institution’s forest conservation project, with Prof. Sukumar IISC, Bangalore). But teaching in a business school in India was an avenue that I had been longing to take up for so long. I received a call from a private business school (IPER, Bhopal) to join a professorial position, and they wanted me to assist in setting up a state-of-the-art PGDM program in MP. At IPER, besides coordinating the teaching sessions, training, and MDPs, I was given the task of heading its social forum. Over a 4-year period of my successful association with the institution, the PGDM program was launched and established, which has now evolved into a leading privately run program, with a good state-level and national ranking. As I navigated through my teaching career, I developed an interest in research and got enrolled in a PhD program, the second time (the first PhD was registered with FRI (Dehradun), which had got lapsed during my faculty appointment abroad).
Meanwhile, I had opportunities to author and co-author research papers and coordinate scientific meetings which took me to places (at conferences and seminars in over a dozen countries). Despite these modest career successes, my urge to work for conservation and social development never waned. And fortunately, in June 2010, an NGO in Indore (viz. Barli Development Institute, a UNEP- Global 500 Roll of honour Laureate) approached us, i.e. me and my better-half, to take charge and lead the Institute. After giving it a patient thought and prayers for over a 3-months period, I decided to give it a try and I and my family moved to Indore in October 2010.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
A. Since joining the current role as a chief operating officer at Barli Development Institute, there has been no looking back. In spite of the (obvious) challenges of heading an NGO (personal, professional and practical), I and my wife (who is the director of the Institute) persevered in our mission to work for tribal women’s empowerment, gender equality and development of rural communities. And over a period of 10 years, I am glad that we were able to take the Institute to the next level (nurturing working relations with UN-FAO and the Harvard University, enhanced the learning infrastructure, launched courses on IT education, improved operational and financial efficiency (GuideStarIndia Gold certification, among others).
While at the Institute, I learnt that the sustainability of forests and the well being of the communities is totally dependent upon the level of empowerment of tribal women. But sadly enough, these women do not have any say in managing the natural resources and are looked down upon by their male counterparts as unpaid labour. They seldom get a chance to develop themselves and thrive with dignity. The Barli Development Institute aims to change this narrative by providing appropriate training because it considers the tribal women as human resources who could be empowered and trained to manage their environment and build sustainable rural communities. For the past 35+ years, the Institute has been conducting 6-month (free) residential training programs (twice a year) for empowering rural and tribal women – most of whom are illiterate or middle-school dropouts. The Institute’s indigenously developed curriculum includes books on: Literacy, Health, Stitching & tailoring, Community development; along with hands-on practical training in Environmental conservation, Solar cooking & food-processing & Computer education.
The Institute has trained and empowered more than 9000 women from 900+ villages (mostly from tribal districts of Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Khargone, Badwani; belonging to Bhil, Bhilala and Gond tribes) and is currently in its 120th batch. I am also glad to contribute towards building Glocal bridges between the tribal women’s communities and the UN, through leading collective action projects on food security and agricultural innovation via the GFAR platform of the UN-FAO (being a member of their global steering committee since 2017).
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. The learnings at IIFM has favourably influenced my resolve towards environmental conservation and nurture a holistic understanding of the developmental scenario in India. The OTs triggered an impetus in me, for looking more deeply at the often overlooked and neglected side of economic development, i.e the impact on tribal societies and their environment. Without environmental sustainability and community wellbeing, and isolated/piecemeal approach to economic development is incomplete and short-lived. The serene ambience of IIFM (intellectual, physical and social) provided me with a befitting environment for reflecting keenly on life’s broader goals and aspirations vis-à-vis the practical utility of one’s chosen actions.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. I am thankful to the Almighty for surrounding me with a caring family who always encouraged me to take up career goals that would add meaning to life, and not just add comfort or amenities. So material targets and achievements have never been my priority or forte before joining IIFM, or after completing the course.
At IIFM our batch was blessed with a great faculty team who were ever eager to help us out in satiating our quest for knowledge and provided creative avenues for learning and enjoying it (field visits, group tasks, weekend seminars, etc)! The class sessions of Dr. Deep Pandey IFS, Dr. Majumdar, Dr. C S Rathore are the ones that inspired me. And without innate joy, even a king’s job can become a drudgery, in the long run, I feel. I would suggest to the freshers that they should choose such a career/sector/role which they would enjoy in the long run, so that the discipline and enthusiasm keep going up. Avenues for material growth may come and go, but proper enthusiasm will keep you focused on the right track and help you lead a balanced life – personally and professionally.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. I fondly remember my first day at IIFM, in which I appeared in my GD and interview. The interviewing faculty was well-versed with their task, but they were so genuinely considerate about the academic achievements, background, and innate abilities of the candidates. IIFM’s induction program was a testing phase for many of my co-batchmates at that time because most of them seemed to have enrolled in PGDFM with a ‘corporate sector placement’ mindset. As a result, they were disenchanted after the induction program, and with the pedagogy, and some of them left the program soon thereafter. But others (incl. me) enjoyed the induction program, especially the visits to nearby villages & interacting with communities, visits to FRI (Dehradun) and surrounding institutes – all are still so vivid in memory! Our batch was a very diverse group with unique individualities and had differences of opinions at times.
But today, while looking back at those good-old days, and in spite of the diversity, I admire each one of them for who they were. I pleasantly remember the evening sorties (sometimes clandestine) visits to sunset point and the python’s den, the birthday parties at Bambusa, the fishing trips to Bhadbhada dam (spending 5 hours and catching just two small fish, that too were finished off overnight by Arun Bhaiya – the mess in-charge, without my knowledge), strolling late at night to get a glimpse of the hyena and the big campus owl, the evening tea behind the mess with friends and the beautiful sunset, early morning jogs in the campus, lively and engaging interactions with my seniors on weekends, the SPIC-MACAY programs (on-campus and in MACT), managing the mess committee tasks with fellow batch-mates.. all these memories are so fresh!
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The PGDFM course (during the years 1998-2000), was a unique blend of academic coursework and field learning (focused on forestry management and social development) in equal proportions. Many specialisations were added in the later years (catering to placements in the corporate sector and consulting domains) and I respect and appreciate this; but in my view, the niche competence and USP of IIFM, still remains the forestry and social development course-work, and I am proud to have pursued it during my PGDFM. I regularly fall back on the important lessons learnt at IIFM, and this has helped me a lot (personally and professionally) in making informed decisions.
Q. The best buddies/seniors/faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I had a very cordial and friendly relationship with all my batch-mates inspite of having differences of opinions (at times) and the diversity of lifestyle choices of many. While some of them regarded my frugal and Spartan lifestyle as a little out-of-vogue, but all respected my values that I stood for (and am still nurturing them), and they would readily bank on my competence and assistance whenever needed – whether individually or as a group (I was unanimously chosen as treasurer of SPIC-MACAY, and as member of mess committee).
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Whether it’s two years or two decades of life, every minute counts and contributes to becoming who you are and what you aspire. I would like to suggest the IIFM aspirants and freshers alike: introspect your abilities and align your interests with the contingent status quo of the world around you, and put your best foot forward. Because it’s the initial choices you make at your career’s onset that count, and go a long way in defining and living your purpose in life.
It’s important to stand and hold your ground for something which is socially and environmentally relevant and appeals to you deeply. Otherwise, you face the danger of falling for anything shallow. IIFM offers that precious fillip in your life where you can take a few steps back, reflect, analyse and prepare for your onward journey in life.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. The Barli Development Institute for Rural Women (www.barli.org) is situated in a pleasant 6-acre campus in the heart of the city of Indore (Vijay Nagar area). I stay in the Institute’s on-campus residence surrounded by a verdant ambience, rich in biodiversity. Our residential training program requires all women-trainees to stay on-campus, and their day starts early in the morning, and so does ours (i.e. me and my family).
At 7 am, we have a field training session each day with the trainees in the greens, in which the trainees are taught about a new aspect of environment or conservation each day connected to their rural lives, or I share and demonstrate the practical use, identification, and cultivation of a new medicinal plant OR give hands-on training in solar food processing. After breakfast at 9 am, while the trainees assemble in the training hall for their classroom theory sessions, I gather myself at my work-desk in my office space, managing office staff and delegation of tasks, guiding volunteers, responding to communications, getting briefed about contingent projects and tasks by staff, while intermittently juggling with my kid’s studies during the in-between hours until lunchtime i.e. 1 pm. Post-lunch, as the trainees gather for their practice sessions in the tailoring lab, I have a list of visitors who would like to meet me OR a group of students (school students, or graduates from IIT/IIM/Engg institutes) to have a tour of the Institute; or at times I busy myself with a meeting with the director on some contingent issue; or I may also take a short field visit off-campus, to meet our ex-trainees living in a nearby village for evaluation of the training.
The late afternoons and evenings are mostly occupied with supervising maintenance works of our 6-acre campus, or attending online meets with donors, or preparing evaluation reports for funding agencies or collating and documenting success stories and field information for updating our institute’s website. From 8 to 9 pm, we have a daily meditation and value education session for the women-trainees in which I and the director share anecdotal stories with trainees, chant bhajans and prayers or recite and elaborate learnings from value-based stories.
To us, it’s so special and spiritually satisfying to witness the positive changes in a tribal woman’s personality over the six months period. Initially, she is unaware of her higher purpose in life and ignorant about her development, but after the 6 months training program, she is able to speak in public confidently, express her dreams and aim in life, address a 300+ strong audience during parents’ meetings, set up and profitably run a rural tailoring shop and is able to choose and restart her formal education back home.
Q. Would you like share about your typical weekends.. Hobbies.. Family..?
A. Being on-campus, our personal schedules are inadvertently intertwined with the timetables and activities of the Institute, and Sundays are no exception. On Sundays, we organise edutainment activities for the women trainees, which are abuzz with interactive sessions conducted by volunteers, or motivational films being screened, or cooperative games being organised by volunteers. Although the engaging weekly schedule is an exhausting one and keeps me and my family super-occupied, we ensure that the trainees receive the life skills and practical inputs in order to develop the positive changes in their personality for which their parents had enrolled them.
Since our 10+ years at the Institute, watching the sheer joy on the faces of the parents when their daughters graduate, and witnessing the positive changes in the lives of 200+ women each year is what sustains our motivation level and keeps us going!
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors, ..
A. I seldom watch movies completely or on a binge, because some of the other contingency crops in and it’s always an undeletable task for me. But I admire modern science fiction movies and also watch (and re-watch) classic comedy movies (Golmaal, Padosan and the like). I love to read books and texts on mysticism, Yog and spirituality (Upanishads, Vedanta, Gita) and admire the works of Kahlil Gibran, Rumi, Kabir, and Sheikh Saadi; and am an avid reader of the writings of Baha’u’llah (www.bahai.org).
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
A. I am in touch with the alumni association, and have expressed my interest in collaborating with the IIFM fraternity in creative ways in the coming months, and as and when Covid restrictions ease. I cordially invite you all (alumni and freshers alike) to visit our campus in Indore; and it may be organised in numerous formats: viz field visits, participatory learning exercises, training programs on women’s empowerment, MDPs on gender equality, OTs or casual family visits – whenever you are in this part of India!
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? What do you think is a positive change and what is not?
A. A robust, updated and relevant curriculum, backed by collaborative networks with global educational and research institutions contribute towards building a solid ground for a business school’s success. I appreciate the curriculum enhancement initiatives taken up recently by the faculty and the inclusion of new subjects to attract better placement avenues for IIFM’s graduates.
Garnering high CTC placements could be a yardstick of success for some, but the eventual success of an educational Institution consists in its engagement with the broader world and finding ways to resolve the contingent problems. IIFM’s curricula need to cater to this niche need, that of an ably inspired and knowledgeable managerial workforce who can suitably tackle the environmental and developmental contingencies. I feel that these are some of the issues which require sincere thought by the faculty and resolute action by the alumni in their respective areas of work.
Q. Any suggestions on who from our alumni you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Mr Bitu Babu (1998-2000), Dr Hemant Ojha (MRM), Mr Soumik Banerjee, Ms. Nishita Bakshi, Ms. Nivedita Varshneya, Mr Ashish Sinha, Mr Rajaram Sankaran.