My journey began in Bhopal always and was profoundly shaped by my postgraduate studies in Environment Management at IIFM. That education did more than just imparting knowledge; it defined my attitude and discipline.
Now, as a construction entrepreneur in Bhopal, I carry that foundation into my work. My direct impact is through business growth and creating employment at all levels. Indirectly, my IIFM background is a constant guide, pushing me to weave in green energy and sustainable methods wherever possible. For me, it’s about building livelihoods while consciously working to sustain the environment.
Location: Bhopal
FB: https: //www.facebook.com/anubhav.sogani
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. My academic journey led me to the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), which provided a strong foundation in environmental management. As someone from a Jain Marwari family, the ethos of entrepreneurship and building one’s own enterprise is a deeply ingrained value, often presented as a natural path.
Acting on my education, I began my career in the environmental sector, working with a Mumbai-based firm on carbon credit projects and biomass power plant research. While this work was meaningful and aligned with my studies, a personal realization prompted a significant shift. I moved into the construction business—a field entirely different from my academic background.
Over the last 15 years, this journey has taught me a fundamental lesson: career success is not solely about matching your job profile to your degree. True professional fulfilment comes from finding a space where you can contribute to the best of your best abilities. In return, this path should offer not just financial reward, but also the comfort of a balanced life, the profound satisfaction of being present for family, and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through your work.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Definitely Yes. My experience at IIFM was profoundly formative. The academic curriculum provided a strong foundation and significantly enhanced my skills to a high standard. Beyond the coursework, the true value lay in the immersive environment of living and learning alongside peers from across India. This diversity of perspectives was incredibly enriching.
I was fortunate to learn from exceptional faculty members, notably Prof. Chinmay Singh Rathore and Prof. Amitabh Pandey, whose guidance was invaluable. However, the most significant learning extended beyond academic knowledge—it was the profound development of attitude and resilience.
The IIFM lifestyle, which balanced early morning classes, rigorous studies, assignment pressures, and a vibrant campus life, taught us to manage seemingly impossible tasks. It instilled a powerful lesson for business and life: that 24 hours in a day are sufficient to achieve even the most daunting goals. This environment trained us to integrate intense productivity into our daily routine, ultimately replacing the stress and fear of failure with a calm, capable confidence.
Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. Here’s my advice, and it comes from a place of self-belief: don’t let others dictate your path. I may sound arrogant but I have never been influenced nor can anyone drive me to do something in my career.
We are all different, with unique skills. You can’t become someone else. You can’t replicate Sachin Tendulkar; even his own family couldn’t. So play cricket only if you love it and believe you can excel at it. You have the talent to be here at IIFM—own that. Don’t spend your time anxious about jobs. Instead, enjoy the journey, immerse yourself, and commit to learning one new thing every day. That focus will take you where you need to go.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. My time at IIFM is filled with fond memories, and revisiting them always brings a wave of nostalgia. I was known widely as a sports enthusiast, a fact my colleagues, juniors, and seniors would readily affirm.
Field Trip to Tehri Dam
An exceptional opportunity came my way in my very first year when, by popular demand, I was appointed as the Sports Club Coordinator. This early responsibility fueled a period of exciting innovation for campus life. We as a team where the first one to introduce Gully Cricket to casual play, and launched a thrilling Counter-Strike tournament with an IPL-style player bidding process, bringing a new kind of strategic excitement to the gaming community.
Representing IIFM at Forest Meet
Our ambitions stretched beyond campus. We organized cricket matches at the MANIT and SAI grounds, and even took the initiative to cut the grass and prepare our own field for football and cricket—a true testament to our dedication. None of this would have been possible without an incredible team that worked tirelessly, juggling academics and events to ensure every initiative was a success.
Opening With Sunil Sir in one of the matches held during Forest Meet
I was fortunate to have the steadfast guidance and motivation of Prof. Amitabh Pandey Sir, who empowered me to lead and supported every decision. This journey was shared with passionate peers like Shoaib, Akanksha, Rohan, Anuj, Nirbhay, Neel, Sanjay, and Nakul, and wonderfully supported by enthusiastic juniors like Darshan, Lovesh, Ashish, Kunal and many others, who were integral to every new event we launched. Those days were a perfect blend of leadership, teamwork, and pure sporting spirit.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. My days at IIFM are a treasure trove of memories. The rhythm of our life was unique—intense days packed with classes, heavy assignments, and exams, seamlessly giving way to exhilarating nights of Counter-Strike, volleyball, and badminton. Whole days could disappear in the thrill of cricket and football. The shared adventures of our field trips bonded us deeply.
While I hold immense love for my entire batch and cherished moments with many juniors, some friendships shine especially bright. Whether it was the constant companionship with Shoaib, Prem, Akanksha and Manish, the conversations with resourceful minds like Rohan, Achal and Apoorva, the competitive spirit on the court with Neel, Nirbhay, Nakul, and Anuj, or the endless gossip and entertainment with Akash, Anandita, and Richa—each person added a unique color. And of course, the late-night Counter-Strike battles with Sahil and the crew were legendary. It was a beautiful mosaic of shared time and laughter.
Party time with friends
Field Trip Dehradun
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. My all-time favourite book is The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, a transformative guide on harnessing one’s inner mental potential.
In fictional writing, I most admire the author Sidney Sheldon for his gripping and fast-paced thrillers.
As for films, the two I can watch repeatedly are The Pursuit of Happyness for its inspiring journey of resilience, and Coach Carter for its powerful lessons in discipline and integrity.
On a trekking trip
With family
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. My recommendations from our batch are Akash Mehlotra, Nakul Dogra, or Achal Gupta. They’ve each made a distinct niche for themselves and have a proven track record of success in those areas.