An ordinary professional in the extra-ordinary sector.
Shakti Kumar who is currently working as a General Manager and CSR Section Head at Welspun Foundation is a seasoned professional with over 11 years of experience in the social development sector.
Shakti has established himself as a key player in driving impactful development projects. His work involves project inception, management, CSR compliance, NGO and grantee monitoring and evaluation.
Shakti’s previous roles include working with Axis Bank Foundation as a program manager of their CSR project, KPMG, where he was instrumental in e-governance and skill development consulting, as the National Head for AISECT Skills Mission, managing flagship skill development projects for the National Skill Development Corporation. His experience extends to community development, having served as a Field Manager with the MP State Minor Forest Produce Federation, focusing on training and ecosystem service improvement for primitive tribal groups.
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakti-kumar-ba962139
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far? What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. The journey since IIFM has been nothing short of a tapestry woven with diverse experiences. The human mind is a master of illusion, often embellishing the past with fond memories, making it easy to romanticize bygone days. However, I’ll attempt to offer a candid and honest account to guide future batches towards making a more rational, rather than idealized, choice in their careers.
Upon graduating in 2013, my initial two years with the MP Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation were not particularly invigorating, nor were my responsibilities clearly demarcated. Though still the learning curve was great as I get to work directly with the IFS Officers, Rangers, SDOs and on project of great scale and value. And yes I found solace in the relaxed working atmosphere, especially as a newly married individual, it was a blessing and am not complaining either. The role involved a good amount of travel and yes the bureaucratic paperwork (I once had to submit an application for a table fan in May, only to receive approval in the winter). Generally people feel bored during long meetings, but at MPMFP it was such a learning experience as you get to learn and know so many different aspects of how a seasoned bureaucrat thinks and strategize, and what the different bottlenecks are and other minute details related to planning. I particularly remember the planning of kisan mela; it was a planning involving over Rs. 150 Cr. Hence, I found those meetings awesome and enjoyed every bit of it and not to forget delightful samosas, cookies and tea, courtesy of government hospitality. Also to mention one of my favourite person there, IFS Mr. Anil Oberoi. I gleaned invaluable management insights from him, whose wisdom continues to resonate with me. Additionally, my exposure to Non-Timber Forest Produce projects illuminated the intricacies of tribal issues, the risks inherent in community development, issues on ground, how the elephant named bureaucracy moves, what are some major developmental challenges on ground and the art of patience—particularly when working on projects that never saw the light of day and there were many such project. Forgot to mention, that because of MPMFP I travelled through the length and breadth of Madhya Pradesh, from Gwalior to Seoni and from Jhabua to Singhrauli.
My most transformative professional years commenced two years post-IIFM when I joined AISECT in 2015, coinciding with the inception of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2014. Over the next four years, I worked on everything from RFP preparation, project execution, and financial modelling to risk and team management. AISECT was an extraordinary organization that nurtured my growth, and I eventually ascended from Project Associate to National Head of the NSDC Project Management Unit, gaining expertise in skill development and CSR. I was lucky to have an exceptional mentor, who showed immense trust on me. I was handling a team of around 20 and we together bagged multiple projects and worked with over 10 CSRs. I remember cold calling and sending mails to CSR organizations for partnership. The first one, after over 100 mails, that we bagged was Muthoot Fincorp. Then we went on to present our proposal to over 20-30 organizations managing to get some more on-board. One of the most remarkable project that I headed during AISECT was the PMKK Project and travelled to over 20 locations in MP and Chhattisgarh to finalize things. It was hectic (especially travelling to CG in May-June when it was like a blast furnace) but in hindsight it feels awesome. At AISECT we grew from Rs. 5 Cr. (my department’s annual revenue) to around Rs. 15 Cr. And the journey was worth every penny, in terms of learning and even the respect and national and international exposure. I generally advice people that instead of going for bigger brand names, one should target the scope of work and the organization where one can learn and get to do things on their own. I didn’t chose AISECT because of that, AISECT was purely accidental. I too like so many others wanted to work in the Big 4s and with the glittering organization of suits. Something with which I was fascinated even when I was working at AISECT and in retrospect I think that was not a good idea but then as Buddha says, an unexamined and an unexplored life is worth not living.
And finally I got the chance to work for KPMG. In 2019, I transitioned to KPMG, relocating from Bhopal to Mumbai. Initially recruited to manage a skill development project for a Maharashtra Government bod but I discovered the same day I joined that the entire leadership team who had hired me was on notice period, preparing to launch their own consulting firm. I was in such a shock when I came to know this!! So instead of managing some skill development project (as some new partner came in with his new team), I was assigned to an e-governance project, a domain I was unfamiliar with (just a miniscule component was Skill Development/CSR). The work was often 12-16 hours a day and all days of the week. On weekdays we use to work for the client and then preparing for some Business Development RFPs on the weekends. But consulting pays good that’s for sure and often the kind of team you get is also important. So it’s an individual choice to make as a kind of trade-off. I have all the respect for everyone working there but personally I found the work, culture, and environment deeply unsatisfying, political and toxic and barely managed to endure for 20 months.
My next chapter at Axis Bank Foundation was nothing short of amazing. It is a phenomenal organization with impactful projects, Pan India footprint, a wonderful team and a robust monitoring system. Over the next four years I spent there, I delved deeply into CSR from the perspective of a grantor, while managing NGO collaborations and regulatory compliance. My travels took me from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Arunachal to Kutch, offering profound insights into rural livelihoods, village based enterprises, and diverse communities and project location. Prior to joining ABF I only worked with CSR on Skill Development project but ABF gave me a great opportunity to learn and work on many different kinds of projects related to agriculture, livestock, water-shed and so on and so forth. I handled a total portfolio size of Rs. 200 crore there. The work also required making community specific project like the utra-poor targeting the Musahars of Gaya and Maharajganj, or the project for different tribal groups of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand like the Ho tribes, Santhalis, Mal Pahadiyas, Bheels, Gonds, and Bison Horn Marias. I loved every bit of my tenure there at ABF. Most importantly the stories that I accumulated during these project travel could easily fill a travelogue. Stories like ancient jhitku mitki love story from Bastar to Singbonga legend to Laka Bonga to the story of Marang Buru I loved interacting with the people and knowing and understanding their culture. I worked there in partnership with reputed NGOs and consulting like Deloitte, Bridgespan and other philanthropist like Azim Premji, Tata Trusts and Gates Foundation etc. I would like to reiterate the fact that ABF is by far one of the best and one of the most ethical and impactful CSRs in India and their body of work is a testament to the fact.
After four enriching years at ABF, I recently joined Welspun Foundation as General Manager and CSR Section Head, based out of Mumbai. Thus rounding off 11 eventful years since I embarked on this professional odyssey post-IIFM.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. On a professional front, I believe the most satisfying moments in my career are still ahead of me. I am yet to achieve anything which can fit inside the bracket of gratifying for me.
However, on a personal level, I have cultivated a vast meaningful social network. No matter where I travel, I never find myself dining alone, as I’ve forged remarkable friendships with colleagues along the way. Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect is that many of those I’ve worked with continue to remain in close contact with me. So, on an afterthought if I have to say the most satisfying part in my career, it would be the network that I have been able to forge and friends I have been able to make.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely, my time at IIFM was a transformative experience, a world in itself. Those two years remain deeply ingrained in me, and I often tell my friends, “You may leave IIFM, but IIFM never truly leaves you.” Beyond the foundational academic knowledge—like statistics, research methodology, and HR and development and environmental studies—it imparted invaluable lessons in adaptability, the importance of interpersonal acumen, exposure to multifaceted perspectives, and the essence of being both conscientious and ethical in one’s endeavors. It was during IIFM that I started thinking and planning seriously for my career. Those conversation with the professors and fellow batch-mates really nudge you towards what one need to do and what one need to learn.
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 key drivers in my career can be best encapsulated by a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. But make no mistake, without money, those things become infinitely harder.” So, being very honest I’m deeply passionate about the social development sector and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but it’s essential to acknowledge that financial stability is the fuel that keeps the engine running. Though there are many exceptions from IIFM fraternity who has given their life and soul towards the cause they found sacred and I completely respect it. But I think it is very important to balance the thrill of your work or say job satisfaction with the money and financial growth being offered and this is what has driven me till now.
To IIFM graduates, particularly the freshers, my advice is simple, start honing your skills at IIFM, start bending your mind towards things you want to do. Start talking to the Alumni and the Professors to learn about the industry of your interest (nowadays you get so much information from the internet). Also its very important to be fearless and confident. Pursue whatever path ignites your passion post IIFM—within the bounds of legality, of course! If you’re inclined to work pro-bono, go ahead. If grassroots NGOs in remote areas call to you, chase that dream. If you want to start your firm please do. If UPSC is your ambition, pursue it. Even if you wish to become a professional photographer or yoga instructor or even an actor or a sports commentator or a podcaster, follow that path. No matter whatever you choose, in the end you’ll be just fine, trust me. As Billy Joel’s song Vienna beautifully puts it: “You got your passion, you got your pride, but don’t you know that only fools are satisfied.”
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. My time at IIFM was nothing short of a delightful whirlwind. I forged lifelong friendships which is still there rock solid, fell in love with a batch-mate got married to her, played cricket and broke my wrist, performed skits at Kalpataru and won the best actor twice, indulged in parties that lasted till dawn completely intoxicated, celebrating birthdays in late-night revelries, red bull and black coffee fueled study sessions before exams, scrambling to complete assignments on time, intense cricket and football rivalries, the unforgettable field trips, begging Professors for permission to appear for the exam due to shortage of attendance, those insightful discussions during the lecture, collecting money to get a bionic burger from Amer or sandwich from sagar gaire or ahem!!! Anyway — all while managing to get both a degree and a job. Truly, “………those were the best days of my life”.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I have made some amazing friends at IIFM. I married one amazing friend, Ruchika, I am in contact with most of my batchmates on a regular basis like Raipuria, Ram, Shailesh, Vaibhav Shende, Bob (Rahul Sharma), Doctor (Ankaj), Abhinav, Barapatre and many more. As far as professors are concerned I really liked CSR Sir, Ujjal Sir and I always loved to attend BK Upadhayay Sir’s classes because of it being very discussion oriented and interactive. Apart from this I like Ashish David sir and MMY Sir as well.
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. To give gyaan is perhaps the easiest thing in the world. It is easy to dispense, yet seldom transformative. Hence, rather than offer mere platitudes, I’ll share insights that have profoundly shaped my life post-IIFM. In my view, to extract the utmost from your two years at IIFM, cultivate fearlessness and strive to develop a sharp intellect, a good communication skill and a mind which knows where to go and what to do. Immerse yourself in literature—read good books, magazines, and journals at IIFM Library or on your personal device with fervor. If someone doesn’t like reading books listen to good podcasts or audio books or documentaries. Develop inquisitiveness, that’s the best tool for life. Engage actively with professors; transform lectures into discussions. Don’t let the lectures be a one way communication. When faced with assignments, select diverse topics and relish the research process, making presentations as captivating as a well-crafted film is very important. IIFM assignments especially the one where you require to present can help develop the art of story-telling which is very important for the life post IIFM, trust me. And most importantly speak your mind, forge lasting friendships, and remain composed. IIFM has the potential to shape your character, and a well-developed character endures whatever trials life may present.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break? And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. I joined Welspun in August 2024, where we work 5 days a week. My role demands about 7-8 days of travel each month. On weekends, I indulge in watching movies or series or reading or watching some good documentaries, then gaming on my PlayStation, spending time with my children, often hosting friends, or dining out.
Occasionally, I seize long weekends for road trips with my family to nearby destinations like Nashik, Lonavala, Karjat, Alibaug or Goa etc. Annually, I embark on a 10-12 day vacation, punctuated by mini getaways with friends and family and cousins. My office leaves also accommodate a week-long trip home for Chhath Puja every year. Given that my children are four years old, a significant portion of my free time is now devoted to managing their demands, handling their tantrums, and mediating their sibling wars. And yes I have a serious FOMO so I never sleep at daytime, not even on the weekends. So yes that’s what I do in my free time.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. I have a profound appreciation for books and movies, and I consider myself an avid movie enthusiast. I’ve watched nearly all the top 250 films on IMDb. Hence, I will not mention the usual suspects of great cinema and I would try to remember and mention some best movies that I have watched recently in last 3-4 years. I’ve been particularly captivated by Parasite, Welcome to Chechnya, Jai Bhim, The Father, and Maharaja. I loved Pushpa and Animal as well. (I hope one will not judge me for liking Animal).
I love classical era books and love the works of Dostoevsky, Twain, Turgenev, Nietszche, Sartre, Rand, Marquez, Rushdie, Orwell, Puzo etc. but here I would like to mention some of the best books I read in last few years. Sapiens is one definitely then Educated I really liked, then the opium trilogy a nice read, then The under-ground Railroad was a very good book and last I would say The Over-story. The two noteworthy addition, are “Guns, Germs, and Steel” and “The Great Arab Conquests How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In”. I have deep interest in history so really liked these two.
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. Well I think going forward Welspun can get engaged with IIFM for internships and placements. Welspun is expected to grow at a rapid place thus the CSR size will also increase and triple in next 5 years. Also, I think ESG is a great space in which Welspun is working in a quite focused manner and hence can be targeted for placements.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. I don’t remember who from my batch are profiled earlier (I have read some though). But I would suggest that people will love reading about the journey of Aditya Raipuria, Ruchika, Shailesh, Ankaj, Ankita Yadav, Shreyas Joshi, Manish Panda and Bhupendra Mandavi.