Murli Dhar has about 25 years of experience working in the sustainability and conservation fields, and he is currently leading WWF-India’s Sustainable Agriculture Initiative. He has also helped design standards that businesses can use it to transform their supply chains and represented in international advisories and trust in various capacities. His expertise spans in the area of sustainable certification, risk and team management.
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/murli-dhar-b2897251/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. My journey was especially outstanding because I joined the MRM degree having a working background. It was wonderful to relate my experience to theoretical frameworks from academia, which greatly helped in theorizing my work experience before investing my time to organizing my dissertation. Apart from it, the campus was alive with life, and PFM students were inclined towards academics and other pursuits that complemented the beauty of the institution. In short, it facilitates everyone’s nurturing; overall, the journey was incredible. The journey continued, and after over 23 years, I have gained a great deal of skills from the various exposures I have had between then and now, which I still cherish.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. There were a lot of milestones I contributed on, but only a small number are still going strong. One of those milestone where I was involved helping to create a sustainability standard for textile brands, which are now widely accepted and acknowledged by market.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most fulfilling aspect of my work has been finishing the project and doing so in accordance with the client’s requirements. The client’s requirements were extremely stringent and we had no idea how to run in accordance with them. When the project was successfully completed, we could all be extremely satisfied.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Despite my brief stay at IIFM, it really influenced me. The institution’s multidisciplinary approach to teaching integrates technical aspects of natural resource management with management principles is one of its best aspects. The two together is unique and broadens the perspective, both of which are helpful when pursuing or carrying out the task.
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 two things that drive a profession are commitment and persuasion. If students are interested in a career in conservation and environmental sustainability, they need possess both of these qualities in order to carry themselves further in that field.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Sitting at Sunset point is a favorite part of IIFM days.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. All was excellent, and I gained knowledge from all I could, but just a few professors and courses—especially those in marketing, sociology, and statistics—truly influenced the trajectory of my career.
Q. Some memorable tidbits that you like to share from IIFM days.
A. We really loved our field trips, and I will give credit to everyone who was there when I was there.
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. The only piece of advice I have for fresher’s is to make the most of IIFM since it can really help you develop your career. Do not miss away this opportunity to succeed.
Since IIFM is the only institution that offers a blended course to help shape individuals before they embark on their professional career, i also advise the young IIFM guys to zero in on knowing as much as they can in the classroom and in the field in order to establish their career.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. A typical day begins with attending meetings with various stakeholders and tracking and clearing emails.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Weekends are hectic. You will understand when you become aged how hectic weekends gets!!
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. My two favorite films are Millions Mile Away and The Wolf of Wall Street.
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 can help by giving IIFM fresher’s OT(SI/ProjectWork)assignments and assisting them in making choice in career decisions.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. A lot has changed after twenty years, and most of the changes are for good. I hope that the change meets the requirements.