Rishu leads Water Conservation programmes in HUF. He is an environmentalist and a development professional with over two decades of work experience. He believes local governments together with informed and active citizen participation is key to addressing sustainable development and climate change adaptation challenges.
Prior to joining HUF, he has worked with United Nation, DFID and civil society organizations. He started his career working with forest communities in Madhya Pradesh. On a key leadership position in WOTR, he led ambitious community-based interventions. He was also part of the national team at Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GOI, that contributed to roll out GPDP across the country.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishu-garg-01359613a/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. Quite interesting, I would say, though the speed brakers, diversions and stopovers were not quite as anticipated. In retrospect, being in a sector where career paths must be carved out, I can say that I have enjoyed diversity of experiences of my professional journey so far.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. One of my key learnings have been to keep learning. Staying put and being focused to what one wants to do should be the determining factor. There is huge scope and lot of growth potential in the environment and development sector. Environment sector has immense potential and the opportunities would grow exponentially in near future.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
A. My present role provides me an opportunity to provide thought leadership over issues related to water, agriculture and climate change. My crossover from civil society provides me an opportunity to build linkages and bridges between the civil society, government and corporate for the larger common good.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A.Definitely, learning at IIFM helped me in developing an approach towards self-learning. Assignments during the course helped in inculcating key aspects of learning such as reading, research, writing and exploration. Appreciate enquiry was key in developing communication on field. All of this benefited profusely in my professional roles.
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. My passion to contribute to the environment and development sector has been the force behind my career journey. Despite all the crests and troughs in my career the only constant has been that I have stayed put. It applies not only to this sector but to every trade one is determined to contribute. Once your passion becomes your careers, you start enjoying even during the most difficult phase of the journey.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Bamboosa parties and late night parties and discussions.
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.My biggest take away from IIFM as an individual has been my wife whom I met in IIFM. Everything else is secondary!
Q.The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Our batch visits to MP and Dehradun tour was amazing experience to start course with. Late night weekend Bamboosa parties was the norm and everybody danced to the hilt. I long for those days and nights spend in IIFM. Coming to terms that the course was over was the most difficult part of life in IIFM.
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. Enjoy to the hilt but also stay focused. It is easy to get carried away in believing it would not matter but the two years in IIFM are important. It would help you building perspective that will define your career path ahead.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. Typical day in office includes discussion with teams, partner organisation, some research work, reading and meetings.
Q.And how about weekends, Hobbies, Family and anything else you want to add
A.Spending time with family is what i love most.
Q.Favorite Books, movies, authors
A. I am presently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
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? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I have been supporting IIFM students placement all through and whenever possible.
Q.Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?