making a difference – vinayak lohani

He studied Mining Engineering at IIT, Kharagpur.
He worked for Infosys.
He graduated from IIM, Joka.

Then, he found his vocation in life – with Bablu, Rahul, Nasir and many others. All of them orphaned or abandoned. All of them in need ofshelter. He adopted them all and made a family. Parivaar.Vinayak Lohani founded Parivaar in Calcutta in March 2003. The objective was to provide shelter and education to the ones who needit most. Today the Parivaar family is 80 strong. To help finance his Parivaar, Vinayak runs a tutorial for students preparing for CAT – the entrance exam for the IIMs. He also finds support from IIM graduates from all over the world – California, London,Zurich, Singapore and Japan.

Whilst Parivaar provides shelter to the children, they attend St. Elizabeth School nearby. Volunteers help the children with their homework and local doctors chip in to provide medical services. Organisations like CINI and Sankalp help out as well.

The ability to put aside a choice career, to overcome the objections put forth by his family and to have the courageto make a difference sets Vinayak apart. Too often, we discuss what can be done to help our motherland prosper. Too often, we think of making a contribution. Too often, we dream and wonder how.

Vinayak is an example ofconviction and courage turning dreams into realities. And, of making a difference that counts.

Salaam Vinayak

P.S., Got this from one of the IIT Alumni's newsletter