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.

Aparna Grandhi

Independent consultant
Volunteer, PMI Chennai Chapter

Been a PMI member since: May 2018

What attracted me to PMI: Knowledge platform, friendly environment, and volunteering opportunities

My dream project as a project manager: To become a part of a project associated with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Volunteering to empower girl students through the ‘Project Management as Life Skill’ program at various government schools, and contributing for the design/graphics of the book, ‘Thittamidu Vetri Thodu,’ a project management book in Tamil for students

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: The enthusiasm and quick learning capability exhibited by students of government schools inspired me to contribute more in education

I am looking forward toto…Giving back to society, making more friends and learning continuously

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Jayakrishnan G

Vice President -Volunteer Development, PMI Kerala Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2016

What attracted me to PMI: Global reach of PMI,  networking opportunities, and inspirations by PMI veterans like Ramam Atmakuri

My dream project as a project manager: My current project, which is to modernize one of Europe’s most promising logistics providers

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: PMI Kerala chapter being selected as a finalist for PMI Global Awards

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: There are a lot of opportunities to give and receive when you work with PMI

I am looking forward to…Working with the Region 11 team, my current set of exciting chapter board members, and volunteers to add value to the project management ecosystem

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Susanta Mohanty

Project Manager, Linde Global Support Services

Lead Volunteer, PMI West Bengal Chapter

Been a PMI member since: October 2019

What attracted me to PMI: The contributions by PMI Education Foundation (PMIEF) toward society

My dream project as a project manager: Global wifi setup in 54+ countries with an excellent end-user impact

My proudest PMI volunteer moment:  Receiving a ‘thank you’ email from the chapter vice president on the successful completion of the first virtual PMI Regional Conference in India

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Get ready to turn goals into reality

I am looking forward to…Contributing to PMIEF

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Priya Patra , PMP

Vice President, Outreach Mumbai Chapter
 
Been a PMI member since: April 2012

What attracted me to PMI: The passion that the leaders and volunteers bring to the table

My dream project as a project manager: PMI ChapterXchange – start as a startup, POP (pivot or preserve), and finally scale up

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: When I joined the board of PMI Mumbai Chapter as vice president, outreach, a role that I'm passionate about

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: A smile can break any barrier, be it be language, cultural, economic or demographics. A smile can relay the message that you care

I am looking forward to…Adding value to my teams, projects, my customer, my organization as well as my self with project management

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K V S N LATA

Project Manager, Vertex Offshore Services

Volunteer, Outreach, PMI Pearl City Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2011

What attracted me to PMI: To become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®

My dream project as a project manager: To be a part of a project that will be part of people in their daily lives

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Being a part of the Project Management National Conference in 2019 that was hosted by PMIPCC where my volunteer journey started

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: A personal touch established through a call or a face-to-face conversation can do wonders

I am looking forward to...Continuing my association with PMIPCC by being a part of its initiatives and striving to do my best

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Bidisha Chakraborty

Project Coordinator, Dreamztech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Communications Portfolio, PMI West Bengal Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2019

What attracted me to PMI: It's a global platform to learn, contribute, connect, and grow

My dream project as a project manager: To launch my own business venture

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Receiving the lead volunteer award and becoming a part of the communications portfolio

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Selfless teamwork and agility

Looking forward to...Learn more about leadership, and contribute and gather experiences to enhance my real time skills in managing people and projects in work life and personal life

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Neelima Chakara, PMP

Founder, PurposeLadder

Vice President,
Communications, PMI North
India Chapter

Been a PMI member since: 2013

What attracted me to PMI: The desire to learn global standards and best practices of project management

My dream project as a project manager: Kickstarting my new organization, PurposeLadde

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: Leading the communications workstream for Project Management National Conference 2018

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: It gives an opportunity to create wonderful connections and networks

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Dipti Kshirsagar

Assistant Manager, Capita

Volunteer, PMI Pune Deccan India Chapter

Been a PMI member since: Sept 2018

What attracted me to PMI: Student activities

My proudest PMI volunteer moment: When I volunteered as the PMO for the chapter's GyanLahari event

A life lesson I learned as a volunteer: Happiness is giving selflessly

I am looking forward to...Getting certified as Project Management Professional (PMP)®