How to spot a bad company culture

How to spot a bad company culture

http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/1590-warning-signs-how-to-spot-a-bad-company-culture-during-the-interview  - Click on the link to read more

Sometime we might end up in a job interview where the company culture is not worth the efforts. Though walking away from the potential opportunity might be a risky move, but its better to stay on the market rather then making ourselves look miserable.

Red Flags to watch for -

1) They leave you hanging  

  

Some employers wait a really long time after the initial interview before getting in touch with you about next steps or a decision. This is extremely discourteous to candidates who generally have a lot riding on the outcome of a job interview. This can be an anxious and emotional period for many people. Leaving candidates hanging without a word for weeks after an interview is disrespectful. You can take a clue as to how a company treats their employees by how they treat their prospective employees. 

2) It's like visiting the set of a zombie movie

Try to get a look around the office when you're in for the interview. Do the people look happy? Are they talking with each other at all? A quiet work environment can be good for concentration, but if you're going to be joining this team, you want to know that people are friendly and that they get along. If everyone seem dreary and miserable, watch out.

Also take a look at the work stations. Some people like shared open concept tables, other people need a more private work space. Make sure that you can see yourself actually working there.   

3) Your life would become a casualty of the commute

I once borrowed a car for a job interview. I drove up there in the mid morning for the interview. It took twenty minutes to get there.

This didn't prepare me for the reality of what the rush hour, public transit commute was really going to be like once I got the job. It required taking the subway to the end of the line, then a bus ride into an industrial park area and then walking a pedestrian bridge across highways and into what was basically a wasteland of office spaces, warehouses and parking lots. It took over an hour and a half each way. Although I lasted a year out there, I was never so happy as when I landed my next role with an easy commute in a cool city neighborhood with nearby cafes, shops and atmosphere.

Okay, the commute is not part of the company culture, but it will have a large impact on your quality of life. Keep it in mind when sizing up an opportunity. 

4) The interview is way too short

We'd all like to get snapped up and hired quickly, but when a company offers you a job without bothering to find out anything about you, it likely means that they're desperate. This can indicate that the position has a very high turnover rate. There's usually a reason for that. (And it's usually not good.) 

A very short interview can also mean that the employer has already decided on another candidate and is just going through the motions with you. In that case you also shouldn't get your hopes up for this job.

On the other hand, when the process is ridiculously long and you have to jump through countless hoops, it can indicate that a company has many layers of bureaucracy behind everything they do. This can be an indicator of a frustrating place to work.

5) No one seems to want to work there for very long

If the person interviewing you and everyone you meet have only been with the company for a very short period of time, it can indicate an unpleasant work environment that people leave as soon as they can. Like I said, be wary of high turnover rates.

Of course it could also be a sign of growth. The company may have been on a recent hiring spree. Do some research. Find out if they've been expanding and what their reputation is amongst former employees. Google them. Look them up on RateMyEmployer.ca.

If it turns out that people are anxious to jump ship, you might be better off not signing on in the first place. 

6) It's all done surreptitiously 

Sometimes it happens that you're being hired for a role where the person you're replacing doesn't know they're being replaced. This causes several problems. Walking in the door Monday morning to take the place of someone who was given the axe on Friday afternoon can lead to resentment among your new team as you are seen as responsible for their former coworker's downfall. (This despite the fact you've never even met the person.)

Also, when you're hired on in such a hush hush way, you don't get to meet anyone on the team. Sometimes the interviews themselves take place in coffee shops and other locations to keep the person being replaced in the dark. This means you don't have the opportunity to see the working environment or get a look at how happy the people seem to be. (So you may be missing some of the red flags.)

Plus, once you've seen the company treat your predecessor this way, it can make you a little paranoid that they may be lining up your replacement behind the scenes at any time too.

It's important to work and to have a job, of course. There are bills to pay. But being in a toxic environment can take a huge toll on your mental and even physical health. The quality if your work will suffer and your own personal brand can be tainted by association. You need a paycheque, sure, but you that's not all that you need. Steer clear of noxious workplaces if you can.

 

Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

Here is the link - http://anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/hot-spot-st-lucia

A romantic getaway at Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa! 

 Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa
Soufriere, St Lucia, W.I
www.stonefieldvillas.com

Think of romance and images like pristine beaches, scenic beauty of the nature, cascading waterfalls and lots of adventures come to our mind. Undiscovered by many tourists, yet rated as one of the perfect honeymoon destination of the world, St.Lucia, a mango or avocado shaped island, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean could be your choice for spending time with a loved one.
Be it for romance, rejuvenation of the soul, an adventure or a family getaway, the Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa at St. Lucia is a genuine choice for its exceptional service and ambiance. This Caribbean hideaway with luxury villas, fun excursions is currently offering a 40% discount through October 31, 2012, for all tourists.

The resort is situated in Soufriere, a picturesque colonial town, once the capital of St Lucia, and now the center of a district known as the breadbasket of the island. There is a magical air about this resort, which is evocative of a more romantic age. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Pitons, the two volcanic plugs listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stonefield Estate Resort is a luxury boutique resort. The resort boasts of several traditional West Indian style luxury villas amongst the tropical greenery of the southwest St. Lucia. The villas are beautiful, airy and bright, accented with allusions to French colonial style including open verandas, attractive jalousie shutters and antique four-poster beds. Romance abounds at the Stonefield Estate Resort where couples can spend a romantic getaway in their own self-contained villa with dramatic ocean, mountain views, tropical surroundings, private plunge pool, private outdoor showers and excellent customer service.

Guests at the Villa Resort can take advantage of Stonefield's Summer Special that includes 40 percent discount off its regular price. This special pricing includes various villa sizes such as-

• One bedroom Majestic Hillside/Ocean View villa for $370 USD per night (normally $617 USD)
• One bedroom Majestic Piton/Ocean View villa for $313 USD (normally $522 USD)
• Larger villas like Stonefield's three bedrooms Plantation House for $516 USD (normally $860 USD)
• Five bedrooms Chez Anista for $722 USD (normally $1204 USD)

The villa has some excellent amenities and guests visiting can have access to:

• A new 860-square-foot yoga studio equipped with tatami mats for martial arts and yoga
• Red Door Spa offering couples massages
• Lush tropical gardens
• State-of-the-art, air-conditioned gym equipped with Cybex cardio equipment, free weights and multi gym machines.                                                                                                                           There is a lot for you to do and explore at St. Lucia. Secluded and infinitely accessible, the resort is minutes away by shuttle bus from the Malgretoute and Jalousie beaches. The resort can also set up a private boating experience for couples who want to enjoy a sunset sail. If you end up catching a fish during your boating trip, the resort's chef can prepare the fish for a romantic dinner that night at Stonefield's Mango Tree Restaurant. From rainforest hikes to coral reef dives, waterfall excursions, botanical garden tours and hot sulphur baths, there is a lot to do at St Lucia. In short, the resort at Stonefield Estate Villa Resort and Spa has a lot to offer and is an ideal choice if you want to experience special moments with your loved one that you'll cherish forever.
  
  For more details or to make a reservation, visit www.stonefieldvillas.com or call (800) 420-5731.
  
  BY: SMRUTI DAS / POSTED AUGUST 16, 2012

Enchanting Odisha! (Published in Anokhi Magazine)

 Here is the link - http://anokhimagazine.com/lifestyle/enchanting-odisha

When you head east, keep going, as on the East Coast of India lies Odisha (Orissa), where you can explore its untapped (non-touristy) magic.

If you are thinking about visiting India, places like the beaches of Goa, the Taj Mahal at Agra, and the backwaters of Kerala are likely to come to your mind. But with several hundreds of international visitors making a trip to these places every year, wouldn’t you be interested in exploring a place that has it all and hasn’t been exploited commercially? Odisha, which until a year ago was called Orissa, is a state located on the east coast of India and is yet to be explored by the international tourists. It has scenic landscapes, verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls, amazing flora and fauna, rich architectural heritage and colourful tribes adding to the cultural diversity.

Realizing the immense potential the state offers to international tourists, Jitendra K. Mohanty, chairman of Odisha Hotels and Restaurant Association, along with India Tourism, introduced Odisha, the land of pristine beauty, to Canada last April. Be it an adventurous family vacation, a peaceful tour for the elderly or a romantic memorable trip for the young couple, Odisha has a lot in store for tourists from all walks of life.

Prepare for the spiritual voyage

If you love temples and carvings on the ancient monuments, Odisha is a perfect destination. The state is a subliminal integration of exotic past with contemporary strength. It is dotted with temples all over. Every temple has a tale of its own and still reverberates with the sound of chanting and worship. The Golden Triangle of Odisha, Bhubaneswar – Puri –Konark, is a treasure-trove of art and architecture. The capital city Bhubaneswar boasts of monuments starting from 2nd century B.C. while the Khandagiri-Udaygiri Caves go back to the 13th century A.D. Puri, one of the four holiest places of India, is world famous for its Jagannath Temple. The temple, a monument from the 12th century A.D., possesses all the richness and uniqueness of the Kalinga style of architecture. The magnificent Sun Temple or Black Pagoda of Konark is another great wonder of ancient India and is also UNESCO’s World Heritage Monument. Commenting on the Sun Temple, Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”

Experience the azure blues

The sparkling waterfalls, virgin beaches, bubbling hot springs, meandering rivers, large lakes and reservoirs along with the tranquility of verdant valleys can keep the visitors spellbound. Taptapani, surrounded by hills, is a place famous for its natural hot sulphur springs and beautiful environs. Among beaches of Odisha, the famous Puri beach with golden sands, soothing sunbath, colourful sunrise and sunset has excellent beach facing hotels and guesthouses and is an ideal holiday spot to bathe and laze or enjoy seeing the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sailboats. Chandipur beach is unique in India, as the water recedes up to five kilometres during the ebb tide. During low tides, it can be a paradise for swimmers. The Chandrabhaga or Konark beach has been famous for its spectacular sunrise. The vast numbers of beaches of Odisha have been forming a timeless heritage, and continue to share and gift its innumerable bounties to all who care and visit the shoreline of Odisha.

Enjoy the wild!

One of the greatest benefits of Odisha’s natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state’s incredible wildlife. Some of the most important experiments of wildlife conservation are taking place in these natural habitats, giving the tourists an excellent opportunity to see nature’s beauty and bounty, propagated in an environment that is both healthy and beautiful. The Similipal Sanctuary, with its astounding flora and fauna, has won the distinction of being a Tiger Reserve. Known as “a slice of paradise on earth,” the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary has the second largest mangrove forest in India and provides an ideal habitat for reptiles, including crocodiles, sea turtles and water monitor lizards. An experience of a lifetime can be seen at Gahirmatha, the world’s largest nesting site for turtles. Every year, thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate in huge numbers for mating and nesting along the coast. This one is a must-visit for all those who love wildlife. Dotted with small islands – including the picturesquely Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island – Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lake. The pear-shaped lagoon is one of the few places in India where one can find Irrawadi dolphins and exotic migratory birds. The Nandankanan Safari has been another major attraction for tourists for its white tigers.

 Meet the colourful tribes 

Odisha has a large concentration of tribals of India, forming about one fourth of its total population, mostly inhabiting the jungles and hilly regions. Each tribe is unique as it has its rich music, dance and traditions. The tribals decorate their bodies with tattoo marks, occasionally painting with red and white strips. They use ornaments like bangles, anklets, earrings and huge necklaces. “Odisha embraces 62 diverse tribe ethnicities that still adhere to and guard their respective distinct traditions. These traditions have remained relatively unchanged throughout centuries. If would like to meet the tribals, you’ll need special permission and we can arrange that for you,” adds Bipasa Mohanty, executive director of Swosti Travels.

There is more to explore at Odisha. Apart from the wildlife, temples, beaches and tribes, Odisha’s Buddhist antiquities like the Peace Pagoda or Dhauli, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udaygiri and Langudi are an example of the bygone era. For those who love shopping, there is a world of possibilities. A visit to Pipli, a village known for handicrafts and fabrics, will provide you plenty of options.
 Odisha is a state that offers something unique to everyone. There are some places in India that are special, and Odisha is one of them. So, do explore this undiscovered destination of India!

Season: The best season to visit Odisha is from September to March.
Connectivity: Air – Odisha is linked with major cities of India through Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar. Kolkatta is the nearest international airport.
Rail – Bhubaneswar is linked by fast and express train services from all major cities of the country.
Websites for more information: www.orissatravels.com and www.swostiindia.com

BY SMRUTI DAS / PUBLISHED IN THE FASHION & STYLE ISSUE, OCTOBER 2012PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SWOSTI INDIA

Toronto hip-hop trio Starchild X is positioned to be among the galaxy of music stars(Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

Here is the link to this article -http://www.anokhimagazine.com/entertainment/x-factor-starchildx

They are young, energetic and full of attitude. Meet Starchild X, Toronto’s emerging music group that is all set to charm and sway the audience with their urban pop music. Their hit song “Superstar” is making waves and has earned them a loyal fan base. Starchild X consists of the trio: Sean Hakim (Starchild), Delon Omrow (D’Couture) and Jeni Walls (J-Wallz). The group’s style of music (a mix of hip-hop, new wave, rock and dance pop) has been heavily influenced by American hip-hop group Public Enemy, English electronic band Depeche Mode, rapper Timbaland, and modern producers such as David Guetta.

The history of the group dates back to 2006. After working for a few years in North America as an actor, Sean decided to seriously pursue a career in music. He started writing and producing his own hip-hop style of music under the name “Starchild.” With time, he improvised his style and introduced more “poppy” tunes. Jeni Walls, with whom Sean had worked on motivational speaking sessions, joined him to provide the female voice. Delon Omrow, Sean’s cousin, had heard about Starchild’s work. He was talented and could write and compose songs. So, the three of them teamed up, got the chemistry working and created their own style of music to form Starchild X.

The group tasted its first success in December 2011, when their song “Superstar” was aired five times a day on Toronto’s popular FM station, Virgin 99.9 Radio to a pretty amazing response from the listeners. Ultra Records recognized their talent and within two weeks of their radio debut, Starchild X was signed for a three-album deal.

The group is also gradually making its presence known in Canada. Their song “I Think I’m In Love” was submitted for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Fashion Rocks fashion show that was held in Toronto last summer and was selected among the top six from 500 applicants. The group also recently performed at the benefit show for theKirabo Foundation.

I was curious to know why the group was called Starchild X. Sean notes that the name was inspired by a 900-year-old skull found in New Mexico. The skull had an elongated forehead that gave the feel of an “Alien Child.” Sean connected with that and considered himself as the child of the stars. He was obsessed to know more about the universe and addressed himself as the “Starchild.” The “X” is for the additional factor that Jeni and Delon add to the group’s music.

In the future, Starchild X wants to etch its name in the music industry. They know that the industry has several one-song wonders and they don’t intend to be another flash in the pan. They have ambitious plans and are working hard on the music for their upcoming albums. Their hit single “Superstar” has been released in May to all the major radio stations in Toronto. A music video for this song is also in the works. With a sparkle in his eye, Sean says that the group wants their music to be loved in Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. He adds “I see a dream where we have sold out stadiums in the next five years. I am certain that if we stay focused and continue to write from our hearts, we can do it.” Interesting! For a group that has the talent, passion and believes in itself, this possibility might just turn into a reality.

BY SMRUTI DAS / PUBLISHED IN THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE, SUMMER 2012

Tips on how to make your child's camp experience the best ever! (Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

Here is the link to this article of mine - http://www.anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/prepare-your-child-for-summer-camp

It's that time of the year again. The snow is long gone and the temps are rising. Children can be seen playing outdoors. I joined my friend Nitika at the nearby park where her ten year old daughter was having a great time. As Nitika and I chatted, she revealed to me that she was planning on sending her daughter Rhea to a summer camp for the first time. She was excited yet anxious. How could she prepare her for camp!

Rini Mishra is mom to two wonderful twins — Snehal and Dionee. The kids had their first summer camp when they were in their fourth grade and they loved it. As Rini puts it, "The kids made new friends, learned something new and developed a sense of responsibility. They are eager to start the next one". A summer camp is an important step for children and parents. It's a time that the children will remember in the years to come. So, in that spirit, we talked to a few experienced mothers and collected some some insightful pointers on how you can prepare your kid for summer camp.

Know more about the camp

It's a good idea to do a bit of summer camp research. As a parent, talk to the camp organizers about any fears and concerns that you may have. If your kid  is internet savvy, have them go online and check the camp website out so they too can be involved in the process and get excited about it. That way, your child will know what to expect and the transition from home to camp will be much easier. Here are a few key questions to ask while you are doing your camp research:

• What kind of activities and programs does the camp offer?
• How many counselors does the camp have? Are they qualified enough to conduct a summer camp?
• Will there be field trips for campers and if so where?

Develop a sense of responsibility

At camp, children will be expected to perform tasks on their own. A sense of responsibility has to be developed. It would help if the child is encouraged early on to participate in daily chores like making their own bed, keeping their room tidy and helping you in shopping. These habits are likely to continue at camp. If the child is scared to stay away from home, encourage the child to spend quality time at a relative or friend's place as a teaser to camp-life. This will most likely remove any fear and anxiety from your mind and of course help your child relax as well. 

Pack smart

It's important that you pack all the essential items that will be required at  camp, and include your child in the packing process. This way they will actually know what's in their bag as they head off to camp. A list of "must carry" items is usually provided by the camp organizers. Essential items that you should pack would be:

* sleeping bag
* pillows
* toiletries
* shampoo
* soap
* swimsuit 
* pyjamas
* sunblock
* insect repellant
* comfortable clothes for day and warm clothes for the evening
* towels
* first aid box
* rain gear
* sportswear
* sport shoes
* emergency contact info (always have them tagged to your child's luggage)

If your little one is on medication and needs special treatment, let the camp authorities know. As a parent, you might be tempted to give your child an iPod or a cell phone, but many camps don't encourage electronic gadgets (remember, it's CAMP!) So, to avoid your child being crushed by the last minute removal of these items right before they head off, do your research to make sure they are allowed in the first place. If the camp is for a longer duration (beyond a couple of weeks), include a family photo for the child in case they get homesick. 

Develop good hygiene habits

Have a chat with your child about hygiene issues at camp. Small but important practices like washing hands before eating, applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn, brushing teeth and changing clothes before sleeping at night will ensure that they stay healthy and relatively germ-free. And yes, just like before school, always give your child a quick lice check to make sure they are clean and good to go. Mothers should talk freely to their teenage daughters about periods and overall feminine hygience. Again, having that conversation with the counselor will also avoid uncomfortable situations.

Communicate with your child

It's important that the child is able to tell you, if they're experiencing any problems at camp. If this is a second trip around, and this time they aren't that enthusiastic about it, there could be a reason, so read the signals. Maybe they aren't crazy about the camp activities, not being able to perform them, or possibly, a case of being bullied. Initiate a conversation with your child so that they can open up to you or to the counselor if a problem occurs. Rini adds, "Children don't open up at this age. So, we need to be friends to them so that they open up". Encourage your child to record their thoughts in a journal about how they feel about the camp. You could even write a few positive reaffirming notes and drop it in their bag for them to discover during camp. Provide some sheets of paper and stamped envelopes so if they want to write home, they can.  

Sending kids to summer camp can be a wise decision as the result is experience, friends and a lifetime of memories. With a little homework and ensuring that your child will enjoy the overall experience, camp can be a great time for everyone!

BY SMRUTI DAS / POSTED MAY 17, 2012

Learning the Art of Competent Communication (Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

We all hear about Toastmasters and Public Speaking. So as the Vice President Public Relations of my club, I decided to write an article on Toastmasters for the Anokhi Magazine. This article is for all those who want to know how Toastmasters can help change your life!

Here is the link - http://www.anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/toastmasters

What do you think is the biggest fear for most people in the world? (Hint: The number two is death.) Based on several studies, the top ranking fear in this world is that of public speaking. Yes, majority of people would rather die instead of talking in front of a live audience.

The fear can have a negative impact on your career and can influence your success in life.

Sameer too was experiencing a similar situation. A business graduate with sharp analytical skills and a great personality, he was recently promoted to a Manager level position. His job now involved making effective presentations and leading teams. He thought he would be good at it. Yet, the transition to the new role was not going smooth. He struggled to keep the audience engaged during his presentations. He had trouble connecting with his team members. A few months ago, he expressed his frustration to his mentor who suggested that he try Toastmasters. It's been five months since he joined the club and the results are visible.

"Congratulations! Your presentation was awesome". Sameer is now a regular at receiving such praise.  His presentations are now structured — have a strong opening, keep the audience engaged and he gets his messages across quickly. Sameer can't stop thanking his Toastmasters Club for that.

With more than 270,000 members and 13, 000 clubs worldwide, Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. At Toastmasters, participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a "learn-by-doing" environment. The best part -— there are no professors, instructors or classrooms. Corporate houses realize that most schools or universities don't offer this kind of training. So, they encourage their employees to sign up for the club. TD Bank has 4 such clubs in the Toronto area alone.  Ashok Raghupathy, a Project Manager at TD Bank, joined one of the clubs a year ago. "When I first participated as a guest in Toastmasters, I observed that one can not only improve public speaking and communications skills but also improve on other leadership skills — like facilitation, organization, coaching etc in a fun, proven and structured way".  He had no second thoughts about joining the club. He is now the VP (Public Relations) at the TD Supreme Toastmasters chapter, which has about 30 members.

There are clubs outside the corporate world too. Prasad, a Toastmaster member for 10 years is an active member of the Grosvenor Club, one of the oldest public clubs in Toronto. Back in 2002, he joined Toastmasters to network with people and get comfortable while speaking in front of a live audience. He adds, "we have about 25 members. Being an open club (and not a corporate one), we have a great mix of individuals by blend of gender, age range, speaking experience."  Members of this club included individuals from different walks of life — industry professionals, artists, free lancers, public sector employees, retired individuals, life coaches.

A typical Toastmaster meeting consists of three sections. The first section is the Prepared Speech session where participants come prepared to speak on a topic based on a Toastmaster manual. The manual has ten speech projects and each project is designed in a different way to develop speaking skills one step at a time. Sample projects include the importance of organization, usage of right words, speaking to inspire and using visual aids.

The second section in the meetings is called the Table Topics. It is designed to help individuals think on their feet. Members are expected to speak impromptu for about 2 minutes on a given topic.

The last part is the Evaluation session. This is very precious for members as they get pointed feedback from evaluators on areas where they can improve and speak better.

In today's world, corporations are looking for people who are persuasive and comfortable communicating with a wide range of people, from top executives to assembly-line workers. They are encouraging employees to join Toastmasters. At TD Bank, the membership fee is considered as training and education for employee development and reimbursed by the bank. Toastmasters also ensures that the effort put by an employee is recognized. On completion of ten speeches from the manual and becoming a "Competent Communicator", Toastmasters can send a letter to the supervisor about the accomplishment.

Every Toastmaster club also has a unique personality. Besides improving the communication skills, the members make new friends and connect to a wide range of people. The Grosvenor Club even has a pub social after their meetings. Prasad adds "This is something I like about our club. The camaraderie and the friendships remain even long after club members have moved on."

Thousands of members worldwide can vouch for how joining a Toastmasters club has boosted their confidence and helped them formulate and express their ideas with ease. Public speaking is an art and you'll notice some of the finest speakers being developed here. With a lot of excitement, Prasad adds "On a broader level, Toastmasters is not just about public speaking and leadership skills. It provides an opportunity for interaction that enables us to learn and apply life skills in all aspects of our journey in a relaxed and supportive environment while having fun."

You can register as a guest and attend a Toastmaster meeting in your area and check if it will make a difference to your life.

BY SMRUTI DAS / POSTED JULY 5TH, 2012

Rashmee Sharma's second edition of the coffee table book(Published in Anokhi Magazine.Com)

Read my article on Roshni - The Light of South Asia. A book presented to Hilary Clinton and Pratibha Patel

Here is the link - http://anokhimagazine.com/online-exclusives/roshni-light-south-asia-vol2

What is common to Deepa Mehta, Russell Peters, Bobby Jindal, Indra Nooyi and Vikram Pandit and our very own CEO and Founder of ANOKHI MEDIA, Raj Girn? They are all a part of the second edition ofRoshni: The Light of South Asia, a coffee table book that profiles 51 personalities in North America who have had stellar success and are an inspiration to South Asians across the world. After the remarkable success of the first edition of Roshni which came out in 2005 and featured 101 personalities, Rashmee Sharma is back this time as she profiles 51 South Asians across USA and Canada who have carved their own path to success.

The opinion of South Asians in North America has always been mixed. While a part of the world sees them as entrepreneurs and successful, the others have stereotyped them as convenience store owners and cabbies. Roshni, which means "light" in Hindi, illustrates profiles of South Asians who have battled myth, stereotype and many other obstacles to come out successful in the world. The underlying theme of Roshni is inspiration. The coffee table book is not just the professional resumés of these successful individuals but highlights the many ways these South Asians have been giving back, both to their country of origin and to the one they have adopted as home. These stars have discerned areas that they felt needed care and attention. As Rashmee talks about it, "If they couldn't find an existing organization to serve the need, they created one".
The idea to write the book struck Rashmee while she was teaching at the University of Washington in Seattle. During her classes, she was often asked stereotypical questions from students who perceived Indians as primitives. Rashmee did her research and shared with them about various accomplishments of Indians in all walks of life. She felt the need for a comprehensive platform that could feature inspirational individuals from diverse disciplines and thus Roshni: The Light of South Asia was born.

Rashmee herself could serve as an inspiration to many. Born in Delhi and raised in Jaipur, she was fascinated by the power of words and became an English department chair in Sikkim, India. After an untimely demise of her late husband who was in the military, she decided to move to the U.S to complete her PhD. It was a daunting task for a mother of two young children in an alien country without any support. She worked hard and became successful and there has been no looking back since then. Over the years, she has been an educator, journalist, published poet and author. She has raised her children well - her son is an attorney and her daughter, a physician. She thrives on taking challenging projects and enjoys every moment of her life.
When asked how she selects the personalities, Rashmee mentions that she has a research panel which based on nominations, research and decide on those who will make the final list. "Since we have many disciplines in which to feature individuals, it becomes a tough choice when we have to put a cap on certain areas. Roshni is not a definitive 'Best Of' list. Instead, it is a chronicle of the contributions South Asians have made over many decades", she adds. The first edition of Roshni received an overwhelming response not only from the South Asian community but also from schools and mainstream community. The second edition is set to be launched this week, and has already generated a lot of interest. It will be available for purchase on Amazon.com and on the Roshni Media website.


BY SMRUTI DAS / POSTED ON MAY 3, 2012
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROSHNI MEDIA