Valaboju Manas Chandra
Chief Operations Officer
As Chief Operations Officer at Marpu Foundation, I lead the implementation of sustainable development initiatives that directly impact communities and the environment. My role involves overseeing large-scale projects like waste-to-energy programs, solar-powered irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting initiatives, which have reached over 50,000 people across 15 states. I work closely with local communities to ensure that our solutions are not only environmentally sustainable but also scalable and self-sustaining. By optimizing operations and forging strategic partnerships, I’ve helped drive projects that reduce carbon footprints, improve water security, and promote eco-friendly practices, all while fostering long-term economic growth in the areas we serve.
How It All Started as an Intern
It all started when I was still in school, studying for my MBA (BBA+MBA). Like most students, I was focused on the traditional path working my way through textbooks, aiming for that perfect corporate job. Internships were just a part of the process, something to tick off the list. I never imagined that an internship would turn into a life-changing decision.
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When my college insisted I complete an internship, I began searching for opportunities, simply looking for the internship certificate. That’s when I found Marpu Foundation. At first, I didn’t fully understand the impact Marpu was making or the real change they were driving. I joined without much expectation, thinking it would just be another checkbox on my resume.
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But everything changed when I stepped into Marpu Foundation. What I thought would be a routine internship quickly became something deeply meaningful. I was exposed to real, grassroots impact, working on projects that weren’t just about charity, but about empowering communities, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.
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One of the projects that stood out to me was a waste-to-energy initiative in a rural village. The community had long struggled with waste management, and most of the waste was either burned or left to decompose, causing significant environmental harm. We introduced a system to convert organic waste into biogas, which not only helped manage waste but also provided the village with an affordable, clean energy source for cooking and lighting. That was when I realized: this was the kind of work I wanted to be part of. It wasn’t about just collecting a certificate; it was about empowering communities through sustainable solutions.
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By the end of my internship, I knew I couldn’t go back to the corporate world I had envisioned. I wanted to dedicate myself to meaningful work. Without hesitation, I joined Marpu Foundation full-time as Chief Operations Officer. Since then, every day has been a new opportunity to drive impactful change and contribute to a more sustainable future.