Ramalingam Natarajan: A Journey from Aerospace Engineer to Social Innovator

His role as a happiness coach, blending therapy, psychology, wellness, and theater, showcases his innovative approach to human development. Ramalingam’s vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, aiming to curate retreats and experiences that offer holistic wellness without the stigma of something being "Wrong".

From designing aircraft components to designing transformative human experiences, Ramalingam Natarajan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the Co-founder & Director of Volunteer for India and a proud Bhumian, his story encapsulates passion, resilience, and the power of volunteering. Here’s a look at his incredible journey featured in the Humans of Bhumi series.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born and brought up in Chennai, Ramalingam, often called "Ram" by his peers, began his professional journey as an aerospace engineer. Armed with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, he joined Technology Services Limited, where he worked on designing brackets for Airbus and Boeing. However, his true calling lay elsewhere.?

A Serendipitous Entry into Volunteering

In 2013, Ram’s life took an unexpected turn. His initial foray into volunteering was purely accidental. A friend introduced him to Bhumi that ignited a passion within him that would shape his future. He began volunteering in Bhumi’s Ignite program, teaching Mathematics to underprivileged children in Chennai.

Simultaneously, Ram discovered a love for theatre, participating in awareness campaigns with the Chennai Trekking Club. These two passions - education and theatre, soon intertwined, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

The Teach for India Fellowship

Ram’s desire to create a more significant impact led him to apply for the Teach for India (TFI) fellowship in 2017. Supported by L&T, he embarked on this transformative journey, teaching in government schools and spearheading a passion project that provided children with access to hobbies and interests funded by sponsors. This project not only broadened the children’s horizons but also instilled in them a newfound confidence.

Realizing His True Calling

During his fellowship, Ram experienced a pivotal moment. He realized that while he enjoyed teaching, his true forte lay in mentoring and transforming lives. This epiphany led him to leave his corporate job and delve deeper into the world of social innovation. He pursued a master diploma in Indian Academy of Training and Development, combining theatre with education to build life skills in children.

Founding Volunteer for India

In 2019, Ram co-founded Volunteer for India along side Gautham Ravindran, a platform dedicated to curating transformative volunteer experiences. His innovative approach integrates theatre, education, and human experiences, offering unique programs like Corporate Training, Employee Engagement, and public events such as "Socials with a Purpose" (SWAP) and "Blindfolded Conversations".?

The Role of a Happiness Coach

In recent years, Ram has added another feather to his cap by becoming an internationally certified happiness coach. This role allows him to blend therapy, psychology, and wellness with theatre, creating retreats where individuals can rejuvenate without feeling the pressure to fix anything about themselves.

A Legacy of Impact

Ram’s journey with Bhumi continues as he collaborates on various initiatives, including the Volship Fellowship program. His involvement ensures that the program not only imparts academic excellence but also focuses on values, mindsets, access, and exposure. His work with Volunteer for India and Bhumi exemplifies his belief that education is a powerful medium to empower the underprivileged, bridging gaps and transforming lives.

Beyond Work

Despite his numerous responsibilities, Ram finds time to indulge in his passion for theatre. He conducts improv sessions, believing that everyone can experience the joy of theatre. His quirky love for adding sugar to biryani and his humorous childhood memories like playing the female lead in a skit, or his walking in thin ice adventures with friends add a charming touch of humour and positivity to his personality.

His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Valuable Contribution Award and the Team Performance Award from L&T Technology Services Limited. His work with Enactus and as a Yatra Facilitator for Jagriti Yatra further showcases his commitment to fostering leadership and social entrepreneurship. As a proud #Bhumian, Ramalingam continues to inspire and lead, creating a legacy of positive change and community empowerment.

In Ramalingam’s words, "Education acts as a bridge, solving access, exposure, and instilling values and mindsets, essential for the underprivileged." His journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication and vision, one can transform lives and communities, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and empowerment.

Ramalingam Natarajan’s legacy continues to inspire many, as he tirelessly works towards creating a more inclusive and empowered society. Through his roles at Volunteer for India and Bhumi, Ram is not just impacting lives; he’s building a legacy of hope, transformation, and happiness.