Regional Director, South Asia at Water.org
Mudit: Just tell us a little bit about your life, your professional life, personal life, what has been happening over all these years and across continents.
Answer: Thanks for sharing that video of mine. I’m quite surprised that my teachers would be turning in their graves at this time after they heard me. But that was a good experience for me, and I’ve covered it very well. So, if I go back in time to where I come from and what I’ve been doing, and how it all came together, I come from a middle-class, professional background. My father worked in a public sector as an executive, and my mother was a housewife. I grew up mostly in the ’70s. I’m a product of the ’70s and ’80s, a very socialistic era in India. There was no government house, you’d get a government car, and you’d get an LTC (Leave Travel Concession) twice a year, which allowed you to travel within the country but didn’t leave you with much money at the end of the day. During that time, I started to think about what I needed to do next. Many of those Mudits started to come up during that stage of my life.
I pursued engineering and then did my MBA in 1994 from IMT Ghaziabad. That was when the idea of going to the U.S. was prevalent, and many of us aspired to go there. If I were born a few years later, I might have stayed in India longer before going abroad. However, that era instilled in us the desire to go to the U.S. I started my early career working in procurement, sales, and supply chain consulting. Later, I pursued an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 2000. In 2010, I made the decision to return to India, and for the last 12 years, I’ve been with two nonprofit organizations.
The first is SightLife, an international NGO that focuses on corneal blindness. SightLife operates as an “eye bank,” not the financial investment bank, but one that deals with corneal tissue. I’ve also been with Water.org for the last six years, where we work on creating financial solutions and alternative approaches to traditional charity models in the water and sanitation sector. That’s a brief summary of my journey from where I started to where I am today.
Mudit: What have been your learnings or reflections regarding your achievements, both on a personal and professional level, during your journey in the development sector?
Answer: On a personal level, my biggest success has been staying true to myself. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. I’ve managed to pursue my passion for meaningful work without compromising my family’s well-being. I’ve made decisions that align with my values and allow me to provide for my children. Achieving this balance has been a significant personal success for me.
On the professional front, the most satisfying aspect has been the opportunity to be a change-maker. Leveraging my background in consulting and applying it to the social sector has been immensely gratifying. For instance, establishing a cornea distribution system in India to address corneal blindness was a game-changer. We brought in global standards and efficiencies, making India’s eye banking standards comparable to international norms.
In the water and sanitation sector, we’ve facilitated over $1.1 billion in lending, impacting the lives of millions of people. Approximately 1.4 crore people are no longer dependent on government assistance for their water and sanitation needs. This has been possible by demonstrating to financial institutions that water and sanitation can be profitable product categories. These achievements highlight that significant scale is possible in the development sector by applying professional approaches and innovative solutions.
My journey has taught me that embracing challenges, especially during adversity, can lead to positive change. I’ve been fortunate to witness transformation on both personal and professional fronts, and I’m motivated to continue making a meaningful impact on society.
Mudit: What advice would you give to a youngster who may be thinking of joining the social sector? What should they look for, what should they expect, and why should they join or not join?
Answer: Why they should join? Well, it’s not for the money, that’s for sure. It’s as simple as that. If you’re entering the social sector, you should understand that it’s not a lucrative career path. You need to assess if this is where your passion truly lies. Just because you want to do something meaningful doesn’t mean you have a passion for every aspect of the sector. You might connect well with financial issues, while someone else might align better with human rights or education. It ultimately comes down to what you want to do, as this will be the driving force behind your journey in the development sector.
Secondly, be specific. Just because it’s the development sector doesn’t mean that people are living modestly and sacrificing luxuries. Those days are long gone. Today, the development sector is filled with professionals, many of whom have pursued their careers and education at top institutions. They come into this sector with a purpose and a wealth of knowledge. So, it’s essential to identify what you’re passionate about and what expertise you can bring. You need to consider what you’re willing to contribute and what financial sacrifices you’re prepared to make. When I returned to India at the age of 40, I was at a point in my career where I had made a good income, but I decided to leave it behind for a more meaningful purpose. So, you need to ask yourself if you’re ready to prioritize purpose over money.
There’s an interesting book called “Uncharitable” by Harvard Professor Dan Pallotta that I read when I returned to India in 2010. It argues that the best talent often goes to the private sector, leaving the development sector with less experienced individuals. What if we could provide enough financial security to attract top talent to the development sector? This book challenges the traditional view of the development sector and encourages professionals from various backgrounds to consider making a difference in this space. So, in summary, find your passion, be specific about your goals, and evaluate your willingness to commit to the sector both financially and professionally.
Mudit: What skills and qualities are essential to have a successful career in the social sector, both mentally and technically?
Answer: I don’t believe that the social sector is fundamentally different from the corporate sector in terms of skills and qualities required for success. However, it may be less cutthroat, but you still need to deliver results. Here are some key skills and qualities:
- Depth of Knowledge:Just like any other profession, you need to have a deep understanding of your field. Don’t stay at the surface; go deep into the subject matter you’re working on.
- Passion for Impact:You should have a genuine passion for making a positive impact on society. Your work should be driven by a sense of purpose.
- Financial Savvy:Understanding finances is crucial, even in the social sector. You might need to manage budgets, secure funding, and ensure efficient use of resources.
- Networking:Building and maintaining a network of allies and collaborators is vital. Your allies should share your vision and purpose.
- Patience:Change in the social sector can be slow. You must have the patience to work toward long-term goals and overcome obstacles.
- Objectivity:Be objective in your assessments and problem-solving. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.
- Adaptability:Be open to change and new ideas. The sector is constantly evolving, and you need to adapt to stay effective.
- Communication:Strong communication skills are essential for conveying your vision, building partnerships, and advocating for your cause.
- Stakeholder Management:You must effectively manage various stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, boards, and local communities.
- Resourcefulness:Find innovative solutions to problems, and be resourceful with the limited resources often available in the social sector.
Remember that in the social sector, you’re not just working for yourself or your organization; you’re working for the betterment of society as a whole. So, your skills and qualities should align with this broader purpose.
Mudit: How serious is the current water crisis, and what can individuals and organizations do to help preserve water?
Answer: The water crisis is a critical global issue that demands urgent attention. Here’s how serious it is:
- Depleting Water Resources:Water levels in many regions are decreasing rapidly, leading to severe shortages. For example, Delhi’s water table is falling at an alarming rate. In Chennai, water scarcity has become a recurring problem.
- Impact on Agriculture:Approximately 85% of India’s fresh water is used for agriculture, and inefficient irrigation practices waste a significant portion of it. Without improvements in water management, agricultural production is at risk.
- Global Water Scarcity:Water scarcity is not limited to India; it’s a global concern. Many regions worldwide face water stress and shortages, impacting billions of people.
Individuals and organizations can take various steps to help preserve water:
- Conscious Water Use:At the household level, practice water conservation by fixing leaks, using low-flow fixtures, and not wasting water. Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference.
- Efficient Irrigation:In agriculture, adopt modern and efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation to reduce water wastage.
- Rainwater Harvesting:Implement rainwater harvesting systems at homes and businesses to collect and store rainwater for various uses.
- Water Recycling:Explore water recycling and reuse systems for industrial processes, which can significantly reduce water consumption.
- Advocate for Policy Change:Support policies and initiatives aimed at sustainable water management and conservation. Advocate for responsible water usage in your community.
- Educational Initiatives:Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation through educational programs and campaigns. Encourage others to join the effort.
- Support Water-Related Projects:Contribute to or volunteer with organizations working on water-related projects, such as improving access to clean water and sustainable water resource management.
- Corporate Responsibility:Businesses can integrate water sustainability into their corporate responsibility initiatives, focusing on reducing water usage and minimizing environmental impact.
Water is a finite and precious resource, and its preservation is essential for the well-being of current and future generations. Every individual and organization can play a role in addressing the water crisis by adopting responsible water practices and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable water management.