As a kid, she always wanted to become a journalist or a fashion designer. Finding both professions fascinating, she encountered resistance from her family, who believed they weren't safe career options for girls. Despite her own conviction, she eventually decided to pursue her bachelor's in engineering due to societal pressures.
This typifies the prevalent mindset in India, where choosing science and engineering after the 10th grade is the expected norm, leading to societal pride. Deviating from this path by pursuing degrees in mass communication or fashion design invites criticism instead of approval.
She firmly believed in being true to oneself, asserting that it's all right not to have a concrete plan but crucial to possess a passion. Her mantra for a happy life was perseverance and giving her best, knowing that things would eventually fall into place. She advocated acceptance of not excelling in a single area but being proficient in several. Her profound belief was, "You cannot make everyone happy, but you can make yourself happy by doing whatever feels right."
Faced with inquiries about marriage compared to her sister's settled life at 23, she stood firm in her belief that she didn't need to follow her sister's path. She emphasized having her own dreams, aspirations, and plans without feeling the need to prove herself to anyone. Marriage wasn't her ultimate goal; she aimed to balance both career and personal aspirations.
Despite modest grades in engineering, she pursued a master's degree in a field she was passionate about, finding the course less burdensome and excelling in it. She realized that the key to happiness lay in pursuing her passion, a lesson learned through hardship.
Life, she believed, unfolds unexpectedly, akin to a mix of roses and thorns. She observed that while failures are inevitable, some choose to quit rather than seek solutions. Those who persevere become stronger and more resilient, utilizing available resources to overcome obstacles.
Finally, she advocated self-love and prioritizing one's happiness as essential, endorsing activities that bring joy. She emphasized that happiness leads to a healthy state and encouraged falling in love with oneself, fostering a positive outlook on life.