Aman Raj

PanIIT Alumni Foundation

Since its incorporation as a Section 25 (now Section 8) not-for-profit social enterprise, with a vision to be the largest social enterprise in the country contributing to creating a better future for all sections of society and with a mission to implement and scale self-sustainable models that enhance incomes of the underprivileged, PARFI has walked the talk in pursuit of its first-of-its kind vocational loan-based revenue model in blue collar training segment with 100% financing in a seemingly non-viable skill development space. This path-breaking nation-building approach is at the heart of rural skill gurukul managed by Pan IITian professionals and overseen by an advisory board of Pan IITians and invitees from various walks of life, including Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan of Infosys acting as the executive sponsor, demonstrating the thought leadership and dedication of a band of committed ex-IITians. PARFI's rural skill gurukuls are vocational training schools staffed by ex-Military technical JCOs, providing demand-led, short-term technical training using latest technologies involving simulators and work site like infrastructure and incorporating "learning by doing" principle with 200-300 contact hours over 6 weeks in a residential gurukul set-up with assured placement and 100% loan financing. PARFI has been successful in co-creating a skill eco-system in partnership with different types of organizations, including state governments for providing local infrastructure for operating rural skill gurukuls; leveraging Pan IITian network of CXOs, IIT-IAS Cadre for the noble mission of nation building; CII for setting up gurukuls for their industry members; NABARD acting as a social investor and strategic partner for loan financing; SBI to ensure financial inclusion and NSDC recognizing the efforts and awarding PARFI as the "Most Promising Partner" in 2014. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II-WB9MTUMQ