Alok Dhuria (PFM 2002-04) is a Dy Manager (Personnel) in Life Insurance Corporation of India and is posted in Raipur Division. He has extensively worked in the claim portfolio department. Earlier, he has worked in the development sector with Winrock International and CARD in domain of Natural Resource Management, Forestry, and Livelihoods.
Alok considers himself as an agnostic and a responsible citizen. Though directly not a part of the Development Sector anymore, the social, developmental, and environmental issues are very close to his heart and his way of living.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. Out of IIFM, I was placed at Winrock International India, New Delhi in 2004. I continued there till the end of 2005. However, I always felt that by being a part of the government system, I will be able to increase my contribution and exposure to people.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. While at Winrock, I was instrumental in publishing a booklet on Watershed Markets. Further, working with CARD in Bhopal for a very small duration, I initiated the work on Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan. Later on, I joined Life Insurance Corporation in 2009. In LIC, I realized that it is not purely a marketing-based organization but offers an opportunity to touch so many lives.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had many learnings. Among the most important things is the spirit of teamwork, I’ve realized the same everywhere I’ve worked. Also, taking initiative is very important and people are at the core of all our common goals (as in whether it is in the development sector or government sector), and they should not be ignored.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
A. For most of my career at Life Insurance Corporation, I headed the Claims portfolio in Rajnandgaon (CG) and then at Bhopal. It is a challenging but unique job. We settle the claims of people, who have lost their loved ones and require efficient and effective resolutions.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Yes, the learnings at IIFM have played a key role. Not only in shaping my approach in my professional life, but also the brand IIFM that is permanently attached to me, this gives me immense pride, confidence, and respect of my peers.
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. The biggest influencers in my career are my critics. Not trying to be philosophical but it has proven to be somewhat true. My advice to freshers would be to always start at the core development sector before moving to any government or corporate setup. This would ensure that the learning and understanding of the development sector are robust and you’re well prepared for how you want your career to progress. Those years, for me, were very important as they gave me a clear picture of exactly how and where I want my professional growth.
Q. What are your favourite memories during your IIFM days?
A. My favorite memories are from the hostel and mess. The way we use to run to the mess early morning for breakfast before going to our classes. I used to sleep early but my roommate was a party person, and he stayed up quite late. Surprisingly, he was a topper as well!
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, and alumni. Anything else!!) or takeaway from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The library was par excellence. The course curriculum, and case studies all were very beneficial. Friends can never be undermined. I had few friends at IIFM and they have always stood by me. I am still in touch with them. All these learnings play a crucial role in personal and professional development.
Q. The best friends/seniors/faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share.
A. Manjeet Saluja, Siddhartha Das, Pramod Chaudhary, Anique Junaid, Vaibhav Gupta, Ravi Prakash; Vinay from MRM. AK Bhattacharya amongst the faculty.
Q. As an alumnus, what is your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get the best out of the 2 years there?
A. Learn from everything and everyone. You need not just the books, but also the experiences.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. There is always a pendency. Personnel is one area, where it’s a never-ending job. I look after over 1000 employees. Along with furthering the corporation’s interest, it is pertinent to look after the employee’s needs, training, assessment, suitability for a particular position, and so on. So, a lot of work on data organization and working on employee roasters.
Q. And how about weekends, Hobbies, Family, and anything else you want to add?
A. I ensure weekends are not disturbed by anything official. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Yoga and meditation for me have been a lifestyle for many years and I take a break only on weekends.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors.
A. As of now, none in particular. Depends purely on the mindset.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitment toward its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, and students?
A. Whenever the need arises, will contribute in whatever way I can.
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. Have not been a lot in touch with the present times of IIFM. So can’t comment on that.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Mr. Pramod Chaudhary , PFM 2004. Currently in BILT.