I've always been fascinated by stories – the ones that inspire, enlighten, and warm your heart. Most of the stories we hear are about celebrities from various fields like sports, business, or entertainment. While they indeed offer inspiration, I believe there's a whole universe of untold stories around us - stories of everyday people, like our friends and family, who lead extraordinary lives in their own unique ways.
So, I decided to start a podcast (still working on the name, but let's call it "Stories with Shomik" for now). The idea is simple: to bring forth the stories of those who usually fly under the radar, those who believe their lives aren't worth sharing, or those too shy to talk about their journeys.
My first guest is Ipshita Banerjee. She is many things but most important of all, my sister. Well, technically, she's my cousin, but we're close enough that the technicalities hardly matter. As I introduced her and her incredible journey, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the Bollywood movie "Swades". It’s a story about a successful NASA scientist who leaves his comfortable life in the USA to help the rural communities in India. Similarly, Ipshita, with her exceptional educational background and expertise in working with individuals with disabilities, decided to base herself out of Gurgaon, India. She's truly making a difference and shaping the future for many.
However, interviewing a family member on a formal platform isn't easy. We stumbled through our usual banter, like me mentioning my childhood dream of becoming a truck driver, or the playful banter about the nicknames we had for each other growing up. It was funny, and at times, awkward, but that’s what makes it more fun after all.
Ipshita opened up about her journey into the world of special education. She confessed that she didn’t have an epiphany or a grand revelation. Instead, it was a chance internship with a young boy with autism that shifted her perspective. That encounter, combined with her realization that working with kids was far more rewarding for her than counseling adults, led her to her calling.
One of the many takeaways from our conversation was the topic of neurodivergence. Ipshita shed light on this term which seems to be everywhere on social media these days. It's a topic that’s close to her heart, and she explained it’s evolving definition and how it aims to describe individuals who process the world differently from what’s considered 'typical'.
So, why am I doing this? Well, I truly believe that everyone has a story worth telling. While celebrities inspire millions, it's the everyday heroes, like Ipshita, that touch lives more profoundly. Their stories might not be on the big screen, but they certainly deserve a spotlight.
Stay tuned for more episodes where I’ll dive into more such heartwarming and enlightening stories. Until then, keep seeking, keep sharing, and keep believing in the power of stories!
Regards,
Shomik