Interviews
A Few Hushed Tales From Yesterday: Vanika Sangtani
An incredible storyteller and the founder of ‘Denied’, Vanika Sangtani opens up about her journey and the importance of the human experience.
She answers each question with the utmost precision despite not having slept for the last forty eight hours. I see, as the conversation goes on, an individual with nerves of utter steel. She is brave, without a doubt, but she is also deeply passionate about the things she does. Vanika Sangtani might just be someone who has managed to mould her passion for the craft of storytelling and performing into a channel for helping those who need it. It is only right, then, that you take the time to listen.
Ever since she was a child, Sangtani had always yearned to perform on stage. For her, there was a certain allure to the idea of shining spectacularly, even if it was for a few moments. That came to being in first grade, when she was asked to sing on stage. Ending her performance with a beautiful flourish, Sangtani couldn’t help but fall in love with singing then. Resolving, at that delicate age, to improve even further, she began formally training her voice, enrolling in classes and coaching sessions. She even went on to get a chance to audition for Indian Idol Junior when she was in third grade. That, however, didn’t work out the way she wanted it to. The idea of a child, at that age, being a part of a reality show was something that her parents were not completely comfortable with.
That whole experience was somewhat disheartening for Sangtani and understandably so. She put a pause to her engagement in co-curricular activities, perhaps, a little dejected over the prospects of not being able to truly pursue something. It was only in eight grade when she decided to dive back into what made her truly happy: performing on stage. This time, it was theatre. And, she pursued that without a single shred of hesitancy or doubt. It was around this time that she began to feel drawn towards writing as well.
Initially, however, Sangtani never thought much about writing. In a sense, she never really saw storytelling and writing as a craft unto itself. For her, storytelling was not a defined art just yet. More so, when she began engaging with art of storytelling and writing, it was purely through a lens of organic progression. When she moved to Mumbai, pursuing a degree in Mass Media, she found herself a little lost. You see, the original plan was never to pursue Mass Media.
One day, while scrolling through YouTube, she came across a performance by Kopal Khanna, the founder of ‘Tape A Tale’. The performance, or rather, the story, emboldened her to pursue her love for storytelling and writing. A month later, Sangtani saw that Tape A Tale was, indeed, looking for storytellers to perform at a particular event, the theme of which being a dedication to one’s grandparents. Even though she sent in a story dedicated to her grandfather, her piece didn’t make the cut. Sangtani, however, was not deterred. She did a little bit of research on the craft of storytelling and the manner in which other people go about it before sending in another story. This time, she made it in. She performed, for the first time, on 9th September, 2018.
When asked about her approach to creating a story and polishing that into a performance, Sangtani, unreservedly, says she doesn’t really have one. Even if she was pressed into having one, she states it would be very messy, indeed. In conceptualizing a story, she draws on her personal experiences, searching, perhaps, for a deeper meaning behind some of the incidents we take for granted. Like she says, a personal experience doesn’t really have to have an instantaneous effect on you. You could, for all intents and purposes, come to realise the weight and value of something much later on. In fact, her story ‘A Sanskari Girl’ followed a similar trajectory. More than anything else, Sangtani sees stories as a means to touch on the human experience.
Exploring that a little deeper, there is so much more that is, now, associated with the art of creative expression. Take, for example, the concept of social media and the internet having an effect on how creativity is viewed. Sangtani believes that, now, due to the nature of how the online world works, there is so much more pressure on artists. With every creative piece, whether it’s a story or an illustration, there is a certain need, on the part of the creator, for their work to be seen and heard. When that doesn’t happen, it can, sometimes, lead to a lot of self-doubt and hesitation, thereby, affecting the process of creation in itself.
And, while storytelling is a major aspect of her life, there is another part of her that must be acknowledged. When Sangtani was just 16, she went on to start ‘Denied’, a platform that initially began as a space for people to showcase their artistic talents. ‘Denied’ came about from Sangtani’s own personal need to have a space for people who never got the opportunity to reach out to an audience. As she explains, the reason behind naming the initiative in that manner was solely to reclaim the word. There was, ironic as it may sound, an idea of never having to be denied within the organization of ‘Denied’.
‘Denied’, gradually, went on to become more than it was originally envisioned as, branching out to initiatives that sought to educate children, from underprivileged backgrounds, in art, music, painting and basic primary school curriculum. As the founder of ‘Denied’, Sangtani has worked with thousands of children, numerous NGOs and social organizations, making a difference wherever she can. In spite of the countless challenges and constant hurdles, the mark she has left, in being able to bring about some semblance of positivity, in the lives of others is not only impressive but also deeply motivating. Just recently, she was named amongst the 19 ‘Young Changemakers’ by Ashoka for her outstanding work in bringing about a positive social change in the global community she is a part of.
Now, as she looks forward, Sangtani wants to pause for a bit. Her work with Denied has been of tremendous value, of course, however, now, she seeks to take a break and focus on herself for a little while. That is not selfish, however, it is only, and unreservedly so, human and natural. For an individual, young as she is, it is no small feat what she has managed to accomplish, both on a personal front and at the helm of an organization looking to help the underprivileged. It is time, and deservedly so, for her to rest, even if it is for a moment. She doesn’t want to stop completely, however. That is just not in her nature. In point of fact, Sangtani remains open to resuming the operations of ‘Denied’ some time in the future. As for storytelling, that will always remain an ongoing journey.
It is this idea that Sangtani wants to convey to others. As she explains, the world is too large, too heavy to be affected by one person alone. The only way to go about making a difference is by allowing for yourself to be better, even if it is through the little things that you do. The tiniest of gestures and actions can collectively go on to bringing about a change. Moreover, the idea of always having an end goal is sometimes, according to Sangtani, flawed. More often than not, in pursuing a goal with a single minded passion, we, at times, forget to appreciate the process of it.
However, unlike those who forget what the journey can actually give them, Vanika Sangtani, with everything that she has come to do, cannot help but smile at the joy of it all.
Interviews
Dhir Jakharia: From Dreams to Wildlife Frames
Dive into the captivating world of wildlife through the lens of Dhir Jakharia, a 20-year-old wildlife photographer, as we unravel his dreams and adventures behind the lens.
In the heart of Kenya, amidst the whispers of the wild, begins a remarkable journey. Born in the small town of Nyeri, Dhir Jakharia, a 21-year-old, grew up immersed in the rhythms of African life. Raised in the vibrant tapestry of African culture until the age of 13, Dhir Jakharia eventually moved to the capital, Nairobi. It was here that his love for photography sparked, eclipsing his childhood dreams of becoming a footballer. And his journey as a wildlife photographer began.
Embracing Change: From Football Dreams to Photography
Dhir Jakharia’s journey had a surprising twist. From dreaming of a career in professional football to unexpectedly finding his passion in photography, life had its own plans for him. His transition from an aspiring footballer to a passionate wildlife photographer was fueled by curiosity and love for nature. “I kind of just fell in love with it,” Jakharia reflects, recounting his photography journey. “Now I’m doing wildlife specifically, and I love the travelling aspect of it.”
Dhir Jakharia: Exploring Passion and Purpose
Currently pursuing Business Administration, Dhir Jakharia seamlessly combines his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for nature. “I’m a Gujarati, so I have business in my blood,” he states. Specializing in marketing, he envisions a future where his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision converge seamlessly. “I want to mix my photography with business,” he shares. “I’m already doing it on a small scale, selling prints and organizing photo tours.”
Through his lens, he seeks to foster awareness and empathy for the natural world. “Good photography helps to create awareness and can promote animal conservation,” he explains. Working on the logic of making people more familiar with their environment to ensure they try to conserve it, he explains further how when someone sees a picture of an elephant and likes it, they may think twice before partaking in animal cruelty.
Dhir Jakharia: Overcoming Challenges
The young photographer’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. The untimely passing of his father in 2020, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. “Dealing with these difficulties was as difficult as you can imagine,” he reflects. “But channelling that negative energy into something constructive, that’s the biggest achievement I’ve gained from photography.”
Dhir Jakharia: Inspirations, Dreams and Beyond
Despite the hurdles he’s faced, Dhir Jakharia remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. Drawing inspiration from renowned photographers in the field of wildlife photography, such as Thomas Vijayan, Varun Aditya and Shaaz Jung, he continues to hone his craft with unwavering determination.
“I learned everything through YouTube,” he shares, underscoring the importance of persistence and resourcefulness in his journey. “It’s more about making the most out of what you have.”
In a field dominated by seasoned professionals, Dhir Jakharia is exceptional. “In ten years, I see myself as a full-time photographer, recognized internationally,” he shares. “But beyond success, I prioritize my mental health and relationships with family and friends.” Reflecting on his recent exhibition at the ‘Xposure International Photography & Film Festival’ in Sharjah, UAE, he speaks of his pride in being the youngest among his peers. “Inspiring people and making photography my full-time profession while living a fulfilling life—that’s my definition of success,”. Additionally, he has already left a mark in the industry by collaborating with industry giants like Sony and Adobe at the young age of 18.
Message for Young Dreamers
To aspiring dreamers embarking on unconventional paths, Dhir Jakharia offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Self-belief is the biggest thing. Dream big, aim for the stars—even if you fail, you’ll still reach the sky.” In the footsteps of giants and guided by his unwavering passion, Dhir Jakharia continues to weave tales of wonder through his lens, reminding us all of the magic that awaits in the embrace of nature.
Interviews
Anant Ladha: A Man With A Mission
With a mission to spread financial literacy, finance creator Anant Ladha sits down with us for a quick chat on what drives him forward.
In this fast-paced world of technology, it’s hard to remain consistent. With changing algorithms and trends how can you remain consistent and relevant? And with everyday living prices going up daily, it’s hard to stick to your ethics. This is exactly when content creators like Anant Ladha with their YouTube channel Invest Aaj For Kal bring a refreshing change in this ever-changing system.
Anant Ladha: Early Days
Born and raised in Kota, Rajasthan, Anant Ladha’s introduction to finance and the stock market happened early in life. Being the third generation in his family to enter the financial world, he was exposed to trading and the stock market just like a kid would be exposed to cartoons. This gave a good foundation upon which he built up his entire life.
Starting as just a tactic to win over his teachers and peers, Anant Ladha originally began by keeping up with the ups and downs of the stock market to impress his teachers and friends. But whatever his intentions may be, this practice helped him a lot in his career as keeping up with the stock market became a regular part of his daily routine and helped him understand the nuances of the financial market better.
After initially starting his job at Mumbai in trading he left it to join his family business. While working there, an incident took place that changed his life forever. In his town, a company was closing down and all the employees were given around 50 lakhs corpus amount. Among them, one employee who had received this amount had invested it in an insurance scheme that wouldn’t allow him to withdraw the money until the five years were up. Desperately in need of money to support his sick wife in the hospital, the poor man showed up in tattered clothes begging Anant Ladha for money. His situation shocked Ladha and he realized that our country still is not as financially literate as he thought it was and hence he started on his mission to help convert India “from a country of savers to a country of investors.”
Invest Aaj For Kal
Starting as physical sessions, Ladha held free classes for people in certain parts of North India to help them become more financially literate. Two of his sessions were also recognised by the Rajasthan government. And everything was going fine but still, the huge financial literacy gap of the entire country was gaping widely at him. Hence, he decided to increase his target audience by going digital, leading to the inception of Invest Aaj For Kal.
Initially, for a good 1-1.5 years, his YouTube channel, Invest Aaj For Kal, didn’t do as well as he had expected. But consistent efforts, support from family and strong determination brought him to where he is today. With a little nudge from YouTube that put the spotlight on him by giving his channel the “Creator on the Rise” award in 2020, he was ready to make the most of his spotlight. From asking people to subscribe to his channel by talking about how great and informative it is without revealing that he owns the channel, to getting millions of views on every video, he has come a long way. The best part, Anant Ladha prioritises consistency over anything else and posts content regularly.
Message for Young Content Creators
Being the practical person that he is, he never blames fate or algorithms for fewer views but rather tries to find out how he can do better and revamp his content as and when required. He forever values the digital community that pushes him forward as he believes that the day he stops valuing them and takes them for granted will be the end of his career. For a man who went from working a 9-5 job to full-time content creator his definition of success changes every time he achieves something and this constant negotiation with success is the most practical way to view life.
Striking a balance between personal and professional life, Anant Ladha takes in bad comments like a pro. According to him, all his bad reviewers are truly his ardent followers as they wait to watch each of his videos just to leave bad reviews. And with this positive attitude, he leaves a message for young content creators:
“If earning money is the only objective you have through your digital journey then don’t enter this field. But if you’re objective is more than just earning money then it’s a beautiful field.”
His reasoning behind this lies in the fact that you won’t earn much in the initial years of creating content hence you must have a bigger purpose to sustain in this space for longer for yourself and your audience.
Interviews
Ganeshprasad Sridharan: Indian Education Redefined
Set to put a dent in the Indian education system, meet Ganeshprasad Sridharan; a man who left no stone unturned to right the wrongs that hindered his growth in the education system.
How often does our education system frustrate us? And more importantly how often do we set out to rectify it rather than fitting into the one-size-fits-all mould it prescribes to us? Our education system needs some serious re-designing and there’s no point hiding it any longer. We had a conversation with Ganeshprasad Sridharan; a man who left no stone unturned to right the wrongs that hindered his growth in the education system; to understand his side of efforts to bridge the gap that exists between the present and the future, i.e., learning and getting hired via Think School.
Ganeshprasad Sridharan: The Start of It All
Born and brought up in Pune, Ganeshprasad Sridharan’s schooling was pretty similar to others with just one difference; in his school, his teachers ensured to foster the students’ critical thinking ability. He was made to think about morality on an individual level rather than blindly following it as a societal norm. As the teachers asked him to re-examine Brutus’s character in the play Julius Caesar, he got a sense that there is no one right or one wrong in the world. He understood the value of subjectivity and cherished the individuality it brought with it.
Going from such an enriching environment to an engineering college which heavily relied on rote learning was a huge shocker for Sridharan. At college, neither was anybody willing to stop, think and understand the principles nor did the teachers wish to make them understand it. Plus the 75% mandatory attendance only adds to the pressure of fitting into the mould as students get less time to explore their interests and abilities. The constant assignments and exams with mediocre teaching that one was bound to attend set one up on a sure path of failure. The herd mentality which makes people follow along to crack the coveted UPSC which has a 0.2% pass percentage ensures that individuals are trapped in that conventional path of failure forever. To put a dent in the Indian education system and break this cycle of failure, Ganeshprasad Sridharan along with his partner Prakash Kothari came up with Think School.
Think School
With a motto, “To put a dent in the Indian education system by providing world-class education at a price that is less than a pair of denim jeans” Ganeshprasad Sridharan started Think School with his partner Prakash Kothari. With a rocky beginning that led to them shutting their physical classroom due to the pandemic, it was social media that not only saved but ensured that Think School thrived like never before.
Trying to bridge these three gaps; business education, communication and fundamental principles of entrepreneurship; by providing a masterclass on each, Think School has made the internet the one-stop destination to hone your business acumen. Realising that their audience can’t afford pricey offline classes, the move to social media such as YouTube was a great decision on the founders’ part.
Ensuring that the quality of Think School is never compromised they have a very detailed value system through which they select the core members of their team. Some of them as described by Sridharan include; the ability to critically analyse oneself, the ability to give brutal feedback, the ability to take in brutal feedback and lastly the attitude to constantly learn and improve.
According to Ganeshprasad Sridharan, it’s not “the breadth of influence” but rather the “depth of influence” that matters more. For him, Think School’s success lies in being considered a reliable source of information not just for students in IIM and other universities and schools but even for professors and established businessmen who rely on its practical and interesting approach to enhance their abilities.
What Makes A Great Entrepreneur?
According to Ganeshprasad Sridharan, it’s the extraordinary sharpness in finding better opportunities by doing market research, being able to read and address the gap presented by market research to understand your opportunity better, ability to execute one’s plan fast and daring to fail so that one learns the value of resilience over time, and lastly remaining relevant by evolving with technology and understanding the target audience and their needs; all of this makes the perfect recipe for a great entrepreneur. When Sridharan started his venture, many had their doubts regarding it but he trusted himself as according to him, he was following his heart as it had logic to it. Others could only project their doubts and hesitation but not provide a logic strong enough to persuade him to abandon his venture. And in today’s cut-throat world of business, this is truly a great virtue to harbour.
The masterclass at Think School ensures that one develops this business acumen through practical assignments in which the students are given full liberty to complete them how they feel like it. Following his grandfather’s advice to; “Use language not to confuse people but to convince them”, in each video of Think School, Ganeshprasad Sridharan and Prakash Kothari are building the pillars of modern education that values and foster individuality with one video and masterclass at a time.
Lastly, Ganeshprasad Sridharan’s message to all the budding entrepreneurs is:
“Keep learning and keep reading because market research will help you find opportunities and reading will help you tap into those opportunities. Passion alone will not take you anywhere unless you have a direction. Direction will come with two things: the ability to do market research to find problems and the ability to read and learn to address those problems better.”
Interviews
Rakesh Tiwari: A Poet Weaving the Fabric of Life
Celebrating Rakesh Tiwari and his work which is crafting life’s symphony through poetry and breaking barriers of elitism.
Poetry has always been a powerful medium, capable of touching the deepest chords of our hearts. It holds the magical power to not only articulate emotions but also entertain and deeply move us. Rakesh Tiwari, a multifaceted poet, author and storyteller, embarks on a mission to unwrap the intricate tapestry of life through his captivating poetic performances. His journey began with the simple act of rhyming, but he soon recognized the profound potential of his craft to create impactful poetry that could be performed and shared with the world.
His poetry mirrors life’s diverse and intricate flavours, each composition offering a distinct essence that resonates with a spectrum of audiences.
One of his well-known works is “Veg Biriyani” which playfully delves into the bond between vegetarians and beloved biriyani. His words advocate celebrating India’s diverse traditions, cultures and tastes while emphasizing the importance of respecting each other’s choices to foster unity.
Another well-known one is “Zindagi” which gives us a humorous take on the modern-day obsession with brands, exposure, internet culture, and social media. Tiwari highlights the superficiality of the current generation’s pursuits, where every moment is curated for online display, adorned with hashtags, and evaluated by the number of likes and comments.
Rakesh Twiari draws inspiration from a variety of sources, but it was the qawwali shows that his mother lovingly watched that plated the seeds of rhythm in him. His poetic journey began with exploring rhymes, which eventually became an artistry of words and emotions. It was the passing of his father that prompted him to pen down his first mature poem “ Mann Ka Mail”, a change from the usual love poems he penned in college.
Some of his more melancholic poetry is “Bachpan”, which serves as a heartfelt tribute to the innocence and carefreeness of childhood. Tiwari remembers his school days, scolding from his parents, and pure friendships that defined this phase of life.
“Amma Ki Atachi” tenderly reflects the emotional farewell to a mother. He pays homage to the cherished memories and ordinary things that held immense sentimental value. Tiwari’s poetry flows naturally from the depths of his feelings, being a potent medium for self-expression.
Rakesh Tiwari aspires to be a poet of the people, aiming to break down the barriers of elitism within the realm of art. His poetry has been a source of solace and companionship to many, with people expressing their gratitude for the solace and support they have found through his poetry. He encourages young artists to not shy away from the monotony that often accompanies life’s journey. Emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.
Though he has dedicated 11 years of his life working in a call centre, Rakesh’s unwavering belief was that his poetry would eventually pave the way for the realization of his dream-a life as a freelancer. His journey radiates the enduring power of faith and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion. In the darkest tunnels of life, the light of hope always shines through, and Rakesh Tiwari’s story stands as a testament to this profound truth.
Interviews
Keerthika Govindhasamy: A Love for The Past in The Present
Hustling through life while keeping her love for history alive, recently we got the opportunity to have a chat with Keerthika Govindhasamy.
It is hard enough to make it out on the internet while coming from a privileged background. Just imagine how much harder it would be for someone coming from a not-so-privileged background. In the 5G era of ever-changing content, to be at the top of your game especially when you’re content deals with history is supremely hard. Yet there are a few historians and lovers of history who have made it pretty big on the internet for their credible content informing audiences worldwide about the side of history that’s not much talked about. Among them, one such well-known Indian history influencer on YouTube and Instagram is Keerthika Govindhasamy, popularly known as Keerthi History or keerthihistory. I recently had the opportunity to get to know her better and I am sure by the end of this interaction you’ll be as inspired as I was.
Keerthika Govindhasamy: Early Life & Upbringing
Coming from a humble background, in rural Tamil Nadu, life wasn’t always easy for Keerthika Govindhasamy. Although she is a well-known Indian history YouTuber and influencer on Instagram, it may come as a surprise that she wasn’t always the most studious student in her class. According to her, she may not be very studious but she was still the topper of her class. The reason behind this could be because her learning method was very different and more permanent than the traditional popular learning method adopted by many Indian students which is rote learning.
Rather than memorizing anything and everything presented in front of her, she prefers to understand the basic concept first as it helps her retain the new information for a longer time. Apart from this, she also prefers learning by remembering a text as a story and it was this learning method and love for stories that made her develop a strong affinity towards history.
Being raised in a conservative family like hers, she was denied many freedoms that the male members of her family enjoyed, such as pursuing a higher education degree like post-graduation. But unlike the rest of her family, her parents were a little more progressive and allowed her to go to college for her undergraduate degree. Yet life wasn’t always simple for Keerthika Govindhasamy as her parents wanted her to do a medical degree so that she could have an easy life over one in archaeology.
At that time in her local region, a lot of misconceptions prevailed around archaeology as a subject such as it is related to sex education. Plus the added fact that not many colleges offered it as a subject in Tamil Nadu also played a role in Keerthika Govindhasamy’s family strongly opposing it. But her love for the subject made her pursue a degree in history as it was as close to archaeology as she could get.
Keerthika Govindhasamy: The Influencer
Starting her journey on social media was not something that Keerthika Govindhasamy had initially planned. But after trying out many different career options and trying to see what fits right, somehow social media just clicked with her. She always had a knack for social media and mixed with her interest in history everything just fell in place. And as luck would have it when she started her journey on social media many people were showing interest in Indian history. But at the same time, many false information was also being spread. To ensure that other people also start appreciating her love for the subject more with accurate data, she started her YouTube channel Keerthi History her Instagram page keerthihistory and other social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Success didn’t come easy to her but when it did it came in tenfolds. After 7-8 months of consistent posting, one of her videos got viral and soon enough all of her videos started getting a lot of views. And overnight she gained thousands of followers. But regardless of how much success came her way she never let it get to her head as she is a strict believer in staying humble (and I can certainly vouch for it based on our interaction).
Naming Abhi and Niyu and Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) as her inspiration she went on to explain how they reignited her spark for her first love, i.e., history. She adds that it was a particular podcast that Ranveer Allahbadia hosted with historian Anica Mann as his guest that truly charmed and motivated her.
As someone with as huge a following as hers, it’s only a matter of time before the dark side of the internet makes an appearance, i.e., hate and negative criticism. Govindhasamy shared how many of these haters have categorised her as a BJP supporter as she spreads knowledge on Indian history and part of it deals with Hinduism. When in reality all she wishes to do with creating her videos is to preserve a part of our culture. Her way to deal with all of them is to: Ignore and keep strutting forward.
A Message to Young Dreamers
As she tries to make her parents proud and provide for them by hustling every day, she imparts a small piece of advice for all the young dreamers out there; according to her, it’s going to be hard and not at all easy at the start, especially if you don’t come from a privileged background. You have got to work hard in the initial stages at the very least. Once you’ve built your brand you can hire more people and can take a small break. Do whatever you feel is right but be consistent and keep working hard and you will get there.
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