From Writing Ideas to Shaping Policy: A Conversation with Parneet Kaur, Founder of RAAH
Not every impactful career follows a predefined path. Sometimes, it begins with curiosity, a simple piece of writing, or the courage to put one’s ideas out into the world.
In this episode of EduAdvice, host Monika engages in a compelling conversation with Parneet Kaur, Founder of RAAH, whose journey in public policy reflects the power of initiative, clarity of thought, and meaningful work.
From writing independently on policy issues to working closely with Members of Parliament and the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and eventually building her own platform, Parneet’s journey offers valuable insights for students and young professionals exploring careers in public policy.
“My journey in public policy has been very organic”
Q. Your journey began when a Member of Parliament noticed your work. How did it evolve from there?
Parneet shares that her entry into public policy was not planned but evolved organically. She began by writing on policy issues on social media platforms, simply expressing her thoughts.
“One day, an Honourable Member of Parliament came across my work and reached out. We had a conversation, and I shared my CV, which included my articles and policy briefs. He resonated with my thinking and invited me to work with him,” she recalls.
This opportunity opened doors to working with multiple MPs and eventually led to her selection at the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
“It all happened very quickly. Within a few weeks, I found myself inside the Parliament of India. That marked the beginning of my journey in the policy ecosystem.”
From Policy Work to Building RAAH
Her growing presence on LinkedIn and interaction with aspiring policy professionals revealed a significant gap.
“I noticed a vacuum. Many young people wanted to enter policy careers but didn’t know how to navigate the path,” she explains.
This led to the creation of RAAH, a policy advisory and engagement platform focused on bridging the gap between analysis and implementation.
“We believe policy should not stop at analysis—it must translate into actionable impact,” she says.
RAAH also launched the Policy Fellowship 2026, which quickly gained attention from top institutions like LSE, UCL, and leading Indian colleges, along with mentorship support from senior IAS officers.
What Made Her CV Stand Out
Q. What made your CV different, and what should students focus on today?
Parneet emphasizes that her CV was not just a list of achievements but a reflection of her thinking.
“My CV included links to my work—policy briefs, articles, research papers. It gave evaluators a direct window into how I think and analyze.”
She advises students to move away from lengthy, cluttered CVs.
“A one-page CV with clear, relevant content is far more powerful. Don’t try to impress with volume—impress with clarity and substance.”
Proof of Work Matters More Than Experience
One of her strongest messages is clear: there is no substitute for proof of work.
“You may not have work experience, but you have no excuse for not building a portfolio,” she says.
She encourages students to:
- Write policy briefs
- Publish articles on platforms like Medium
- Collaborate with professors
- Analyze real policy issues
“You don’t need a job to demonstrate your thinking. Your work should speak for you.”
Skills Students Often Overlook
Speaking about UPSC aspirants and young professionals, Parneet highlights three key strengths they often underestimate:
- Analytical Ability – Connecting multiple issues and understanding complex systems
- Structured Thinking – Presenting complex ideas clearly and concisely
- Discipline & Perseverance – Sustained effort over long periods
“They don’t need a restart—they need repositioning,” she explains.
Reality Check: Inside the Policy System
Parneet also candidly shares her experience inside the system.
“It was disheartening at times. Parliamentary sessions would often get adjourned within minutes, limiting meaningful discussions,” she says.
She also points out that many policies do not undergo sufficient committee-level scrutiny, affecting the quality of deliberation.
“We need stronger institutional processes and deeper policy discussions.”
The Gap: Skills vs Direction
Q. Why do so many young people struggle despite having potential?
Parneet identifies two major gaps:
- Skills Gap – Lack of practical, applied skills
- Translation Gap – Inability to convert knowledge into real-world output
“Many claim to have skills, but very few can actually produce a strong policy brief or actionable work,” she notes.
The Way Forward
At the individual level, she stresses the need for active learning over passive consumption.
“Build, write, analyze, create—don’t just consume information.”
At the systemic level, she acknowledges initiatives like Skill India and NEP but calls for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
“We need education systems that focus on application, not just theory.”
Final Takeaway
As the conversation concludes, one powerful message stands out:
- Impactful careers are not limited to predefined paths. With the right mindset, initiative, and direction, young individuals can create meaningful change.
- “Your skills and efforts are never wasted—they just need the right direction.”
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