Pradyuman Singh Rawat (PFM 2005-07), a highly skilled and experienced rural development Project Manager who is committed to bringing positive impact through successful execution of complex projects.
With a background in financial inclusion and agriculture, highly experienced working in various countries and cultures, Pradyuman handles the issues of the rural region with ease and also seek for the hidden opportunities for growth.
Pradyuman is a certified PMP practitioner and trainer with his incredible expertise in project management, training delivery and relationship management which has helped him in his past decade of work.
He has worked PAN India, along with handling various projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, and Nigeria. He has also worked with several funding agencies such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Tata Trusts, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), and USAID.
Pradyuman is also a certified trainer and hold a certificate in microfinance from the Frankfurt School of Financial Management.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradyuman-singh-rawat-pmp-6225457/
Twitter: @realpradyuman
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. After graduating from IIFM, my life has been eventful with its share of challenges and thrills. While the early years in the development sector demand patience and resilience, persistence offers opportunities for growth and experience over time. All things considered, I believe that I have had a fulfilling experience since completing my studies.
I would like to clarify something before we proceed. Throughout the majority of my career, I have been employed on a project basis, which means that most of the jobs I have held were not permanent in nature. As a result, I have gained extensive experience working on a diverse range of projects, but it also means that I have had to navigate uncertainties around employment and project durations. Nonetheless, my background has given me an adaptable and flexible approach to my work, and I am always excited to take on new challenges and opportunities that come my way.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I have experienced several milestones throughout my career, beginning with my first job outside India in Nigeria in 2008. This role holds a special place in my heart as it provided me with an opportunity to advance my career towards training and gain certification.
The second milestone was my long-term project as an independent consultant in Kyrgyzstan in 2011. This experience helped me understand the world of being an independent contractor and its nuances.
My third milestone came in 2016 while working in Myanmar, where I had my first experience managing a team and working in agriculture and rural development. This experience paved the way for future opportunities.
Finally, in 2018, I was given the opportunity to lead a nearly INR 50 crore agriculture project with Tata Trusts, marking my first leadership role in a project.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most satisfying aspect of my job in the rural development space is the impact I can make on the communities I serve. I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to help improve the lives of people who are often underserved and marginalized. Ultimately, being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives is what makes my job in rural development so fulfilling.
In addition to the impact I am able to make on the communities I serve, my job in the rural development space has also provided me with numerous learning opportunities. This has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and has opened up new doors for me in my career.
Another rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to meet a variety of people from different backgrounds. Working in rural development has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, including farmers, local leaders, and government officials. These interactions have broadened my perspectives and have taught me a great deal about the world around me.
Finally, the last aspect of my job in the rural development space that I find incredibly rewarding is the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. Through my work, I have had the chance to work on projects in Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, and India, among other places. These experiences have allowed me to see different cultures, learn new things, and connect with people from all over the globe. I find this aspect of my job both exciting and enriching, and it has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Overall, my job in rural development is both fulfilling and enriching in a number of different ways.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. My education at IIFM played a crucial role in shaping how I approach my professional roles. The PGDFM course that I pursued at IIFM provided me with a solid foundation in microfinance and overall rural development, which has been invaluable in my work in the development sector. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills that I gained at IIFM have helped me better understand the complex challenges that are often faced in the rural development space, and have equipped me with the tools to effectively address them.
In addition to the technical knowledge, I also gained a number of soft skills during my time at IIFM. These include effective communication, teamwork, and leadership, among others. These skills have been critical in my roles as a project manager and a trainer, and have helped me build strong relationships with the communities that I serve. IIFM has had a significant impact on my professional journey, and I am grateful for the education and experiences that it provided me.
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. When I was in high school, I faced a common dilemma: whether to pursue science or commerce. I sought advice from my teacher, who gave me a piece of advice that has shaped my career ever since. He said that it didn’t matter which stream I chose, as long as I focused on climbing the ladder of success, which has no end.
Since then, I have been particular about rules, both the ones set by others and the ones I set for myself. However, I also break my own rules to avoid falling into a rut of monotony. I understand the importance of balancing work and play, and I strive to maintain that balance in my professional life.
One of the challenges that can arise in the development sector is bureaucracy and red-tapism. It’s easy to become demotivated when faced with a seemingly endless stream of paperwork and hurdles. My only advice is stay focused on the ultimate goal of the work, which is to help improve the lives of the people and communities that we serve. While it can be frustrating to navigate bureaucracy and deal with red tape, it’s important to remember that these challenges are often a part of working in any large organization, whether it be in the public or private sector.
It’s also important to take care of yourself and find ways to stay energized and inspired. This may involve taking breaks, seeking out mentorship or support from colleagues, or pursuing interests and hobbies outside of work. Finally, remember that the development sector is a large and diverse field, and there are many different paths and opportunities available. If one role or organization is not the right fit, consider exploring other options that may align better with your values and career goals.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Being someone who loves to travel, the memory that stands out to me the most is from one of the trips I took outside of college. It was a forest field trip to Kerala with a small group, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable parts of my studies. This was my first time traveling to the South, and I was able to learn so much about the culture of Kerala.
During my time on campus, I actively participated in various activities such as sports, quiz competitions, and cultural events. One of the highlights was when we organized a Spic Macay concert on campus. As I had initiated the conversation with them, the success of the concert made me feel proud.
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. I believe that the brand name of IIFM is a significant factor in shaping a student’s professional life. The reputation of IIFM helped me have a choice of jobs that I wanted. I was able to leverage the Institute’s brand name to gain access to a variety of job opportunities. Potential employers recognized the quality of education and training provided by IIFM, which helped me stand out from the crowd.
Another crucial factor in shaping my academic journey was the faculty at IIFM. The faculty members at IIFM were not only excellent teachers but also provided me with support outside of academics. The transition from living at home to living on my own was not easy, and I found it challenging to adapt to the new environment. Some of the faculty members recognized this and provided me with emotional support, which made the transition much more manageable.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. During my time at IIFM, I had a close-knit group of friends who we would hang out with whenever possible. Although some of the friendships didn’t make it beyond college, I still tried to stay in touch with most of the group. However, once I left India, it was harder to keep in touch as this was before the era of WhatsApp. Nonetheless, I do still manage to meet up with a few of my friends whenever I am in their town.
For example, I meet Dhananjai Rai whenever I’m in Mumbai. Interestingly, the first time Dhananjai took his car on a long trip was to come meet me.
Rajiv Manocha is another friend who always calls me when he’s in India. He was the only classmate who attended my wedding, just as I attended his.
I also reach out to Varuna Chauhan from time to time for career advice. When I was working in Delhi, Varuna would take me to all the fancy places to have lunch.
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. As an alumni of IIFM, my advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM would be to make the most of their two years by being proactive, staying focused, and getting involved in various activities offered by the Institute. It’s important to stay on top of academics, attend lectures regularly, and actively participate in class discussions.
In addition to academics, students should make an effort to participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, events, and sports. This is an excellent way to meet new people, learn new skills, and develop interests outside of the classroom. It’s also important to take advantage of the industry interactions that the Institute offers, attend guest lectures, and participate in internships.
I would also recommend networking with alumni and building strong relationships with faculty members. This can be helpful for getting advice, mentorship, and guidance for your career.
Finally, I would advise students to keep an open mind and be receptive to learning new things. The Institute offers a unique experience, and being open to new experiences and ideas can help students grow and develop as individuals.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. Currently, I work in Dehradun for Transform Rural India. We are collaborating with the Rural Development Department on a funded project in Uttarakhand, which is in the initiation phase. Most of my time is spent waiting for approvals from the Department to start the project. Meanwhile, I focus on learning new skills (ESG these days) and reading in my spare time.
Typically, the job mostly involves field visits to understand the challenges faced by rural farmers, followed by meetings with the department to develop solutions. The job involves collecting and analyzing data, discussing policy frameworks, and implementing solutions. While no two days are the same, this is the general flow of work over a quarter.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Since the onset of the pandemic, our travel plans have been drastically reduced due to various restrictions and health concerns. As a result, we have had to adapt our leisure activities and find new ways to spend time together as a family. Watching shows on various streaming platforms has been a way for us to bond and enjoy our downtime, while also staying safe and following health guidelines.
Prior to the pandemic, my family and I would often embark on long road trips during the weekends. We have been fortunate enough to live in different locations, which provided us with numerous opportunities to explore and sightsee. We would often visit nearby areas and countries, taking advantage of the freedom and ease of travel that was available before the pandemic. During our time in Myanmar, my wife and I visited places in Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Although our weekend activities have changed, we still cherish the memories of our previous travels and the experiences that we gained from them. We were able to visit numerous destinations that we had only dreamed of and immerse ourselves in various cultures and customs. These experiences were not only educational but also helped us to form a deeper connection as a family.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. Scent of a Woman, starring Al Pacino, is my favorite movie because it is unique among Al Pacino’s films, which makes it special.
Although I generally prefer non-fiction books, my all-time favorite books are “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Catch 22.” There are many books I like, but these two stand out.
I don’t have a favorite author, but I enjoy reading books by Frederick Forsyth for action thrillers and John Grisham for courtroom dramas. When I was younger, I liked books by Erich Segal and Jhumpa Lahiri.
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. As an alumni of IIFM, I have great memories and experiences of my time at the institute. I am deeply committed to contributing towards the betterment of IIFM, its students, and alumni.
I would like to volunteer my time and resources towards various alumni engagement programs, such as mentorship and networking initiatives. I believe that providing guidance and support to current students and fellow alumni can help them achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
In terms of engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI, I am willing to participate in various recruitment processes, provide feedback, and offer my industry expertise to assist students in finding the right career opportunities. Additionally, I can offer my skills and knowledge to help improve the OT/SI programs and contribute towards creating a more impactful and sustainable learning experience for the students.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. In my opinion, the biggest contrast between the current state of IIFM and when I attended is the curriculum. IIFM now provides distinct courses on forest management and sustainability, which represents a significant advancement.
Additionally, I believe that the institute has made substantial progress in establishing alumni relationships, which was not as prevalent during my time.
Finally, with the widespread availability of the internet, current students are more knowledgeable about IIFM and the field of natural resource management, and this has led to a greater interest among students in pursuing careers in this sector.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Varuna Chauhan – PFM 2007