About Me
My Work
Journey
As a part of the MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad, I undertook a course called ‘Shodh Yatra’ which constituted a trek to the Himalayan terrains of Sikkim. It was on that trek that I recognised the untapped organic potential of Sikkim. Despite being the first state in the world to become completely organic, local farmers were leaving farming due to a dearth of market access and middlemen exploitation. Passionate to improve the living conditions of farmers in difficult Himalayan terrains of Sikkim, I opted out of placement to set up Parvata Foods as a solution to the aforementioned problems, along with my batch-mate, Anurag Agarwal. Our aim was to develop the organic industry in Sikkim and North East India, increase farmers’ income and foster job creation in the region.
Interview- DD News Tejasvini
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmppc4affBI&t
Article- Global Citizen
https://www.globalcitizen.org/es/content/Siddhi-parvata-foods-founder-young-innovator/
Present
Working with over 10,000 marginal and small farmers, primarily female, we provide market access by building a farmer-centric integrated value chain for their organic produce. We run extensive farmer training programs to engender modern farming techniques, contributing to increased standards of living and promotion of organic farming in the region. Our training programs have resulted in disease reduction, increase in productivity, and higher farm gate prices for the organic produce. This has directly increased the income of the small farmers and fostered job creation in the region, ensuring youth retention in agriculture.
Goal
When we chose to undertake what is colloquially known as “the road less traveled”—a phrase that the tenuous Himalayan terrains of Sikkim brought to life quite literally— we had but one belief in mind: every human has the right to safe and healthy food. The pursuit of this one aim has led me down roads I never would have imagined. Years of grass-roots work in the North-East have added to my vision the twin goals of making self-sustaining structures at the village level, while strengthening the region’s global footprint.
My Education
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
The college of dreams that taught me to chase my dreams. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to gain lessons on a wide range of disciplines — from finance, to entrepreneurship, to life — from this institution.
In life, we all need that one transformative point that converts our potential into opportunity. Being the only student in a batch of approx 400 students to have received awards across all the 3 categories - Academics, Extra-curricular & Entrepreneurship was that transformative point.
I am grateful for the continued encouragement of the faculty, and can only hope to give back a fraction of everything this institution has endowed in me.
Journey
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
https://www.forbes.com/profile/siddhi-karnani/?sh=7d4dc86160fa
College
Three years at Shri Shikshayatan College breezed past with feasts, events, inter college competitions and social work. The outstanding performances in these competitions did boost my IIM-A application and helped me establish a good network of friends across the colleges and universities. Moreover, being the General Secretary, helped me learn that leadership is a form of selfless service to a bigger cause.
The mentoring, love and blessing of the faculty helped me with impeccable university grades. The icing on the cake was the prestigious Saraswati Trophy awarded to me for being the best all rounder across 3 years across the three streams, i.e., Arts, Commerce and Science.
School
Gifted with a great set of teachers, an encouraging ecosystem of learning and a gregarios group of friends, I enjoyed my 15 years of schooling in
St. Thomas' Church School, Howrah.
From being the school topper to participating in a plethora of co-curricular events, my school life was never short of an adventure.
It is safe to say that the corridors of my school have bred in me the confidence and tenacity that I exude at work today.
Journey
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
https://www.forbes.com/profile/siddhi-karnani/?sh=7d4dc86160fa
My Support System
When I close my eyes and picture happiness, the fleeting images of my family members and friends fill my mind with gratitude.
The wisdom, the vibrance and the warmth that emanates through me is a product of a deep and loving family bond- a sagacious father, a benevolent mother, siblings to hone your negotiation skills and a set of ardent friends to live and die for.
My Recreation
Running an agri based startup requires long working hours and a demanding travel regime. However, reading books or pruning the seasonal plants in my balcony garden helps me rejuvenate myself.
A busy Sunday schedule becomes blissful when I visit the Old Age Home or teach the children from the underprivileged section of the society.