Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I live in India. It's the second most largest population in the world and we have a lot of diversity here. India is constantly in growing and developing into a new fold everyday. People are crazy about cricket and religion! I live in the capital city- New Delhi. I have grown up being a part of several public interest initiatives and am now a first generation lawyer. I want to use my education and skills connect people, projects and ideas for social good.

Q: What is your view of the world as it is today? And how do you define the concept of a better world?

The world today is more globalised and interconnected than ever. With technology and innovative platforms like the Global Thinkers Forum every individual has a potential to influence and impact a global audience. Keeping politics and economy apart, we are in the most defining times of our lives. Environmental protection and social justice are key areas of concern. A better world for me is where all stakeholders at different levels work together to develop in a sustainable manner. Of course, this involves eradicating humanitarian crises out from the picture.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society?

Sexual and gender based violence, protection of minorities and corruption are some of the major challenges in India. Poverty is a vulnerability multiplier as well, it affects the rights to education, health, shelter and development for millions of people, including children.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

My experience so far has been full of realisations. As a young individual, choosing to advocate and work on issues that are not popular and may invite opposition requires courage. Pursuing one's dreams is a process of persistence which demands personal belief and confidence against all odds and reservations. Some specific hurdles that I had to overcome till today could be finding a job, keeping mentally strong and patient.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

Mentors are an important figure in my life. Particularly because I trust in their wisdom, experience and feel comfortable in discussing views and concerns. A mentor can help me in taking the rights decisions and giving value lessons from their experience and foresight. Critically, I dont't feel alone when facing a challenge.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

Yes. The lesson is to always listen to your heart and take life decisions that will make you happy. Secondly, I have learnt not to write myself off in face of adversity and stick to my dreams, no matter how difficult or impossible they might seem. With perseverance and positivity, everything come through. We should be willing to see opportunities everywhere.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

The United Smiles Foundation (USF) in New Delhi is doing very relevant work to improve people's lives. Its founder, Mr. Binay Dimri has adopted urban villages where he's providing education and healthcare to children. They are also working on economic empowerment in these neighborhoods and focussing in adolescent wellbeing. I have been associated with for the past four years.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Women in India face a series of challenges. From prejudice and preference to a male child, their opportunities for education and learning are often limited. They are also subject to a variety of societal norms that curb freedom and choice. Safety and security is another issue. India has been making good efforts towards gender equality. Education of the girl child is being promoted and women are leading by example in different walks of lives. Particularly, men are also beginning to understand and apply the concept of equality in their homes, offices and elsewhere.

Q: Athena40 is the first ever global selection of the top 40 women forward thinkers, commentators, activists, authors, academics, entrepreneurs, executives, innovators. Can you think of a truly innovative and forward-thinking woman from your country that you wish to nominate for the Athena40 global ranking?

I would like to nominate Ms. Shriya Maini for Athena40 global ranking. She's a young advocate, entrepreneur and professional who is working across areas of public interest and academia with unique initiatives and energy.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

There are some phrases that relate with and look upto for motivation:
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together" - African Proverb
“The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct” - Confucius "You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

Q: Tell us one thing that you have learned from your mentor.

My mentor Ms. Rania Hamoud's perspective has helped me to give structure to the professional issues I face. She is very solution-oriented and also effective in her communication. One thing which I particularly remember from our interaction is this: "Don't let the way that others see you become the way you see yourself". She has helped my feel comfortable with my methods and approach towards.