IIT-IIM Graduate Chose Selfless Service Over Corporate Success, Now Honored With Padma Shri

As the Republic Day Padma Awards rolled in, one name stood out—not for corporate success, but for selfless service. Vinayak Lohani, the visionary behind Parivaar, wasn’t chasing corporate glory—he was building a future for India’s most vulnerable children. This IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta alumnus walked away from conventional success to dedicate his life to selfless service. And now, his extraordinary journey has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri.A Different Kind of SuccessBorn in Bhopal but deeply rooted in Bengal, Lohani’s journey took an unconventional turn while pursuing his MBA at IIM Calcutta. He was the first student in the institution’s history to opt out of placements, rejecting a high-paying corporate career. His inspiration came from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who advocated for selfless service and the belief in seeing the ‘Divine in Man.’At a time when his peers were securing enviable jobs, Lohani chose to walk an uncharted path. He began writing about social issues, volunteering with NGOs, and gradually realized that his calling was to serve children living in abject poverty. He was particularly moved by the plight of street children in Kolkata—abandoned, vulnerable, and without access to even the most basic needs of food, shelter, and education.Source: Google ImagesThe Birth of ParivaarIn 2003, armed with nothing but conviction and a handful of resources, Lohani started Parivaar in a small rented house in Sakherbazar, Behala. His vision was simple yet profound—to provide a loving home, quality education, and a future filled with opportunities for destitute children.The early days were daunting. With no external funding, Lohani sustained Parivaar by taking lectures for management aspirants, using his earnings to provide for the children. His first ‘students’ were three children, and the numbers grew gradually. By the end of 2004, thanks to the support of well-wishers and a former IIM alumni, he managed to purchase land in Thakurpukur, Kolkata, and lay the foundation for what would become one of the largest free residential institutions for children in Eastern India.Today, Parivaar is spread across 20 acres, home to thousands of children, and continues to expand its reach and impact.After 14 years of relentless work in Bengal, Lohani took Parivaar’s mission to Madhya Pradesh in 2016. Recognizing the dire need for education and nourishment among tribal children, he established Shri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Seva Kutirs—day-boarding centers providing meals and supplementary education in remote districts such as Dewas, Sehore, Mandla, Sheopur, and Chhindwara.Parivaar now operates 829 centers across 18 districts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, impacting over 55,000 children daily by offering free education and nutritious meals. Additionally, over 3,500 children receive full-time residential education across six campuses in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.Healthcare for the MarginalizedBeyond education, Parivaar has expanded into healthcare, addressing critical gaps in medical services for underserved communities. With 93 free ambulances operating across 23 tribal districts and 21 mobile medical clinics in 8 districts, the organization provides free health check-ups, medicines, and life-saving interventions. Through partnerships with hospitals, Parivaar also conducts free eye surgeries and medical treatments in backward and tribal areas.Source: Google ImagesA Man of Simplicity and ConvictionDespite his great achievements, Vinayak Lohani remains deeply humble and rooted in his mission. Dressed in a crisp white kurta-pyjama, he finds solace in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. A lover of Bengali literature, Satyajit Ray’s films, and Anjan Dutt’s songs, he is a man of many interests, yet steadfast when it comes to his cause.He chose not to accept foreign funding or government support. Instead, 90% of Parivaar’s donations come from individuals of Indian origin, reflecting Lohani’s commitment to building an independent organization, free from external pressures.For Lohani, Parivaar is not just an institution; it is a movement—one that inspires youth to dedicate themselves to service. He actively mentors young social entrepreneurs, encouraging them to create meaningful impact in their communities. Even as Parivaar runs efficiently with a dedicated team, he continues to review, mentor, and expand its reach.The Padma Shri is a fitting tribute to a man who chose compassion over comfort, service over self-interest, and purpose over prestige. In a world where success is often measured by wealth and power, Vinayak Lohani’s journey redefines it through love, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to those in need.His story reminds us that true greatness lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves but in what we give to others. And through Parivaar, Lohani has given thousands of children a chance at a better, brighter future.