What does it mean to write a city from the inside out? In this conversation, two native Bangaloreans—theatre director and author Kirtana Kumar and Sandhya Mendonca—reflect on Bangalore Blues, a collection shaped by the Bangalore they grew up in: its cantonment streets, libraries, neighbourhoods, characters, humour, contradictions, and layered communities. They discuss why telling stories of a city from the inside out matters, and why preserving its history, geography, and everyday voices is so vital. They also talk about: <ul><li>The meaning behind the title Bangalore Blues</li><li>Turning archival-style headlines into fiction</li><li>Theatre, character, and the people who rarely make it into literature</li><li>The subtle politics of belonging, memory, and identity</li><li>Not reshaping the book to fit someone else’s expectations</li></ul> 'Write what you enjoy reading—and write the stories only you can tell.", says Kirtana on #SpotlightwithSandhya Watch the full conversation here: <a href="https://thegoodcity.in/culture/writing-bangalores-stories/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://thegoodcity.in/culture/writing-bangalores-stories/</a> #BangaloreBlues #TheGoodCityReads #IndianLiterature #Writing #Storytelling #Bangalore #Authors #Publishing #CreativeWriting

What does it mean to write a city from the inside out? In this conversation, two native Bangaloreans—theatre director and author Kirtana Kumar and Sandhya Mendonca—reflect on Bangalore Blues, a collection shaped by the Bangalore they grew up in: its cantonment streets, libraries, neighbourhoods, characters, humour, contradictions, and layered communities. They discuss why telling stories of a city from the inside out matters, and why preserving its history, geography, and everyday voices is so vital. They also talk about:The meaning behind the title Bangalore BluesTurning archival-style headlines into fictionTheatre, character, and the people who rarely make it into literatureThe subtle politics of belonging, memory, and identityNot reshaping the book to fit someone else’s expectations'Write what you enjoy reading—and write the stories only you can tell.", says Kirtana on #SpotlightwithSandhya Watch the full conversation here: https://thegoodcity.in/culture/writing-bangalores-stories/#BangaloreBlues #TheGoodCityReads #IndianLiterature #Writing #Storytelling #Bangalore #Authors #Publishing #CreativeWriting

Spotlight with Sandhya

Bangalore Blues | Kirtana Kumar and Sandhya Mendonca on stories of Bangalore

First woman president. A 110-year-old chamber. More than 300,000 businesses reached. Sandhya Mendonca speaks with Uma Reddy, the first woman president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Uma Reddy’s story shows what leadership looks like when you don’t just talk about change, but build it. From building up support networks and creating opportunities for women in business and technology, her journey is a powerful reminder: When one woman breaks through, others see what’s possible. Listen to the full conversation on Spotlight with Sandhya.This is part of Raintree Media's C-Suite Publishing series, where we work with founders and leaders to capture their life stories and leadership lessons.  What part of Uma’s leadership journey inspires you most? #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipMatters #WomenWhoLead #IndianBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FKCCI #SpotlightWithSandhya #RaintreeMedia

First woman president. A 110-year-old chamber. More than 300,000 businesses reached. Sandhya Mendonca speaks with Uma Reddy, the first woman president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry.Uma Reddy’s story shows what leadership looks like when you don’t just talk about change, but build it. From building up support networks and creating opportunities for women in business and technology, her journey is a powerful reminder: When one woman breaks through, others see what’s possible.Listen to the full conversation on Spotlight with Sandhya.This is part of Raintree Media's C-Suite Publishing series, where we work with founders and leaders to capture their life stories and leadership lessons. What part of Uma’s leadership journey inspires you most? #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipMatters #WomenWhoLead #IndianBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FKCCI #SpotlightWithSandhya #RaintreeMedia

The Networking Playbook | Leadership Decoded | Uma Reddy | #spotlightwithsandhya

How does a filmmaker turn a natural disaster into a creative breakthrough? In this episode of Spotlight with Sandhya, filmmaker Mallika Prasad discusses her award-winning short film, For My Ela, with podcast host Sandhya Mendonca. They trace the journey from a total script rewrite in just three days following devastating Himalayan landslides to shooting in the challenging -10°C weather of Spiti. This conversation explores the resilience required to bring an independent vision to the global festival circuit, and we dive deep into: ️ Creative Adaptability: Rewriting a film on the fly when the landscape changes.️ Landscape as Character: Using the raw beauty of Spiti to mirror themes of grief and loss. The Independent Journey: Navigating funding, open auditions, and distribution. Artistic Identity: Mallika’s multi-faceted career, from theatre director to playing a villain in Mardaani 3. Watch now for an essential look at filmmaking born from adversity and the courage to find a story amidst the shifting mountains. <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCEZOuffN06kFNKcCuBVh82Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> @QubixHiFi </a> Museum Road - Venue Partner Edited by<a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCGuc61SPD970oHssIzH7iIQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(15, 15, 15);"> </a><a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCGuc61SPD970oHssIzH7iIQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> @raintreemediaoriginals </a> To be featured on this show, write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com  Instagram: @raintreemedia Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/hPt90-ZNhSs?si=OfV5SNH_sU8MGkPu #Spotlightwithsandhya #ForMyEla #IndependentFilmmaking #CannesShorts #SpitiValley #BehindTheLens #NewEpisode #FilmmakingJourney ----

How does a filmmaker turn a natural disaster into a creative breakthrough?In this episode of Spotlight with Sandhya, filmmaker Mallika Prasad discusses her award-winning short film, For My Ela, with podcast host Sandhya Mendonca. They trace the journey from a total script rewrite in just three days following devastating Himalayan landslides to shooting in the challenging -10°C weather of Spiti.This conversation explores the resilience required to bring an independent vision to the global festival circuit, and we dive deep into:️ Creative Adaptability: Rewriting a film on the fly when the landscape changes.️ Landscape as Character: Using the raw beauty of Spiti to mirror themes of grief and loss. The Independent Journey: Navigating funding, open auditions, and distribution. Artistic Identity: Mallika’s multi-faceted career, from theatre director to playing a villain in Mardaani 3.Watch now for an essential look at filmmaking born from adversity and the courage to find a story amidst the shifting mountains. @QubixHiFi  Museum Road - Venue Partner Edited by  @raintreemediaoriginals  To be featured on this show, write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com  Instagram: @raintreemediaWatch the video here: https://youtu.be/hPt90-ZNhSs?si=OfV5SNH_sU8MGkPu#Spotlightwithsandhya #ForMyEla #IndependentFilmmaking #CannesShorts #SpitiValley #BehindTheLens #NewEpisode #FilmmakingJourney----

Behind the Lens: For My Ela at Cannes Shorts 2026 | Mallika Prasad & Sandhya Mendonca

We sat down with Geetha Panda — a global business leader with 30 years of experience transforming organizations across IT, shipping, biotech, banking, pharma, and now the startup world. In this episode of Leadership Decoded on Spotlight with Sandhya, Geetha shares:→ The leadership skill no one talks about → What it's like to be the first—and often only—woman in the room → How to negotiate salaries and power without apology → Why so many digital transformation efforts fail → How to fix a struggling organization in 30 days → What she'd tell every woman returning to work after a career break  This is part of Raintree Media's C-Suite Publishing series, where we work with founders and leaders to capture their life stories and leadership lessons. ️ Raintree Media OriginalsLeadership Decoded Series #LeadershipDecoded #SpotlightWithSandhya #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #GCCIndia #GeethaPanda #RaintreeMedia #WomenWhoLead #LeadershipLessons Watch the video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@raintreemediaoriginals

We sat down with Geetha Panda — a global business leader with 30 years of experience transforming organizations across IT, shipping, biotech, banking, pharma, and now the startup world. In this episode of Leadership Decoded on Spotlight with Sandhya, Geetha shares:→ The leadership skill no one talks about → What it's like to be the first—and often only—woman in the room → How to negotiate salaries and power without apology → Why so many digital transformation efforts fail → How to fix a struggling organization in 30 days → What she'd tell every woman returning to work after a career break This is part of Raintree Media's C-Suite Publishing series, where we work with founders and leaders to capture their life stories and leadership lessons. ️ Raintree Media OriginalsLeadership Decoded Series #LeadershipDecoded #SpotlightWithSandhya #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #GCCIndia #GeethaPanda #RaintreeMedia #WomenWhoLead #LeadershipLessonsWatch the video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@raintreemediaoriginals

The Leadership Skill No One Talks About | Leadership Decoded | Geetha Panda in Spotlight with Sandhya

Kicking off a series on leadership with Sandhya Mendonca, transformation strategist Paddy Rao shares his leadership journey, the essence of transformation without a fixed playbook, and how self-awareness and courage drive success. In this insightful interview, discover counterintuitive principles, managing failure, and the deep connection between ancient wisdom and modern leadership. Watch the video on https://youtu.be/85zSf2k4P20?si=YLFNzReZ4qtv812J

Kicking off a series on leadership with Sandhya Mendonca, transformation strategist Paddy Rao shares his leadership journey, the essence of transformation without a fixed playbook, and how self-awareness and courage drive success. In this insightful interview, discover counterintuitive principles, managing failure, and the deep connection between ancient wisdom and modern leadership.Watch the video on https://youtu.be/85zSf2k4P20?si=YLFNzReZ4qtv812J

The Transformational Leader's Playbook| Leadership Decoded | Spotlight with Sandhya ft Paddy Rao

#SpotlightWithSandhya #kathymcleish #sandhyamendoncaWhat happens when a media entrepreneur, former crime reporter meets a war correspondent?This Raintree Media Original goes beyond the byline into the realities of women in media. Sandhya Mendonca (Founder, Raintree Media, Bangalore) hosts Kathy McLeish (Women in Media Australia, Brisbane) for an India–Australia dialogue unpacking:<ul><li>Newsroom harassment: Moments when "we didn't realize it was gendered"</li><li>Mid-career washout: Why women exit at peak potential</li><li>"Mates over merit": Unconscious bias in action</li><li>Reclaiming public spaces post-assaults</li><li>Women-led media rise and networks as lifelines</li><li>Mentorship that builds independent leaders</li></ul>Key quotes:<ul><li>"The guys who did it are wrong. We reclaim our spaces." – Sandhya</li><li>"Workplaces designed for men with wives." – Kathy</li><li>"Post-MeToo, women challenge and speak up." – Sandhya</li><li>“Changing industries through networks and courage.” - Kathy</li></ul> Your male-dominated space story? Comment: RaintreeMedia.com.When did you spot gendered bias? Share below.▶ RaintreeMedia YouTube​: https://youtu.be/zjuoIs0Qfv0 #SpotlightWithSandhya #BeyondTheByline #WomenInJournalism #RaintreeMedia #WomenInMedia #NewsroomCulture​

#SpotlightWithSandhya #kathymcleish #sandhyamendoncaWhat happens when a media entrepreneur, former crime reporter meets a war correspondent?This Raintree Media Original goes beyond the byline into the realities of women in media. Sandhya Mendonca (Founder, Raintree Media, Bangalore) hosts Kathy McLeish (Women in Media Australia, Brisbane) for an India–Australia dialogue unpacking:Newsroom harassment: Moments when "we didn't realize it was gendered"Mid-career washout: Why women exit at peak potential"Mates over merit": Unconscious bias in actionReclaiming public spaces post-assaultsWomen-led media rise and networks as lifelinesMentorship that builds independent leadersKey quotes:"The guys who did it are wrong. We reclaim our spaces." – Sandhya"Workplaces designed for men with wives." – Kathy"Post-MeToo, women challenge and speak up." – Sandhya“Changing industries through networks and courage.” - Kathy Your male-dominated space story? Comment: RaintreeMedia.com.When did you spot gendered bias? Share below.▶ RaintreeMedia YouTube​: https://youtu.be/zjuoIs0Qfv0#SpotlightWithSandhya #BeyondTheByline #WomenInJournalism #RaintreeMedia #WomenInMedia #NewsroomCulture​

Women in Newsrooms & Networks - Beyond the Byline - Kathy Mcleish & Sandhya Mendonca

In this episode, Sandhya Mendonca, Founder & Chief Editor of Raintree Media talks to Arundhati Raja, co-founder of Jagriti Theatre, about theatre, freedom & relevance in today’s world. Tell us in the comments or at mail@raintreemedia.com - what’s the most powerful play you’ve ever seen — and why did it stay with you? Don’t forget to Subscribe, Like & Share to support more conversations on art, culture & creativity. Read more: The Female Gaze – The Sunday Guardian<a href="https://sundayguardianlive.com/feature/a-1930s-spanish-story-tracks-womens-timeless-quest-for-freedom-137936/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sundayguardianlive.com/feature/a-1930s-spanish-story-tracks-womens-timeless-quest-for-freedom-137936/</a> This episode is part of Raintree Media Originals, bringing you conversations that spotlight leaders, artists, and changemakers who are shaping culture and ideas today. #spotlightwithsandhya #RaintreeMedia #RaintreeMediaOriginals #ArundhatiRaja #JagritiTheatre #IndianTheatre #WomenInArts #PerformingArts #TheatreDirector #BengaluruCulture #ArtAndFreedom #StageStories

In this episode, Sandhya Mendonca, Founder & Chief Editor of Raintree Media talks to Arundhati Raja, co-founder of Jagriti Theatre, about theatre, freedom & relevance in today’s world. Tell us in the comments or at mail@raintreemedia.com - what’s the most powerful play you’ve ever seen — and why did it stay with you? Don’t forget to Subscribe, Like & Share to support more conversations on art, culture & creativity. Read more: The Female Gaze – The Sunday Guardianhttps://sundayguardianlive.com/feature/a-1930s-spanish-story-tracks-womens-timeless-quest-for-freedom-137936/This episode is part of Raintree Media Originals, bringing you conversations that spotlight leaders, artists, and changemakers who are shaping culture and ideas today.#spotlightwithsandhya #RaintreeMedia #RaintreeMediaOriginals #ArundhatiRaja #JagritiTheatre #IndianTheatre #WomenInArts #PerformingArts #TheatreDirector #BengaluruCulture #ArtAndFreedom #StageStories

Arundhati Raja on Theatre & Freedom | Jagriti Theatre | Sandhya Mendonca #spotlightwithsandhya

World-famous musician and sarod maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath, in this multilingual interview with Sandhya Mendonca, reflects on music, the greatness of Chandrashekhara Kambara’s writing and Rahman’s music, and other experiences of a rich and varied life. He captivates both as a musician and a person, with a blend of audacity and humility. Deeply influenced by his guru Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravishankar, Pandit Taranath has greatly impacted music, literature, theatre, and cinema. He is a ‘Renaissance’ person who excels in everything he does - as a performing artist, a guru, a music composer, a professor, a writer, a literary critic, and a translator. At 92 years of age, he continues to practice music daily and to teach students at his home in Mysuru and online. Watch the video of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf5EOb4OpGA This episode is supported by The Windflower Resorts & Spa Filmed & Edited by Vishwas Krishna To be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/

World-famous musician and sarod maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath, in this multilingual interview with Sandhya Mendonca, reflects on music, the greatness of Chandrashekhara Kambara’s writing and Rahman’s music, and other experiences of a rich and varied life. He captivates both as a musician and a person, with a blend of audacity and humility. Deeply influenced by his guru Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravishankar, Pandit Taranath has greatly impacted music, literature, theatre, and cinema. He is a ‘Renaissance’ person who excels in everything he does - as a performing artist, a guru, a music composer, a professor, a writer, a literary critic, and a translator. At 92 years of age, he continues to practice music daily and to teach students at his home in Mysuru and online.Watch the video of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf5EOb4OpGAThis episode is supported by The Windflower Resorts & Spa Filmed & Edited by Vishwas Krishna To be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/ 

"Salvation is in a clean, good note of music" – Pandit Rajeev Taranath in Spotlight with Sandhya

Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy is the lead actor and debutant director of the delightful coming-of-age film ‘Aachar and Company’. Set in the 60s back when Bangalore was still a small town, it's about siblings growing up in Bangalore, tackling patriarchy and gender roles. This little Kannada film has taken everybody by surprise with the kind of impact that it had when it was released this July. It had a good run in theatres before streaming on Amazon Prime.Sindhu talks to Sandhya Mendonca about the gentle humour she uses to approach issues of women claiming their agency by going out to work, the subtle nuances within families, and her fascination with nostalgia. Watch the Video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsRecorded at The HubEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a>

Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy is the lead actor and debutant director of the delightful coming-of-age film ‘Aachar and Company’. Set in the 60s back when Bangalore was still a small town, it's about siblings growing up in Bangalore, tackling patriarchy and gender roles. This little Kannada film has taken everybody by surprise with the kind of impact that it had when it was released this July. It had a good run in theatres before streaming on Amazon Prime.Sindhu talks to Sandhya Mendonca about the gentle humour she uses to approach issues of women claiming their agency by going out to work, the subtle nuances within families, and her fascination with nostalgia.Watch the Video of this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsRecorded at The HubEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/ 

"We yearn for simpler times" -Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 71

“Profits are important, but it's also important to be driven by morals and ethics”, Vinita Bali says. Known for her skills in building brands and leading companies in five continents including Coca-Cola, Cadbury's and Britannia. In this episode of the podcast, she talks to Sandhya Mendonca about why and how to build healthy companies. She emphasises character and work ethics over expediency – traits that make her a sought-after Independent Board member by global companies.Bali is also deeply involved in efforts to increase nutrition levels in India and in promoting the arts. She also talks about the pervasive gender gap in the corporate world and why men need to actively work to bridge it. "We need more Dangal Dads", she says. Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsRecorded at The HubEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a>

“Profits are important, but it's also important to be driven by morals and ethics”, Vinita Bali says. Known for her skills in building brands and leading companies in five continents including Coca-Cola, Cadbury's and Britannia. In this episode of the podcast, she talks to Sandhya Mendonca about why and how to build healthy companies. She emphasises character and work ethics over expediency – traits that make her a sought-after Independent Board member by global companies.Bali is also deeply involved in efforts to increase nutrition levels in India and in promoting the arts. She also talks about the pervasive gender gap in the corporate world and why men need to actively work to bridge it. "We need more Dangal Dads", she says.Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsRecorded at The HubEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/

"Choose Ethics, Not Expediency" - Vinita Bali in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 70

Indians are over the moon with the success of its lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023. The joy and pride are greater as ISRO sprang up unfazed from the failure of the previous mission. The first country to land a craft on the moon’s South Pole and doing it at a fraction of the cost that advanced countries would have spent is just one of many in a string of steady successes notched up by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Gita Aravamudan, journalist and co-author of a book on ISRO talks about India’s spectacular journey to outer space and the building of this unique organisation.“ISRO is a truly nationalist organisation. The people who work here wanted to work in India and not work abroad”, she says.#isro #chandrayaan-3 #indianmoonmission #space #nasa #sarabhai #kalam #danaravamudan #gitaaravamudan #spotlightwithsandhya#sandhyamendoncaEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a> You can watch this podcast as a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUusJ0LtVOM

Indians are over the moon with the success of its lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023. The joy and pride are greater as ISRO sprang up unfazed from the failure of the previous mission. The first country to land a craft on the moon’s South Pole and doing it at a fraction of the cost that advanced countries would have spent is just one of many in a string of steady successes notched up by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Gita Aravamudan, journalist and co-author of a book on ISRO talks about India’s spectacular journey to outer space and the building of this unique organisation.“ISRO is a truly nationalist organisation. The people who work here wanted to work in India and not work abroad”, she says.#isro #chandrayaan-3 #indianmoonmission #space #nasa #sarabhai #kalam #danaravamudan #gitaaravamudan #spotlightwithsandhya#sandhyamendoncaEdited by Capital StudioTo be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/You can watch this podcast as a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUusJ0LtVOM 

"ISRO is truly nationalist" –Gita Aravamudan in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 69

His family was torn from its home in Sindh by the partition of India, and a few years later, they were thrown out of their adoptive homeland in Kenya. Ram Gidoomal CBE, a British Asian refugee who went from riches to rags and back to riches, shares his life-changing decision after visiting the Dharavi slum in Mumbai. He shifted his focus from business to improve the lives of those at the bottom of society. Ram's experience in India led him and his wife to give up their luxurious lifestyle and use their finances to help people in poverty. They raised £5 million over seven years with the help of 50,000 teenagers across Britain. Ram, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, shares his experiences of interacting with different cultures and using business skills to make a positive impact. He emphasizes raising awareness, building bridges between communities, and taking action to bring about positive change. Ram Gidoomal discusses the importance of building trust and relationships in achieving goals, both personally and professionally. For Ram, writing books is another avenue for addressing social issues such as gender discrimination within the Asian community. He narrates his life choices in his memoir ‘My Silk Road’. He tells Sandhya Mendonca, “It’s an account of how we walk our chosen path, finding peace, compassion, and belonging along the way.” Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsEdited by Capital Studio. To be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a>

His family was torn from its home in Sindh by the partition of India, and a few years later, they were thrown out of their adoptive homeland in Kenya. Ram Gidoomal CBE, a British Asian refugee who went from riches to rags and back to riches, shares his life-changing decision after visiting the Dharavi slum in Mumbai.He shifted his focus from business to improve the lives of those at the bottom of society. Ram's experience in India led him and his wife to give up their luxurious lifestyle and use their finances to help people in poverty. They raised £5 million over seven years with the help of 50,000 teenagers across Britain. Ram, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, shares his experiences of interacting with different cultures and using business skills to make a positive impact. He emphasizes raising awareness, building bridges between communities, and taking action to bring about positive change.Ram Gidoomal discusses the importance of building trust and relationships in achieving goals, both personally and professionally. For Ram, writing books is another avenue for addressing social issues such as gender discrimination within the Asian community. He narrates his life choices in his memoir ‘My Silk Road’. He tells Sandhya Mendonca, “It’s an account of how we walk our chosen path, finding peace, compassion, and belonging along the way.”Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaintreeMedia1/podcastsEdited by Capital Studio. To be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/

An Asian refugee’s road to success – Ram Gidoomal in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 68

Visionary airline entrepreneur Capt GR Gopinath's order of 30 planes turned the fortunes around for the French aeroplane manufacturer ATR in 2004. Capt Gopi recalls the heady days when he also ordered 60 Airbus planes. In light of mega orders for planes by Indigo for 500 planes and Air India for 470 planes, we asked him about the growth of the airline sector in India. "The airline sector hasn't grown commensurate with other industries and less than 4% of the Indian population is traveling by air", he says. He goes on to tell Sandhya Mendonca about the policies that hinder the growth and says that setting up more airports in big cities and the creation of hubs that would drive more international traffic to Indian airports will save the Indian airline industry. He talks passionately about the value of entrepreneurship which leads to the question - Does he plan to revive his own plans to fly? - Hear the podcast to find out! To be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a> Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio

Visionary airline entrepreneur Capt GR Gopinath's order of 30 planes turned the fortunes around for the French aeroplane manufacturer ATR in 2004. Capt Gopi recalls the heady days when he also ordered 60 Airbus planes. In light of mega orders for planes by Indigo for 500 planes and Air India for 470 planes, we asked him about the growth of the airline sector in India. "The airline sector hasn't grown commensurate with other industries and less than 4% of the Indian population is traveling by air", he says. He goes on to tell Sandhya Mendonca about the policies that hinder the growth and says that setting up more airports in big cities and the creation of hubs that would drive more international traffic to Indian airports will save the Indian airline industry. He talks passionately about the value of entrepreneurship which leads to the question - Does he plan to revive his own plans to fly? - Hear the podcast to find out!To be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio

"Save India's Airlines" - Capt GR Gopinath in Spotlight with Sandhya | Part 2

He made aviation history by starting India’s first low-cost airline and yet lost it all. Call it a bad decision, call it circumstances. In the first of a 2 part interview, Capt. GR Gopinath reflects on his past failures in the airline business and his nemesis, Vijay Mallya. He shares insights on resilience, enthusiasm and optimism in life. “Persistence and curiosity are more important than talent”, he tells Sandhya Mendonca. “Rising each time you fall is the art of life and the art of business.”He talks about the lessons he’s gleaned in farming and politics, his passion for music and his current avatar as a columnist who writes on a wide range of issues. He rues the misinterpretation of Hinduism and condemns religious fundamentalism of all hues. Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio

He made aviation history by starting India’s first low-cost airline and yet lost it all. Call it a bad decision, call it circumstances. In the first of a 2 part interview, Capt. GR Gopinath reflects on his past failures in the airline business and his nemesis, Vijay Mallya. He shares insights on resilience, enthusiasm and optimism in life. “Persistence and curiosity are more important than talent”, he tells Sandhya Mendonca. “Rising each time you fall is the art of life and the art of business.”He talks about the lessons he’s gleaned in farming and politics, his passion for music and his current avatar as a columnist who writes on a wide range of issues. He rues the misinterpretation of Hinduism and condemns religious fundamentalism of all hues. Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio 

"I rise each time I fall" - Capt. GR Gopinath in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 66

Solomon Diniz presents the spirit of Goa in a bottle. The fourth generation of a liquor distillery wants to celebrate his heritage that’s intrinsically linked to feni. Diniz talks to Sandhya Mendonca about the rise of Adinco Distilleries from a village tavern into a company that makes over two dozen spirit variants. Diniz spearheads innovation in manufacturing and branding. After adding new gins and liquor chocolates he’s created India’s first charred whisky. In a further innovation, he’s used charred coconut shells, making it perhaps the first-ever whiskey of its kind. “The Indian consumer has evolved and we should take care in maintaining quality and always notching it up and making it better and better”, he says in this episode of the podcast. To be featured on this show write to us at <a href="http://mail@raintreemedia.com/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">mail@raintreemedia.com</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/</a> Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio

Solomon Diniz presents the spirit of Goa in a bottle. The fourth generation of a liquor distillery wants to celebrate his heritage that’s intrinsically linked to feni. Diniz talks to Sandhya Mendonca about the rise of Adinco Distilleries from a village tavern into a company that makes over two dozen spirit variants. Diniz spearheads innovation in manufacturing and branding. After adding new gins and liquor chocolates he’s created India’s first charred whisky. In a further innovation, he’s used charred coconut shells, making it perhaps the first-ever whiskey of its kind. “The Indian consumer has evolved and we should take care in maintaining quality and always notching it up and making it better and better”, he says in this episode of the podcast. To be featured on this show write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/raintreemedia or https://www.instagram.com/raintreemedia/ Recorded at The Hub BangaloreEdited by Capital Studio 

"Presenting Goa in a Bottle" - Solomon Diniz in Spotlight with Sandhya | Episode 65

Each episode os Spotlight with Sandhya brings you the people behind the big ideas shaping our world.Journalist, author, biographer and entrepreneur Sandhya Mendonca has spent a career hunting for one thing: the story underneath the story. Spotlight with Sandhya carries that same instinct into candid conversations with creative minds, changemakers, and leaders about their journeys. A Raintree Media Original.To be featured on this show, write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or Instagram @raintreemedia.

Each episode os Spotlight with Sandhya brings you the people behind the big ideas shaping our world.Journalist, author, biographer and entrepreneur Sandhya Mendonca has spent a career hunting for one thing: the story underneath the story. Spotlight with Sandhya carries that same instinct into candid conversations with creative minds, changemakers, and leaders about their journeys. A Raintree Media Original.To be featured on this show, write to us at mail@raintreemedia.com or Instagram @raintreemedia.

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Spotlight with Sandhya

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