CHENNAI: With depression and anxiety affecting more people, it is not easy to view life through rose-tinted glasses anymore. When finding happiness in small things becoming paramount to one's sanity and living, CE catches up with two people who have proved that being grateful and positive is the best way to be happy. In a candid conversation prior to their event Bliss Catchers, Janaki Sabesh and Akhila Krishnamurthy talk about how they manage the unpredictability of life.
“My motto is — enjoy every moment of life and be grateful to the supreme force...nothing can make you unhappy if you enjoy what you are doing,” says Janaki Sabesh, a corporate professional-cum-actor about her unique happiness mantra.
As an integral part of Real Image Media Technologies, she heads the Stakeholder Engagement Department, and also holds storytelling sessions for kids in her free time. “I run a storytelling initiative called ‘Golpo-tales unlimited’. Golpo in Bengali means story. Here I collaborate with publishers and enact their stories to small kids. They love it because it is more engaging than just sitting and reading,”adds Janaki.
Akhila Krishnamurthy, on the other hand, believes keeping yourself engaged in constructive and creative jobs keep you happy. "I believe the main cause of depression is keeping our mind idle. We give too much time and space for our mind to feel sad. Do things you love to do instead, like learning new things, reading, writing, photography. There are so much possibilities in life, make use of it," adds Akhila stressing that it is the ideal way to be and positive.
Janaki and Akhila are going to be the guests for upcoming ‘The Bliss Catchers’ edition hosted by Avis Viswanathan. It is a popular monthly series which is inspired by Joseph Campbell's awakening ‘Follow Your Bliss’ philosophy. The event features people who have pursued what they love doing most in life, often even giving up the security of predictable and conventional careers.
“It's all in your mind. It is risky if you think it's risky no matter what profession you are in. If you believe in yourself, then go for it,” says Janaki while explaining the risk reward factor of following your dream.
“What worked for me when I pursued my passion is that I had a clear idea. So there are three things you have to keep in mind when you head out on following your calling — a brilliant idea, passion toward the idea and the conviction to see it through. If you have these three with you, then you will be content,” opines Akhila.
Janaki believes that a lot has changed in terms of women participation in the media business. “During the 90s, when I was pursuing masters in mass communication, there were just nine girls in my class but now there are more opportunities than before, mainly in online media. But it is up to all of us to use them wisely,” explains Janaki about the proportionality of opportunities when it comes to gender.
“I think it (gender) doesn't matter at all. If we work hard, then we will be treated as equals. At least in my experience, that is a fact,” says Akhila, adding that consistency in working hard is one of best ways to realise your dream.
Janaki has a different take on the matter. She believes that if you want to do something and have the will to do it, then you will do it no matter what. “Life is a beautiful journey. Just think that each day is a new opportunity and try to live better. If we can balance out happiness and sadness, then you got it all under control,” smiles Janaki.
Janaki Sabesh and Akhila Krishnamurthy will attend ‘Bliss Catchers’ hosted by Avis Viswanathan on Aug 26 at Odyssey bookstore, Adyar, from 7 pm. For details, call 24453191