A Message from the Heart ❤️
Reflections on Resilience, Adventure, and Gratitude
As I approach my 39th birthday today, I'm taking a pause from the insights and analysis to share a deeply personal story.
I'm amazed by the incredible life I've lived so far. I've faced difficulties, achieved victories, and had unforgettable moments. This path has tested my strength, made me grateful, and sparked a love for adventure✨.
“Resilience” 💪🏽
Born into a middle-class Kannadiga family raised by single mother with support of Grandparents in Karnataka, India. My childhood was far from ideal. I faced the harsh realities of sexual abuse, bullying, and academic setbacks, experiences that left an indelible mark on my early years. These challenges could have easily derailed my path, but amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope remained.
My journey has been anything but linear 📈 I quit my first job at Timken Engineering, driven by a desire to pursue my true calling. Unsure of what the future held, I leaned into my artistic talents and academic ambitions, securing prestigious scholarships like the Erasmus Mundus, Dorothy Hodgkins, and Industrial grants in Norway. These scholarships enabled me to continue my education and clear a significant home loan for my family.
“Adventure” ✈️
From 2012 to the present, my life has been an adventure 🌍, a whirlwind of enriching global experiences. I pursued a PhD from NTNU (I quit in 2016), worked at OsloMet, and DigitalNorway. Currently I’m working on Kohort that fuels my passion for bridging the gap between education and opportunity. I have lived and worked in six countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures and traditions. I've also traveled to over 40 countries, not as a tourist but as a seeker of knowledge and understanding.
Beyond academics and travel, I've also had the opportunity 🤩 to play cricket professionally in the UK and Norway. I was also proud to receive the International Student of the Year award 2011, South East England from the British Council. In addition, I've served as a board member of the Study in Europe project, broadening my horizons and allowing me to support a cause I deeply care about. I've also led two organizations (Erasmus Mundus and ESAA), one with 20000 members and the other with 80,000 members, reinforcing my belief in the power of teamwork and community.
“Determination” 🍃
In 2021, amidst personal challenges, I found solace ✨ in guiding others through their difficulties. Mentoring and outreach became my calling, a way to channel my own experiences into something positive. Driven by a desire to make higher education more accessible, I founded Kohort. This innovative platform has participated in startup incubation programs at Stanford Seed, IIMB NSRCEL, and Deshpande Startups and has received the prestigious Karnataka Elevate 2022 grant. In this role, I have helped countless individuals find scholarships and opportunities to realize their dreams.
Looking back, I realize that the path less traveled 🛣️, though challenging, has been the most rewarding. To my younger self, I would say: work on self-acceptance, don't give a damn about what people think, and be kinder to yourself. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey and live a life that is true to you.
Onto the Next Orbit, My Purpose ✨
As I look to the future, I am filled 🙌🏽with a sense of purpose and determination. My dreams include helping 25,000 individuals secure scholarships and top admits, expanding Kohort's reach to 5 million people, and exploring 30 more countries in the next seven years.
Finally, as I continue to navigate life's unpredictable terrain, I carry with me the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the unwavering gratitude for the extraordinary gift of life 😇.
To everyone who has been a part of my journey, thank you. Your support, encouragement, and kindness have been the bedrock of my resilience. I am truly grateful for your presence in my life 💙.