Manish did his graduation in Chemical Engineering from HBTI, Kanpur and worked as Senior Process Engineer with Godrej Industries Limited for two years. He got placed in Environmental Planning and Coordination Organization (Bhopal) from IIFM and worked for 3 years on GoMP-UNDP Project. In 2013, he was selected for Indian Forest Service and since then he has been working in the state of Uttar Pradesh. During this period, he has worked as DFO in Bhadohi, Sohgibarwa Wildlife Division Mahrajganj, Bahraich and now in Ghaziabad.
Linkedin : Manish Singh
Twitter :@ManishSinghIFS
Insta: manish.singh.7355
FB: Manish Singh
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. IIFM was a major turning point in my career as I got an opportunity to understand Government functions closely which later on helped me to plan and get into the Indian Forest Service.
The journey has been wonderful and very satisfying. I have been fortunate to work in the areas which are core of IIFM i.e. Environment and Forests. EPCO provided me the platform where I worked closely with senior IAS and IFS officers and realized the massive difference they make in the field at all levels of planning and execution. The experience also gave me the push and the inspiration to prepare and become an IFS officer. My stint as DFO has been very engaging and enriching where I get to contribute positively to the society.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A.
- I appeared twice for IFS, got stuck in the interview on the first attempt and cleared it successfully in the second. I still remember how deeply I was broken when I failed in the first attempt, but my parents helped me overcome and get motivated to start afresh for giving another shot. Parents are always our biggest strength in tough time, no matter how old we get.
- I also understood the colossal strength of nature in these years after joining IFS. Nature and its components directly affect us and our well being. Our attitude towards nature decides many things in our life.
- In my stint as DFO Sohgibarwa Wildlife Division, I developed a site for Ecotourism-Darjeenia Taal– which is very popular among locals now. Similarly, I developed largest nursery of Uttar Pradesh in Bahraich along with plantation on the largest patch in 2022.
- Many a time, people have a notion that it’s difficult to operate in Government ecosystem or it is difficult to do good work in Government set-up but trust me it is always a good experience to work with Government as the canvas to work is very large and the scale of impact can never be compared with any other segment.
It has been a great journey till now with lot of freedom to work in the system.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The best part of my career is that I have evolved, learned from myriad of experiences, and used them every single day to give my best in planning and execution of various Projects. Every day is dynamic with a new set of challenges which keeps me motivated. The situation at the grass root level is always very intriguing, which tests all our managerial skills where at times I also experiment taking few risks which gives a great sense of satisfaction when the objectives are achieved.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Thoroughly, as my day today work involves forestry and development, learning at IIFM plays a crucial role. IIFM curriculum and ecosystem has been very well planned with Group assignments, field trips, OT’s/SI’s, sports, Clubs, Mess Committee and many more activities which has brought out a better version of mine while performing official duties.
On top of it, I also got an opportunity to have a firsthand experience in looking at the government functions during my stay in EPCO after IIFM campus placement. This also gave me the opportunity to interact with senior government officials which made a huge difference to my career ahead.
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 parents are my biggest influencers and motivators who believed in me and supported me at every juncture of my life. My inherent desire of looking for new challenges in life has kept me ‘restless’ and looking for new roles and responsibilities. I feel one should remain true to ‘himself/herself’ as everyone is different and unique in his/ her own way. Rather than copying others, one should follow his/ her own instinct and dreams and try to achieve it. Every experience is a learning in life, and we should make it count in our life. UPSC/Civil Service seems difficult but the key to success is proper planning and consistent hard work.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM?
A. I decided to appear for Civil Services after my experience and learning at EPCO as it made me realize the scale of impact towards development and nation building.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Cricket in hostel compound, Holi celebration, field visits and many more!
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 feel friends and faculty members helped me a lot in my journey.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Many faculties helped me where I would like to mention PK Biswas Sir and Nayan and Saransh as batchmates.
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. Live each moment to the fullest as IIFM is an amazing place so make everyday count.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. Day starts with workout at gym, then office work along with field work. After 5, its personal time mostly which I use in meditation, watching Cricket/ TV.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. I love to travel whenever I get time, so outings with my family are my favorite hobby. I have three pets, so I give sufficient time to them also. Meeting friends and relatives based in NCR is another thing which I do whenever I get time.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. I am not fond of reading and have read very few books, Wings of Fire by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is one book which I completed, and I liked. Any comedy movie which makes me laugh is my favorite!
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. In any capacity, I would be happy to contribute so IIFM’ites are welcome to connect with me for making a career in Indian Forest Service.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. Few new courses, new infrastructure, and new faculty members but the best part is the “Core spirit” has remained the same.