By training, I began as an Information Technology graduate, driven more by career prospects than passion. In those early days, circumstances shaped my choices. But beneath the surface, a quiet yearning for public service was always present. That search led me to discover the IIFM The course was unlike anything I’d seen. And it changed everything.
At career front, at IIFM, as part of Summer Internship, I worked with Sir Ratan Tata Trust on anganwadi nutrition gardens in Jharkhand, then with the Government of Andhra Pradesh on Integrated Watershed Management (IWMP) program.
Then I moved into Rural Technology & Business Incubation (RTBI) center at IIT Madras, supporting social startups. From there I moved to National Agro Foundation (NAF). And finally, at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., I handle some of the sustainability initiatives, IR reporting, CSR planning, drive impact evaluations, etc.,
In summary, if the first half of my career was shaped by opportunity, the second has been shaped by intention.
Location: New Delhi
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/parasuram-k-48703558
Q. Tell us about your School and College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. I grew up in a small town in Tamil Nadu, where academics were deeply valued. In a family where all my brothers pursued medicine, I too aimed for a medical seat, but life had other plans. When that didn’t work out, I chose engineering, and pursued B.Tech in Information Technology. While I wasn’t deeply drawn to coding or IT systems, I did find interest in aspects like web application development and role of technology is solving problems. But more than anything, those four years became a period of personal exploration. I spent much of my time outside the classroom playing basketball, dabbling in short films and filmmaking, and discovering new creative interests.
Somewhere deep down, I felt the urge to correct the trajectory I had unintentionally taken. I wanted a course that was different, meaningful, and aligned with my evolving identity. That’s when I discovered IIFM. It stood out unique in my view. I knew it could give me what I was searching for. I applied with intent, had a few backup plans, but my heart was set. And when I joined, it truly felt like arriving.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. The initial years after IIFM were filled with uncertainty. It was a period of transition with jobs that were often unpredictable and offered limited scope to grow professionally. But I chose to focus on building a strong body of work in social research and public policy.
I had the opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of organizations government, academia, NGOs, and the corporate sector. This multi-sector exposure gave me a unique advantage and helped deepen both my technical and strategic understanding.
Over the years, I’ve worked on diverse themes: watershed management, private sector development, social business incubation, CSR, sustainability, ESG, and Integrated Reporting. Each role added a new layer of insight.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. I joined Maruti Suzuki in 2019 and currently work in the Corporate Affairs vertical, where my core responsibilities span CSR planning and compliance, contributions to Integrated Reporting, and supporting sustainability initiatives. It has been a deeply insightful journey so far.
Maruti Suzuki, being a large and structured organization, operates with systems that prioritize standardization, risk management, and process integrity. While this environment leaves limited room for quick innovations, it offers something equally valuable a firsthand experience to understand how large corporates function and the complex balancing act between scale, customization, and governance.
My role here has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the regulatory landscape, work with diverse stakeholders, and align CSR and sustainability initiatives with broader corporate strategies. It’s a space where I’ve learned the power of structure and the patience required to move the needle within it.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely. I can confidently attribute my foundational skills and professional values to IIFM. Even today, in routine office discussions or high-level strategic meetings, I often find myself offering perspectives that are unique and grounded thanks to the transdisciplinary training I received at IIFM.
What set IIFM apart was its advanced and integrated approach to complex ideas seamlessly blending environment, economics, policy, and management. It didn’t just teach me frameworks; it taught me how to think across them.
The intellectual rigor and reflective environment helped me build a core knowledge base, which makes it easier to learn new concepts quickly and navigate complex, cross-functional spaces.
In many ways, IIFM didn’t just prepare me for a job it prepared me to find meaning in my work and bring clarity where others might see chaos.
Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. I hesitate to call this advice. It’s more of a perspective that, I believe, brings clarity in the professional life that follows IIFM.
In today’s world, knowledge is abundant and accessible. The real skill lies not in having all the answers, but in asking the right questions and retaining the essential knowledge that helps you think critically and navigate complexity. That, to me, has been a game-changer.
For young graduates of IIFM, especially those at a crossroads, I’d offer this: IIFM is not a terminal course, nor is it job-oriented in the conventional sense. It is a course that builds thought leaders people equipped with values, systems thinking, and long-term perspective. Naturally, such qualities may not always be immediately recognized or rewarded in the job market. But as one moves forward in their career, these become the most essential traits.
Of course, there’s no one right path. For those who prefer stability or conventional career tracks, it’s completely okay to choose lucrative or structured roles post-IIFM.
Q. Have you planned to go for higher studies post IIFM?
A. I haven’t pursued higher studies yet, but I do have plans possibly after I turn 40. At this point, I’m exploring various options, keeping my curiosity alive and my mind open. I believe learning doesn’t have to follow a fixed timeline. Sometimes, the best time to return to formal education is when you’ve gathered enough experience to ask deeper questions and seek more meaningful answers.
I don’t know exactly how the future will unfold but I’m certain it will involve learning, in one form or another.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Some memories are etched in detail the late evening basketball games, the long walks down to Nehru Nagar, and the dosa at Asha Foods (I still wonder if it exists). The field visits opened up the real world beyond theories, and hangouts with a few close friends created quiet bonds that have lasted overtime.
For me, IIFM wasn’t just a campus, it was an exotic experience. A world that looked still on the outside but stirred something deep within. And yet, if I’m honest, I often lived in the future rather than the present. Always thinking about future & past, I sometimes missed out on fully soaking in the moment. That’s a regret I carry.
More than some surface level experience, according to me, IIFM has a psychological intensity that’s hard to explain. It mirrors you if you’re joyful, it heightens that joy; if you’re low, it deepens the silence. The architecture, the stillness, the weight of the air, it’s like living inside an Andrei Tarkovsky film. You can’t put your finger on it, but it moves you. I tried understanding this phenomenon through some scientific explanations like environmental psychology, architectural atmosphere, the liminal space effect but perhaps it’s better left as mystery.
With friends (L-R) Parasuram Aryasilpa Shubham Krishnakumar Suvendu Gaurav Inderjeet and Nershwn
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I genuinely miss my time with every individual I spent those two transformative years with. Each person added something to my journey some more deeply than others. I shared close bonds with a few: Gaurav Jain, Rajkumar, and Rupinder. And I found a life partner in my batchmate Aryasilpa. IIFM gave me more than a degree.
Whatever I have earned materially or otherwise, I believe IIFM and its faculty have played a 100 % role in shaping it. I’m deeply grateful to all my professors, but a few left a lasting imprint: Prof. Manmohan Yadav, Prof. Advait, Prof. Ashish David, Prof. Rekha Singhal, Prof. A.K. Patil, Prof. A.K. Dharani, Prof. C.S. Rathore, and Prof. Jayshree Dubey. Each brought a unique lens to learning, and their influence continues to echo in the way I think and work.
PFM Batch 2012-14
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. If I had to offer one reflection, it would be this: focus on building both demonstrable skills and a deeper internal compass.
On the skills front, invest in developing proficiency in statistical software, AI tools, presentation techniques, and communication. These are tools that will give you an edge in the job market and clarity in your work.
But more importantly, use these two years to cultivate the art of asking the right questions, shaping your values and attitudes, and reflecting on the bigger picture. Ask yourself what kind of professional and person you want to become (particularly in personal life). These inner exercises won’t just help you build a career; they’ll give you the resilience and purpose to navigate low phases and ethical dilemmas with grace.
In the long run, it’s a combination of excellent skills, grounded values, and the courage to stand up even to unethical or incompetent leadership that leads to both success and satisfaction.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A.I’ve personally experienced sector shifts almost every two years in the early phase of my career from government programs to academia, NGOs, startups, and now corporate. Sometimes the transitions were organic, but often they were intentional, made in search of better alignment with my values or interests.
If you’re considering a sector change, it’s important to be realistic. You may have to compromise on certain immediate benefits like salary, job title, or comfort to gain something more meaningful in the long run, such as a better role, a learning-rich environment, or a values-driven organization.
Sector shifts can feel risky, but they often lead to growth if done thoughtfully and with an open mind. You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to know what matters most to you at that point in life.
Q. What was your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. My workday is mostly unstructured, which offers both flexibility and responsibility. I usually start around 9 AM and wrap up by 7 PM long hours, but not necessarily high-pressure throughout. Except for a few crunch months, the workload is quite manageable.
What I truly value is the space I get for continuous learning. During lighter phases, I dedicate time to company-sponsored courses and explore new subjects whether it’s ESG frameworks, AI tools, or development communication. That keeps me intellectually engaged and sharpens my perspective.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Our daughter, who’s just five months old, has brought a new rhythm to our weekends. Most of my time now goes into being present with her watching her grow, responding to her curiosity, and, in many ways, rediscovering the joy of small things.
I’ve also developed a deep passion for screenwriting and storytelling. Lately, I’ve been learning the craft more systematically trying to understand the art of narrative as a powerful tool for change and self-expression.
That said, I still find myself caught in a future-thinking mindset always anticipating. I’m learning slowly to live more in the present. My daughter is my best teacher at that.
With Aryasilpa (wife) and Charuvi Mira (Daughter) 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’ve always felt a strong connection to the IIFM community and I’m genuinely open to meeting or engaging with any fellow IIFMite students or alumni. Just give me a call a day in advance, and I’ll mostly be able to make time.
While I haven’t been formally involved in placement or OT/SI support so far, I’d be more than happy to contribute wherever possible whether it’s through mentorship or project discussions.
I also have experience preparing for the Civil Services exam, and would be glad to share resources, strategies, and lessons learned with anyone interested. If my journey can help someone gain clarity or motivation, I’d consider it a worthy contribution.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. I last visited IIFM in August 2023. I’m sure many things have evolved academically, administratively, and in response to the changing needs of the sector and the new generation of students. And that’s natural, even necessary.
But what hasn’t changed and I believe never will is the core impact the institute has on an individual. The way it challenges you to think, reflect, and evolve stays constant. IIFM continues to be a place that doesn’t just impart knowledge but quietly transforms you from within.
IIFM was more than a campus. With its moody architecture, dense greenery, and contemplative climate, it is a mirror for self-reflection.
Aryasilpa and I visited IIFM during Aug 2023
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Honestly, I find it hard to pick just one. Everyone I know from IIFM has walked a meaningful path each with their own achievements, challenges, and personal evolution. Every story is worth telling. So, I’d say: whoever you choose to feature next, you can’t go wrong.