Born in the Himalayas, Raised to give back
IKIGAI AND IRONY
In the heart of the Himalayas, I discovered not only my roots but also a way of life that prioritizes balance, resilience, and purpose. My journey, however, hasn’t been without its challenges when I moved to the city for further education. The change in environment and stressful lifestyle of the city can be pretty unforgiving and living with an autoimmune disorder has taught me the profound importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that’s not only stress-free but purpose-driven.
This experience has become a guiding force in my work, reminding me that true sustainability extends beyond environmental conservation to include personal well-being. Each project I undertake, from conservation efforts to creative production, is a testament to my commitment to a holistic approach.
Through ikigai, I seek to cultivate environments where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously, and where we each find purpose in our daily lives.
My health journey has empowered me to prioritize what truly matters—to nurture communities, advocate for sustainability, and, ultimately, inspire others to find their own balance between ambition and wellness. I hope to share this journey with those who believe in the power of purposeful, mindful living.
LIFE IN GENERAL
Early Life
I was born on April 8, 1988, in Shimla, where I studied at the prestigious Loreto Convent, Tara Hall. Growing up, I had a strong interest in music and dance, which led me to pursue them formally. I represented my school in various competitions, which taught me discipline and gave me confidence in performance. Sports were another big part of my life, and I participated in many interschool athletic events, particularly basketball, table tennis, and badminton. In 2003, I had the honor of representing Himachal in the Women’s Indoor Cricket Championship.
Besides music and sports, debates, declamations, and dramatics were also central to my school life, honing my personality and strengthening my leadership skills. These experiences helped me develop as a confident communicator, and I was proud to serve as both a house captain and a prefect, representing my school in various capacities.
Shimla is a melting pot of people from all walks of life. As modernization began to take over, I saw firsthand how much of Shimla’s old-world beauty was impacted by haphazard development. This left a lasting impression on me. I would long for winters when my family and I would travel to our remote village about 126 kilometers from Shimla, spending most of our winters there. Staying there, knowing our culture and co-existing with nature, strengthened my connection with nature and animals, which made me more resilient.
In 2004, I moved to New Delhi for further studies, completing my graduation and master’s degree by 2012. During this period, I continued my journey as a social entrepreneur and creative producer, based in Vasant Kunj, Delhi—a base that allowed my work to grow and flourish until 2019. For me, though, it was never about settling in one place but about continuing to explore the world.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I made a life-changing decision to move to the outskirts of Delhi and live more sustainably. With what I had saved up until then, I began venturing into agriculture and permaculture development. My farmstead was designed and built following principles of sustainable resources and passive cooling, constructed from locally sourced natural stone by traditional stone-laying masons. The entire project took about three years to complete. Today, it operates independently with its own solar electricity production, water harvesting, and a reed-bed system for greywater collection. The farm and studio grow enough organic vegetables to support all of the staff and my five beloved rescue dogs. This journey has brought me closer to nature and reinforced my commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.”
Current Life
Currently, I have moved my base to Palampur and Bir in the Kangra Valley, where I’m focusing on building connections with various educational institutions. This move aligns with my commitment to furthering sustainable practices and knowledge-sharing in the region, especially as I work toward completing my doctorate and continue with my professional projects. This new chapter allows me to deepen my roots in Himachal Pradesh while contributing to local education and community initiatives. It’s a fulfilling way to merge my academic pursuits with practical, impactful work in an environment that feels like home.”
Goals and Commitment
My goals today are a blend of personal wellness, professional impact, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the Himalayan ecosystem. Living with an autoimmune condition has shifted my perspective, making health and balance an essential foundation for all I do.
I’m committed to maintaining a lifestyle that supports my well-being, embracing sustainability, and finding personal fulfillment in purposeful work.
I aim to create a meaningful impact within the Himalayan ecosystem by working on conservation projects that protect and restore the region’s natural beauty. This includes efforts toward sustainable agriculture, supporting local biodiversity, and engaging communities in eco-friendly practices.
Animal welfare is also a core priority; I am dedicated to supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts for animals, and my own farmstead provides a safe, caring space for five beloved rescue dogs.Through my work, I hope to foster a harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and nature in this region I call home. Whether in my professional projects, my educational collaborations, or my personal pursuits, my goal is to build a sustainable future that honors the delicate balance of life in the Himalayas.
