Kumar Preetam Puri – Founder, Development Wala

Founder Profile

Kumar Preetam Puri

Founder, Development Wala · Social Entrepreneur · Development Practitioner

Building India’s leading platform for the nonprofit and development sector — empowering aspiring changemakers to find their path in social impact.

1500+

Students & Professionals Mentored

100+

Career Guidance Sessions Delivered

Countries Reached via Digital Platforms

Top Institutions Engaged

About

Development Practitioner & Social Entrepreneur

Kumar Preetam Puri is a development practitioner, social entrepreneur, and emerging leader in the global social sector. He is the founder of Development Wala — India’s leading one-stop platform for the nonprofit and development sector, created to help aspiring professionals navigate and build meaningful careers in social impact.

Through Development Wala, Preetam has mentored 1,500+ students and young professionals, providing career guidance, mentorship, placement support, and sector insights for those looking to enter the development and nonprofit ecosystem.

Currently based in London, he works as a Carer Support and Information Officer, supporting vulnerable communities by improving access to welfare services, grants, and community programmes. Originally from Alargo village in Bokaro district of Jharkhand, he also co-founded Gramin Bharti, a grassroots organisation working in tribal and rural regions.

“Access to the right guidance, opportunities, and networks can transform careers and communities. Through Development Wala, I am building a platform where young professionals, NGOs, and social innovators can connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.”

Education

Academic Credentials

🎓

MSc in Migration, Mobility & Development

SOAS University of London

📚

MA in Development

Azim Premji University

🌱

BSc in Agriculture, Rural & Tribal Development

RKMVERI – Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute

🏅 Marang Gomke Overseas Scholarship (MGOS) Recipient

🧠 Mental Health First Aider — MHFA England Certified

Journey

From Jharkhand to Global Social Impact

🌱 Early Roots — Alargo, Jharkhand

Growing Up in Rural India

Grew up in Alargo village in Bokaro district, Jharkhand. Witnessing rural challenges around education, livelihoods, and social inequality shaped his early commitment to development work.

🎓 2018–2021 · Foundation in Rural Development

BSc — RKMVERI

Completed his BSc in Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development. Actively engaged in rural fieldwork, social initiatives, and student leadership throughout this period.

🌍 2019 · Grassroots Action Begins

Co-Founded Gramin Bharti

Co-founded Gramin Bharti Sewa Sanstha, a grassroots organisation working in tribal and rural communities to promote education, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and community development.

📚 2021–2023 · Advanced Development Studies

MA in Development — Azim Premji University

Worked on social security enrolment initiatives, community engagement programmes, and career placement coordination for students entering the development sector.

🌎 2023–2024 · Global Academic Journey

MSc — SOAS University of London

Awarded the prestigious Marang Gomke Overseas Scholarship (MGOS). Completed MSc in Migration, Mobility and Development, focusing on migration governance, labour rights, and social policy.

🚀 2023–Present · Building Development Wala

Founded Development Wala

Founded India’s leading digital platform supporting young professionals and NGOs through career guidance, mentorship, recruitment support, and sector resources. Mentored 1,500+ professionals to date.

🤝 2024–Present · London

Carer Support & Information Officer

Currently working in London, supporting vulnerable communities and unpaid carers by improving access to welfare services, grants, and community programmes.

Gallery

Moments & Milestones

Awards & Recognition

Receiving Award from CM Hemant Soren, Ranchi

1 / 5

With CM Hemant Soren and Kalpana Murmu Soren in London

Distinguished Meetings

With CM Hemant Soren & Kalpana Murmu Soren — London

With Sudivya Kumar Sonu Minister Jharkhand

Distinguished Meetings

With Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs — Jharkhand

Distinguished Meetings

With Champai Soren, Minister of Jharkhand

London, United Kingdom

Kumar Preetam Puri — London, United Kingdom

Engagements

Institutions Where Preetam Has Spoken

🏛️

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

TISS — Mumbai, India

🌿

Azim Premji University

APU — Bengaluru, India

🔬

Indian Institutes of Technology

IITs — Across India

🙏

RKMVERI

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational & Research Institute

🌐

SOAS University of London

London, United Kingdom

＋

Several Other Universities & Institutions

Recognition

Media & Recognition

📰 Media Recognition

Work and achievements featured in various print media publications, highlighting efforts to support students and build career pathways in the social sector.

🏛️ Institutional Acknowledgement

Invited to deliver talks and career guidance sessions at TISS, Azim Premji University, IIT campuses, RKMVERI, SOAS University of London, and more.

🤝 Community Appreciation

Various community organisations and development networks have acknowledged contributions to mentoring young professionals and strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem.

Connect with Preetam

1:1 Consultation

Looking for expert guidance on careers, admissions, or scholarships in the social sector and development field? Book a 30-minute 1:1 session on Google Meet to get personalised support.

Schedule a 30-Minute Session

via Topmate · Google Meet · Personalised Guidance

🧭

Career Guidance in the Development Sector

Navigating jobs, internships, fellowships, and NGO recruitment.

🏛️

Admissions Support — Top Social Institutes in India

Guidance for TISS, APU, NIRDPR, Tata Dhan, IITs, and other prestigious institutes.

🇬🇧

UK University Admissions

Exam prep, SOP writing, interview coaching, and application strategy.

🏅

Scholarship Support & Mentorship

MGOS, Chevening, Felix, Commonwealth — application review and one-on-one mentorship.

📄

CV / Resume Review

Enhance your CV to score higher with ATS and stand out for jobs, fellowships, and higher education.

💼

LinkedIn Profile Review

Optimising your profile for jobs, fellowships, and higher education opportunities.

Get in Touch

Connect with Preetam

Follow along, reach out, or book a session — find Preetam across all platforms.

Direct Message on WhatsApp

Chat on WhatsApp — Hi Preetam!