Meet The SHEROES: Devika Das

What problem are you trying to solve? What opportunity are you taking up?

People are running aimlessly nowadays. Life is a beautiful gift, so enjoy to the fullest. Marriage is a phase of life and requires adjustment not compromise. If you understand your partner's strengths and weaknesses in the truest sense and resolve to walk the path together supporting each other, life will be a beautiful journey.

I am writing self-improvement books and content that will help people devote time for some introspection for themselves and can realize the potential of their TRUE SELF.

What do you do to solve this problem?

I write non-fiction and self improvement books. I am a professional content writer and an author.

What inspires you every day to do what you do?

I love writing and exploring new topics, so after switching several career profiles, I have been a Professional Content Writer for 3 and a half years now.

What was your childhood ambition, and how did you share it with family and friends?

I wanted to be an actor.. my family knew it and supported me performing in inter-school competitions and amateur theatre.

Your schooling, college: was it targeted towards what you hoped to be?

Education was never directing me towards my ambition. I wanted to pursue creative arts from a very young age but i did Science in high school, BA in graduation and MBA (Marketing) in PG. I haven't studied performing arts but have practiced theatre for the last 12 years. I have attended more than 50 theatre workshops in Bangalore, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Delhi

How and when did you chose your field/hobby?

At the age of 12, I was chosen for an inter-house drama competition at school. The audience response was overwhelming. I had an inclination towards performing on stage right then.

What were the personal hurdles you had to cross?

Peer pressure, people (other than parents) discouraging me from choosing acting as a career, It did not really matter because I have always done what I wanted to. You can call me a rebel.

How did your peers react to you? As a young educated woman, were you at an advantage, or disadvantage?

They are still very curious to know why i am still single. I have not been in touch with my relatives for a long time. It has not affected me. I am loving what I do. I want to continue to explore my Real Self and am a strong believer of Taoism. People who have discouraged me have actually strengthened my resolve of becoming independent mentally and gain emotional control.

What were challenges you faced and how did you overcome hurdles?

The first book '7 Vows of Marriage' was an eye opener for me as to what the people actually think about me. People have commented that they regret that they know me at all. I have few good people including my parents who have supported my decision and my book. Overall, the book's response is good. After effect has been that it motivated me to write 'The Mind Game'.

How would you encourage young women to consider entrepreneurship as a viable profession?

1. I want women to understand that why are they working? Is it just a method of garnering gender equality?

2. Education and work exposure liberates you as a person and makes you more broad-minded. I would like to be a homemaker after marriage and continue writing. I have not had a good experience with the corporate sector so I would not like to work in the 9 to 6 job.

3. Entrepreneurship is a good opportunity for women as you can show your expertise and talent without working as a corporate slave.

4. Working after marriage is advisable only if the couple is able to maintain an amiable atmosphere at home. This is my personal belief that women manage activities at home better. Other women may differ. It is absolutely fine. My mother is a homemaker but she has pursued all her ambitions due to my father's encouragement and support. She has participated in talk shows, has friends among the current RJs and young creative artists, which keeps her alive.

5. Motherhood is a lovely gift for women. Do not sacrifice it due to your ego or the thought that you will be compromising your freedom if you get married or become a mother.

What do you see changing for women professionals in India?

The society undoubtedly needs to change its view and it's up to the educated people to discard these biases and treat both men and women with RESPECT. A man and a woman has separate roles in building the society. It's high time we give due respect and the choice to each individual to live his/her life in his/her way, provided it is morally justified. We, the members of the society create rules and restrict ourselves from expressing our  thoughts freely. But, for how long will this continue?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

An author, a house in the hills, a well-knit family, two children, and pets.

What do you do for fun?

Listen to music, read, sing, dance, traveling, meeting new people, and theatre