Khurun Poojanraj (PFM 03-05 ) is working as a National Correspondent at the Food and Agricultural Organization, Mauritius. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
Along with working at FAO, he is also working as the Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Government of Mauritius and is a Professor – Natural Resources Management at the University of Mauritius. An active member of the National Steering Committee for the GEF SGP Small grants Programme, Khurun Poojanraj is a sustainability practitioner who applies, teaches, and promotes sustainability principles and promotes empowerment.
- How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
After my days at IIFM, I discovered I was far more confident and could better articulate my ideas, thanks to the unending class presentations for every subject we were taught. This promoted an ascending momentum professionally, which is appreciated by decision-makers, i.e. learning fast, figuring out a pattern, and setting up a plan of action. IIFM training sharpened those skills hidden deep inside each one of us. I remember being dispatched on secondment as an officer in charge for the SSR Botanic Garden when it faced a double crisis in 2012. Once the third biggest garden in the southern hemisphere, the Botanic garden was facing an uncontrollable pest situation, sabotage, and a quasi-inexistent administration, and it is there you suddenly find that you master all of those. Be it technical approach, negotiations, and business administration. That is why we say at IIFM it is an MBA+.
- What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
The journey has always been challenging and unforgiving. Sheer will, focus, and professionalism, and an open mind have made me a good manager. A good manager should first have a good repute based on the qualities of will, focus, and professionalism and should concentrate on the work assigned and instead not work for a promotion. The next-level game will come naturally. I relate my work with Ministers where initially they do not trust anyone because of underdogs, but with time you forge a more substantial relationship based on your professionalism and repute.
- What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
The best thing is that you can participate in decision-making and propose better options and get the opportunity to share your thoughts that were just outside the box. I believe that we all have minimal time here on earth; the more good we can do, the better it is. I am happy to empower people and build customized and better management systems.
- Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
Definitely yes. As an IIFM graduate, I see and feel very differently. I see myself with a multi-role capability since I can understand macroeconomics/ finances/ sciences of sustainability/extension/ empowerment and so much more. This helps in learning things quickly, grasping and being this absolutely interesting all-rounder, which is current industry standards, having multi-talented individuals as their human capital.
- 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?
I come from a very humble background. I still remember my days going to primary school with slippers and torn clothes. We struggled through the darkness of poverty as a single-parent family. There have been more downs than ups in life. The first influencer is, without a doubt, my mother, who has this will of steel of sending me to school despite financial and societal pressure. Finally, when I look back, I feel like going back for the simple reason that it was a growth and learning opportunity for every hardship or downfall I experienced. Of course, hardship and downfall still exist, but I have now renamed it a growing experience since you gain experience. Like they say, if you want to make pure gold, you have to put it through fire. My life experience drives me to encourage people and make them believe in themselves; they should be the first to believe in themselves.
Those willing to join a sector like mine should be driven by their core belief. The main reward from such a career is when you see empowered communities, happiness in the faces of the poor, and better wealth distribution.
- What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
I still remember those strong teas and the IIFM anthem. The Independence Day ceremony and, of course, those superb field works. The IIFM mess staff and the serving of hot tea during exams when your hands are cold and trembling.
- In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, and alumni. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
The IIFM program in itself is the particular ingredient to make you something different. Compared to a European master’s degree that has a 9-12 months duration, IIFM offers a more extended period with a mix to make you a multi-role person. The hectic teaching schedule reflects the true work-life of a tight schedule and more work.
- The best friends / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share
My best friends at IIFM we connect through our own Whatsapp group, sharing jokes and nostalgia and professional information and helping each other.
As for seniors, I did not get to interact much with them since I refused the “Intro sessions” with a firm tone right from the start (?).
For faculty, I have a special place for all of them. I still interact with many of them, but someone who marked me with his decorum was IFS officer Dr. Rabindra K Singh, for his decorum and teaching style at my lectures.
Recently I was also surprised and delighted with the very different persona of Dr. CS Rathore, post-student life, for whom I am personally grateful for his bona fide help.
- As an alumnus, what is your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
I would advise them to do what you are asked to do. The faculty and the institute know what is best for you. Every aspect of the two years is essential. Life is not a competition though it’s an experience.
- What is your typical day at the office? (We want to know what your day job looks like)
My typical day would consist of emails/ reports/ meetings/ advice/ setting targets/ streamlining processes and, above all, project management besides administrative works.
My day is also typically having lunch in the common mess, meeting colleagues in their respective offices, especially during the end of the day for debriefing.
- And how about weekends, Hobbies, Family and anything else you want to add
At present, I have 3 important things that I make time for myself: swimming/ archery and yoga throughout the week after work. Else my time is dedicated to my two children and my spouse. My hobbies are mainly home gardening, koi caring, and the best thing we do during covid times is to go for drives, especially in the inner parts of the country mostly unknown to most of us.
- Favorite Books, movies, authors
The best book I read recently is an old publication by Meredith Martin, “The state of Africa“. Else movies I enjoy watching whatever is entertaining.
- IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
I want to contribute by advice/ information-sharing regarding opportunities. I would be delighted to deliver some talks to something similar like an experience sharing whenever I can come back to India or on a regular visiting fellow basis, of course on a pro bono basis. Or any other thing that can help strengthen the IIFM base, like encouraging few international students to join the course. It will promote the institute or the faculty to work like consultants to give them needed international exposure.
- 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?
I think IIFM students are more mature especially giving time to extra-curricular activities like this one and helping in the institute’s visibility. Making excellent use of modern sharing platforms as well.
Some change that is required is to increase the faculty base from external lecturers in exchange programs, predominantly from transnational universities e.g. Europe, SIDS countries, African countries, to improve the positioning and recognition
- Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
Govind Kumar is my batchmate and has been working in the African continent for a very long. I am sure that he can give an insight into his prosperous career and experience.