STAR VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
PMI India

In this column, we shine the spotlight on our star volunteers from PMI India chapters who have made immense contributions through their dedication and passion. This is your opportunity to know a little bit about these remarkable men and women from our practitioner community.

YOGESH JOSHI

Senior General Manager – Business Development and Engineering, Bestkoki Automotive
Manager – Webinar Learning Bytes, PMI North India Chapter

Been a PMI member since: August 2016

What attracted me to PMI: The opportunity to learn best practices from PMI guidelines to enhance development of self, organization, and society.

My dream project as a project manager: Being a non-IT professional, I dreamed to become certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP)® in a stipulated time and I did it well.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Contributing to PMI NIC Learning-Bytes team to deliver a series of webinars successfully.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: The more you sweat in training and volunteering, the less you bleed on ground.

I am looking forward to: 
Engaging more in volunteer activities to solve societal challenges and to work on future technologies.



JONATHAN JUSTUS

Thomson Reuters
 
Editorial Board, PMI Pearl City Chapter

Been a PMI member since:
2019

What attracted me to PMI: In 2010, I saw PMI transforming lives and careers. I wanted to be acquainted with this institute from the day I was introduced to it.

My dream project as a project manager: I want to be a good team player, communicator, administrator, and leader.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: The release of Spandana newsletter. Working with the editorial board members is an unforgettable experience.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: You need to bear the hitting by the chisel to become a beautiful sculpture.

I am looking forward to: 
Contributing, helping contributors give their best, and removing hurdles for members to come out of their cocoon.
ALAKANANDA RAO

CEO & Director, Alvari Systems

Volunteer, PMI West Bengal Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2011

What attracted me to PMI: The way they capsuled all that we have learned on projects.

My dream project as a project manager: Using technology to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: When my contribution to PMI’s A Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Sixth Edition was acknowledged.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Life and work is not solely about earning money.

I am looking forward to:
Continued engagement with PMI chapters, and national and global teams.
KAPIL GUNJE

Flextronics Technologies India Pvt Ltd
 
Volunteer, PMI Pune Deccan Chapter
 

Been a PMI member since: Sept 2015

What attracted me to PMI: The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the project management methodology that uses different knowledge areas throughout the project lifecycle.

My dream project as a project manager: Managing an engineering procurement and construction project allotted by the Government of India by using a project management methodology defined in the PMBOK® Guide.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: River cleaning activity at Rajgurunagar in Pune.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Leading a team effectively with devotion and dedication fetches good results. Every project requires micro-planning.

I am looking forward to:  Participating in social activities planned by PMI Pune Deccan Chapter. Being an active member of the chapter Board and representing PMI India on an international platform.
KAUSHIK MUKUNDAN

Project Manager, IBM India

Assistant Vice President, Technical, PMI Bangalore Chapter

Been a PMI member since: August 2017

What attracted me to PMI: Global standards and best practices in project management, and opportunities to learn, network, and grow

My dream project as a project manager: To manage a project that involves nation building.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Being part of the organizing team of the Project Management Practitioners Conference of Bangalore chapter. Also, graduating as a PMI India Champion.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Active volunteerism fulfils your heart.

I am looking forward to: Taking up more volunteering opportunities and serving the project management community.
RAJU DHOLE

Project Manager, IBM India

Assistant Vice President, PMI Bangalore Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2015

What attracted me to PMI: Networking, learning new things, meeting people.

My dream project as a project manager: First web-services project in my organization. Developed seamless web interface with a third-party vendor. Earned respect within the organization.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Listening to the presentation on the Statue of Liberty during Project Management Practitioners’ Conference 2019.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Expect nothing. You will learn new things, meet new people, and make new friends.

Looking forward to: Life with the new normal with new energy.
VENKATA SUBRAMANIAN

Project Manager, Datamatics Digital Limited (Techjini)

Vice President, Branches,
PMI Kerala Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2013

What attracted me to PMI: The opportunity to network with leaders from the project management community and a chance to volunteer.

My dream project as a project manager: To be part of Indian government's project implementation, which helps the society.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: The volunteering opportunity I had with PMI Kerala Chapter.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Managing time.

I am looking forward to: Learning, contributing, growing professionally, and supporting society through volunteering.
RAJESHWARI GUDDETI

Project Manager, Parexel

Member, PMI Pearl City Chapter

Been a PMI member since: Sept 2019

What attracted me to PMI: I wanted to join PMI only to become certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP)®. But once I joined, I was astonished to see the scale of programs PMI is engaged in. The NIRD program and PMBOK® Guide in Braille are amazing.

My dream project as a project manager: To be part of a full-length project in alliance with the government for supporting organic farming and farmers.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Getting in touch with farmers and village women, understanding their problems, suggesting solutions, and working toward them.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Every person can make a difference.

I am looking forward to: Contributing to the chapter and society development through continuous and consistent efforts.
MANISH DEDHIYA

Senior Manager, Sony Pictures Networks

Secretary, PMI Mumbai Chapter

Been a PMI member since: August 2013

What attracted me to PMI: Sharing the best practices across the project management domain, giving back to the community, and  developing networking and leadership skills.

My dream project as a project manager: Create a better place to live and work.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Getting the Volunteer of the Year recognition and a chance to be on the board of PMI Mumbai Chapter.

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Giving back to the community.

I am looking forward to: More things to do regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, help take chapter activities to the next level, and learning new skills.
SUNDARAM MUTHUKUMARASAMY

Manager – Connected Cars, Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India

Assistant Vice President – Professional Development, PMI Chennai Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2011

What attracted me to PMI: During the initial years of my career, I witnessed many projects getting aborted. I believe proper project management ensures it reaches its goal. Successfully certified for PMP® in 2013.

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Being the master of ceremony in the PMI Chennai chapter conference, Sangamam 2019

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: You can inspire many by your positivity and dedication in what you're doing. Real life experience in PMI Chennai Chapter events.

A person who inspires me: Former president of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who proved India's capability in space technology.

If I were to start a marketing campaign for PMI, my slogan would be… Always plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.