RAVI PARAKKAT

Ideas for living, leading and

creating positive change

Reflections on community, technology, leadership, citizenship and living well

A man with glasses standing behind a table at an event, with black curtains and booths in the background. The table displays promotional materials including black T-shirts with the text, 'SEE WHAT OTHERS MISS,' 'FEEDBACK > GROWTH,' and the website '20fy.ai'. The event appears to be part of the TAKEOUT 25 community initiative focused on building a thriving and sustainable community.

READ MY REFLECTIONS

LATEST REFLECTIONS

What I’m thinking about

Reflections

Community & Society

September 3, 2026

Our zoning debate should not divide us

Community & Society

September 3, 2026

Drawing on experiences from Kozhikode, India, and 20 years in Oak Park, this article makes the case for thoughtful, incremental change—testing solutions, measuring results, and finding common ground rather than choosing sides.

Much of what I write about comes from things I've had the privilege to help build.

IDEAS TO ACTION

Community

Takeout 25

Mobilizing neighbors and businesses to strengthen local communities.

Transformation

Junior Achievement

Using technology and innovation to expand educational and organizational impact.

Entrepreneurship

20fy.ai

Helping independent restaurants turn customer feedback into insight and growth.

Public Service

Oak Park

Lessons from elected office, campaigns, local government and community leadership.

EXPLORE MY WORK

A meaningful life is built through relationships, health, growth, new experiences and positive impact.

RELATIONSHIPS · HEALTH · GROWTH · EXPERIENCES · IMPACT

“This is where I reflect on what I'm learning while trying to live those values.”