PM Testimonial

In the summer of 2018 I spent 5 weeks working with Paryavaran Mitra (PM). Specifically, I wrote a case study for PM about their business model and the social impact that has resulted from PM’s market intervention. I also organised and helped conduct workshops on social enterprise models with business schools in Ahmedabad.

Observing at the PM centre and interacting with the Sisters was incredibly humbling. Going rag-picking with one of the Sisters was an especially grounding experience. Rag-picking is very strenuous. Waking up early in the morning, walking and continuously bending for hours picking up waste, which is held in a large bag that is getting heavier and heavier is tough work. I still can’t believe these women do this work a minimum of 6 days a week and get such little returns for their effort. It is truly inspiring to see the hard work that the Sisters are doing so they can provide for their family. I was struck to see older women who struggled to walk enter the PM centre with huge bags full of recyclables on their head.

At PM I was given real responsibility and ownership with my tasks. Organising workshops meant that I was the person in direct contact with professors at business schools and once the first workshop was organised and delivered, it was very personally fulfilling. Writing the case study meant that I had to be proactive in gathering information and speaking to the relevant people. Writing a case study has given me the opportunity to really engage my mind and develop my thinking ability on a piece of work. If all goes to plan, by the end of this journey, I should have a published case study available for global business schools to use.

Working with PM, specifically with regards to the case study and workshops, has improved my transferable skills. My communication skills have improved as I was interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds from business leaders in meetings to the Sisters working in the PM centre. Moreover, as English is not a first language here, I had to articulate and adjust appropriately depending on who I was speaking with. This also meant my listening skills Improved too as I was constantly gaining feedback and recommendations with regards to my work. I learnt how to listen out for important pieces of information and interpret it in the correct manner. Ashishbhai’s business acumen and understanding of the psychology behind business and people is strong and this exposure has definitely had a positive influence on the way I will approach all my future business interactions.   

Working directly with Ashishbhai was a huge learning experience. Witnessing the intensity in the way he works and his approach to situations is what I found most valuable. His mentorship and guidance was personally invaluable. It’s specifically this type of experience, working in close proximity with great leaders, which is something unique to working with PM rather than interning at a large corporate where this engagement is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, as a result of writing a case study and organising workshops for PM, I got the opportunity to work with top academics and other leaders too.

Being from England meant that working in India was in itself a great experience, especially as PM serve women who reside in the slums. Understanding how people live, their complex circumstances and understanding how India works on both the micro and macro level was fascinating. Getting to grips with these factors has definitely broadened my mind.

It became apparent that working in these slum environments means that the most common challenge PM face is with regards to human resources. As PM is a social enterprise, their approach to difficult human challenges is always motivated by love and patience rather than profit, which is distinct from traditional commercial businesses. Working with this alternative approach was refreshing, especially as it has positive results.

In addition, the fact that Manav Sadhna (MS) is PM’s mother organisation meant that I also reaped the benefits from being a part of the MS family. Interacting with the leaders at MS was inspiring. A healthy lunch was cooked for us every day too. Moreover, being a part of the international volunteer community is supportive and was thoroughly enjoyable. Every Saturday we had a volunteers meeting where we all got to share and interact about our experiences over the week.

I can only thank the whole PM and MS team for the opportunity to volunteer and work on this inspiring project. As a result of working with PM, I got given real responsibility, the opportunity to interact with many leaders, attend business meetings and enhance my network. In my 5 weeks with PM, I don’t think I have ever learnt so much in my life. I would highly recommend others to work with PM.