Interview with Dr. Ranjeet Prasad
Meet Dr. Ranjeet Prasad, a visionary social entrepreneur hailing from Bihar with a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education, has dedicated his life to shaping a more equitable and compassionate world. Born and raised in a small village in East Sikkim, Dr. Prasad’s journey reflects resilience, overcoming challenges, and an unwavering commitment to social upliftment.
Interviewer: Dr. Prasad, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s start with your early life. How did growing up in a small village in East Sikkim shape your perspective on education and social work?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: Thank you for having me. My upbringing in a small village instilled in me the value of education and the need for social contribution. The struggles I witnessed inspired me to make a difference.
Interviewer: Swami Vivekananda has been a significant influence on your views. How did his philosophy guide you in your journey towards education and social work?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: Vivekananda’s emphasis on character-building education resonated with me deeply. It fueled my passion to provide not just information but life-building assimilation of ideas to the underprivileged.
Interviewer: Leaving home and facing numerous challenges in Mumbai must have been tough. What motivated you to persevere through those difficult times?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: The desire to make a meaningful impact and help others kept me going. I was determined to turn my dream of supporting people into a reality, even if it meant facing hardships.
Interviewer: Your work with Red Chillies Entertainment and Imagination Edutainment was noteworthy. What made you transition from such a dynamic corporate role to focusing entirely on social work?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: While those experiences were valuable, my true calling was in social work. I realized my purpose was not just to earn money but to contribute to the betterment of society.
Interviewer: Starting TDPI wasn’t easy, facing multiple rejections. What kept you going, and how did you manage to establish it against all odds?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: Perseverance and belief in the cause kept me going. Despite setbacks, I held on to the vision of providing quality education and job opportunities to those who couldn’t afford it.
Interviewer: Your free education program has impacted thousands of students. Can you share a success story that stands out to you?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: There are many, but one that stands out is a young girl from a rural area who, despite financial constraints, excelled in her studies through our program and is now pursuing higher education.
Interviewer: The focus on women’s health in rural areas is commendable. How do you overcome cultural barriers and stigma associated with menstrual hygiene?
Dr. Ranjeet Prasad: By conducting awareness programs and addressing the issue openly. Education breaks down stigma, and empowering women with knowledge is crucial to overcoming these barriers.
Interviewer: Your efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic are commendable. How did you adapt your programs to continue serving the community during such challenging times?
Dr. Prasad: We ensured all safety measures were in place and adapted to online platforms for education. Additionally, we provided support to migrant workers and ran awareness programs on health and safety.
Interviewer: From a modest beginning to a 2 crore turnover, what challenges did you face in scaling Truedreams Projects India Pvt. Ltd.?
Dr. Prasad: Scaling the company required overcoming financial constraints and gaining trust. It was a gradual process of building credibility and delivering on our promises.
Interviewer: With over 18 awards, including an Honorary Doctorate, how do these recognitions motivate you in your ongoing efforts?
Dr. Prasad: Each award is a validation of our collective efforts and a reminder of the impact we’ve made. It motivates me to continue working towards positive change.
Interviewer: Dr. Prasad, your journey is truly inspiring. Can you share more about the impact of your free tuition projects on skill development and employment in rural areas?
Dr. Prasad: Certainly. Our free tuition projects go beyond traditional education. We focus on holistic skill development, including general knowledge, dance, art, crafts, and more. This not only enhances the students’ overall capabilities but also opens up diverse employment opportunities for them.
Interviewer: You’ve worked extensively on women’s employment through teaching jobs. How do you believe empowering women in rural areas contributes to overall societal progress?
Dr. Prasad: Women empowerment is key to societal progress. By providing employment opportunities to women in teaching roles, we not only contribute to their financial independence but also create role models in communities, inspiring future generations to strive for education and equality.
Interviewer: The rejection of TDPI’s registration multiple times didn’t deter you. What advice do you have for aspiring social entrepreneurs facing challenges in starting their initiatives?
Dr. Prasad: Perseverance and belief in your mission are crucial. Challenges are inevitable, but they shouldn’t discourage you. Learn from setbacks, adapt, and keep moving forward. It’s the passion for your cause that will drive you through the toughest times.
Interviewer: Amidst your various initiatives, what has been the most rewarding moment for you personally?
Dr. Prasad: The most rewarding moments are when I witness the positive impact on individuals and communities we serve. Seeing a student succeed, a woman gaining confidence through employment, or a community embracing positive change – these moments make every effort worthwhile.
Interviewer: Your work extends to environmental and heritage conservation programs. How do you integrate these aspects into your broader social initiatives?
Dr. Prasad: Environmental and heritage conservation are integral to sustainable development. Through awareness programs, we educate communities about the importance of preserving their natural surroundings and cultural heritage. This, in turn, fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Interviewer: With the ever-evolving landscape of education and social work, what future projects or initiatives do you envision for Truedreams Projects India Pvt. Ltd.?
Dr. Prasad: The future holds exciting possibilities. We aim to expand our reach further, leveraging technology for broader educational access. Additionally, we plan to introduce more skill development programs, focusing on emerging industries to ensure our beneficiaries are well-equipped for the evolving job market.
Interviewer: Your awards include “Social Impact Award of the Year.” How do you measure the impact of your initiatives, and what metrics do you find most meaningful?
Dr. Prasad: Impact, to me, is measured by tangible improvements in the lives of those we serve. Metrics such as increased literacy rates, employment numbers, and community engagement provide a quantitative measure, but the qualitative changes in individuals’ lives are the most meaningful indicators.
Interviewer: Dr. Prasad, your dedication to societal betterment is truly commendable. Given the evolving landscape, how do you see the role of technology in advancing education and social initiatives in the future?
Dr. Prasad: Technology is a powerful enabler, especially in reaching remote areas. I envision leveraging digital platforms to enhance the accessibility of quality education. Additionally, technology can facilitate better communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making in our social initiatives.
Interviewer: Your work during the pandemic showcased adaptability. Looking forward, how do you plan to continue addressing the challenges posed by unforeseen circumstances?
Dr. Prasad: Preparedness is key. We’ll continue to enhance our digital infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted education during crises. Additionally, fostering community resilience through skill development will empower individuals to face challenges head-on.
Interviewer: The array of awards you’ve received reflects the broad impact of your initiatives. How do you balance recognition with the humility required for sustained social work?
Dr. Prasad: Recognition is a humbling reminder of the collective efforts of our team and the communities we serve. It reinforces our commitment to the cause. However, humility is crucial; it keeps us grounded and focused on the work at hand rather than accolades.
Interviewer: In the vast landscape of social issues, how do you prioritize and decide on the focus areas for your initiatives?
Dr. Prasad: We adopt a community-centric approach. By closely engaging with the communities, we identify their unique needs and challenges. This participatory approach ensures that our initiatives are tailored to address the specific requirements of each locality.
Interviewer: With the increasing complexity of societal challenges, collaboration is essential. How do you foster partnerships and collaborations to maximize the impact of your initiatives?
Dr. Prasad: Collaboration is at the core of our strategy. We actively engage with local governments, NGOs, and corporate partners. By aligning our goals and pooling resources, we can achieve a more significant and sustainable impact on the communities we serve.
Interviewer: Looking at the youth involved in your programs, what role do you see them playing in shaping the future of the communities you work with?
Dr. Prasad: Youth are the catalysts for change. By empowering them with education and skills, we’re nurturing future leaders who will drive positive transformations in their communities. They become ambassadors of progress, creating a ripple effect of change.
Interviewer: Dr. Prasad, your vision for a more equitable and compassionate world is truly inspiring. Can you share a specific instance where you witnessed the transformative power of education in an individual’s life?
Dr. Prasad: Certainly. There was a young boy in a remote village who, due to financial constraints, had little access to education. Through our free education program, he not only excelled academically but also developed leadership skills. Today, he’s pursuing higher education, breaking the cycle of poverty in his family.
Interviewer: Addressing the digital divide is crucial in today’s education landscape. How do you plan to bridge this gap to ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to quality education?
Dr. Prasad: Bridging the digital divide is a priority. We are working on initiatives to provide devices and internet access to students in need. Additionally, exploring partnerships with technology companies can help us leverage resources to make online education more accessible.
Interviewer: The holistic approach to education and skill development is evident in your programs. How do you incorporate feedback from the communities you serve to continually improve and adapt your initiatives?
Dr. Prasad: Community feedback is invaluable. Regular interactions, surveys, and feedback sessions help us understand evolving needs. This iterative process ensures that our initiatives remain relevant and responsive to the dynamic challenges faced by the communities.
Interviewer: Your journey involves not just education but also women’s health and environmental conservation. How do you manage to strike a balance between these diverse aspects in your projects?
Dr. Prasad: While diverse, these aspects are interconnected. Education empowers individuals to make informed health choices, and environmental awareness is integrated into our curriculum. Striking this balance ensures that our initiatives contribute to holistic well-being and sustainable development.
Interviewer: The impact of your work extends beyond the borders of India. Are there plans to collaborate or share your successful models with organizations working on similar causes globally?
Dr. Prasad: Absolutely. We believe in the power of collaboration. Exploring partnerships with international organizations allows us to exchange knowledge, share successful models, and collectively address global challenges in education and social development.
Interviewer: Given the rapid changes in technology and society, what advice do you have for individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact in the realm of education and social work?
Dr. Prasad: Stay adaptable and embrace innovation. The world is evolving, and to create meaningful change, we must be open to new ideas and technologies. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and most importantly, never lose sight of the human aspect – the lives you aim to positively influence.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the next decade, both personally and for Truedreams Projects India Pvt. Ltd.?
Dr. Prasad: Personally, I aspire to see the impact of our initiatives multiplied, reaching even more communities. For Truedreams Projects, the goal is expansion, embracing new technologies, and becoming a hub for innovative and sustainable solutions in education, social work, and environmental conservation.
Interviewer: Dr. Prasad, your passion and dedication are truly remarkable. As we conclude, is there a message you’d like to convey to individuals who may be inspired by your journey and wish to contribute to social causes?
Dr. Prasad: I would encourage everyone to recognize the power they hold to bring about positive change, no matter how small their contribution may seem. Collective efforts, driven by compassion and a sense of responsibility, have the potential to transform lives and communities.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ranjeet Prasad for sharing his experiences, insights, and aspirations. His journey stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on society through unwavering commitment and compassion.
