An Exclusive Interview with Durvesh Yadav – Founder, Rising Star Communication, and Best-Selling Author
Tag: mental health
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Entrepreneurship: Crafting Success from Resilience and Vision
Entrepreneurship is not merely about building businesses; it is a reflection of passion, perseverance, and the courage to tread uncharted paths. Durvesh Yadav, a visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and philanthropist, embodies these qualities. From founding Rising Star Communication to inspiring youth with his book What They Don’t Teach Us, Durvesh has set benchmarks in innovation and leadership.
1. Your entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 18. What inspired you to take such a bold step at such a young age, and how did you navigate the challenges of starting a business with limited resources?My journey started during my first year of engineering studies at Lovely Professional University. An internship at a five-star hotel exposed me to the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical work. Conversations with professionals revealed slow career growth, which led me to question the path I was on.
2. Rising Star Communication has worked with over 300 brands. Can you share insights into your approach to understanding diverse client needs and crafting tailored marketing strategies that consistently deliver results?
3. What They Don’t Teach Us has become a best-seller and an inspiration for many. What was your thought process behind writing this book, and how do you believe it fills the gaps in traditional education for young minds?
4. With recognitions like the Bharat Youth Award and Tradeflock’s 40 under 40, how do these milestones shape your vision for the future? What further contributions do you aspire to make in entrepreneurship and social upliftment?
Entrepreneurship: Crafting Success from Resilience and Vision
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation
This interview, proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, highlights the importance of sustainability in every aspect of life. Led by Smruti Bhalerao, the platform is committed to driving impactful conversations and inspiring change.
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Workweeks: Balancing Productivity and Well-Being in an Increasingly Demanding World
How S.N. Subrahmanyan’s Proposal of 90-Hour Workweeks Is Shaping Conversations Across Industries
Workweeks have long been at the center of debates about productivity, well-being, and business sustainability. Recently, S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro, proposed the idea of 90-hour workweeks, including Sundays, as a strategy to meet growing global demands. This statement has sparked nationwide conversations on whether extended workweeks are essential for businesses in high-pressure industries or a potential risk to employee well-being.
At Prittle Prattle News, our mission is to “feature you virtuously” by exploring stories with balanced perspectives. The debate over longer workweeks is a crucial one, as it reflects both the pressures of industries like healthcare, FMCG, and technology, and the challenges faced by employees navigating burnout and work-life balance.Industries Thriving on Long Workweeks
Some industries demand extended hours due to their high-stakes nature, rapid pace, and intense competition. The media industry, for instance, thrives on breaking stories and real-time coverage. Newsrooms must operate 24/7 to deliver accurate and timely reports. Brands like CNN and BBC exemplify how journalists, editors, and producers often work around the clock to maintain credibility and stay ahead in the race to inform.
Similarly, the FMCG sector depends on agility and speed. Companies like Unilever and Nestlé must ensure seamless production and distribution to meet consumer demand, especially during festive seasons or product launches. Even a minor disruption can lead to significant revenue losses and impact brand reputation. In the healthcare sector, the stakes are higher than in most industries. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics often work extended shifts, particularly during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions such as Apollo Hospitals and Mayo Clinic are globally recognized for their commitment to providing round-the-clock care. In this field, every hour saved could mean a life saved.
The technology sector also plays a pivotal role in shaping workweeks. IT companies like Infosys and Accenture cater to global clients across different time zones. Delivering seamless support and meeting tight project deadlines often means teams work beyond standard hours, showcasing the agility required to thrive in a globalized economy.Why Companies Support Longer Workweeks
For many businesses, longer workweeks represent a means to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding global market. Industries that deal with tight deadlines, constant client engagement, and rapid technological advancements see extended hours as a necessity rather than an option.
For example, startups often embody the ethos of long workweeks, where passion and urgency drive teams to push boundaries. Entrepreneurs understand that early-stage success demands intense focus and sacrifice, which may include working weekends or late nights. This approach is not unique to India but resonates globally with companies aiming to innovate and lead.
Additionally, sectors like construction and infrastructure, where companies like L&T excel, rely on coordinated efforts to meet large-scale project deadlines. Delays in these industries can result in financial losses and reputational damage, reinforcing the need for relentless dedication.The Employee’s Dilemma
While companies justify longer workweeks to meet business demands, employees often grapple with the consequences. Extended hours can lead to burnout, health issues, and strained personal relationships.
Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that overworking is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and mental health challenges. Employees who lack time for rest and recreation often experience reduced creativity and productivity, leading to diminishing returns for both individuals and businesses.
Work-life imbalance is another significant concern. Employees in high-pressure roles frequently report missing out on family time, hobbies, and personal development, which are critical for long-term happiness and motivation.Balancing Workweeks with Well-Being
1. To create sustainable work environments, companies must strike a balance between productivity and employee satisfaction. Some strategies include
2.Flexible Schedules: Introducing hybrid or shift-based models can help employees manage workloads without feeling overwhelmed.
3.Wellness Initiatives: Providing mental health resources, fitness programs, and scheduled breaks can improve employee morale.
4.Investment in Technology: Automating repetitive tasks reduces manual effort, allowing teams to focus on high-impact work.
5.Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging employee contributions through promotions, bonuses, or public appreciation fosters loyalty and motivation.Conclusion: Redefining Workweeks for the Future
The debate over 90-hour workweeks highlights the complexities of balancing ambition and well-being in modern workplaces. While industries like media, FMCG, healthcare, and technology require extended hours to meet demands, it is essential for businesses to prioritize employee health and satisfaction to sustain long-term success.
At Prittle Prattle News, we believe that the future of work isn’t about how many hours are clocked but about creating environments where employees and organizations can thrive together. By fostering innovation, flexibility, and mutual respect, we can redefine workweeks for a more productive and humane future.This article is proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, a platform dedicated to thought leadership and innovation. Led by its Editor-in-Chief, Smruti Bhalerao, the publication continues to bring forth storylines that inspire change and celebrate growth in various sectors.
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SOHAMINDIA and Dr. Daman Ahuja: Transforming Public Health Through Grassroots Empowerment
Dr. Daman Ahuja, Public Health and Community Engagement Expert, shares how SOHAMINDIA integrates traditional wisdom and modern solutions to tackle public health challenges and empower communities.
SOHAMINDIA is a testament to how public health can be redefined through mindful development and grassroots empowerment. Spearheaded by Dr. Daman Ahuja, a renowned public health expert with over 30 years of experience, the organization blends traditional philosophies with innovative public health solutions.
From combating child labor to addressing mental health issues in adolescents, Dr. Ahuja’s journey reflects a commitment to sustainable, community-led initiatives. His work spans collaborations with iconic activists like Swami Agnivesh and Kailash Satyarthi, tackling pressing issues such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and child rights. In this interview, he sheds light on the evolution of public health in India and shares his vision for the future.
1. Reflecting on your extensive experience, could you share the foundational moments that led you to champion public health and community engagement, particularly in challenging sectors like HIV/AIDS and reproductive health? How did these early experiences shape your approach to health services and grassroots activism?
My foundational journey began with the realization of health inequities while working on child labor issues. As a researcher at VV Giri National Labour Institute and through my association with Swami Agnivesh, I witnessed how health challenges were deeply intertwined with social justice.
The turning point came when I founded Naya Prayas and saw how sustainable change requires both policy intervention and grassroots mobilization. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 1990s presented a critical challenge—breaking down stigma while building community trust. Leading the Red Ribbon Express project at NACO taught me that effective health interventions must start with community dialogue.
Whether working on the accountability of health services through the Population Foundation of India or strengthening the ASHA program as State ASHA Manager in Haryana, I learned that sustainable public health solutions emerge when we empower communities to become active participants rather than passive recipients. These experiences shaped my belief that community engagement isn’t just a strategy—it’s the cornerstone of any successful public health initiative.
2. You’ve collaborated with influential activists like Swami Agnivesh and Kailash Satyarthi on initiatives addressing bonded and child labor. What were the most significant challenges in these projects, and how did your approach in public health translate to tackling labor and child rights issues?
My collaboration with Swami Agnivesh and other activists illuminated the complex intersection between child labor and public health. Through my PhD research, I explored psychological injuries in child laborers, uncovering a critical but often overlooked dimension—the profound mental health impact on children forced into labor.
At VV Giri National Labour Institute, we found that children in hazardous work environments often faced both immediate physical injuries and long-term developmental challenges. This research became the backbone of SOHAMINDIA’s trauma-informed intervention strategies, addressing both immediate needs and long-term psychological recovery.
Our approach integrated mental health support and policy advocacy, highlighting that child labor is not just an economic issue but a public health emergency requiring urgent attention. These findings supported our policy advocacy efforts, helping stakeholders recognize the far-reaching impacts of child labor.
3. With over 30 years in the field, how do you view the evolution of community health initiatives in India? Are there specific shifts in public health accountability or community involvement that stand out as particularly impactful?
Over these three decades, I’ve witnessed a transformative shift in India’s community health landscape. As a member of the Secretariat of the Advisory Group on Community Action (AGCA), I had the privilege of observing and influencing this evolution across 17 states. The most significant change has been the transition from top-down healthcare delivery to community-owned initiatives.
Through my work with AGCA and Population Foundation of India, I’ve seen how empowering community forums has revolutionized public health accountability. The strengthening of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs), Jan Arogya Samities (JAS), and Rogi Kalyan Samities (RKS) across these states has created a robust framework for community participation.
The institutionalization of community monitoring through these forums has been particularly impactful. I’ve trained over 3,000 medical professionals and community leaders in participatory approaches, witnessing firsthand how this strengthens health service delivery and accountability. Programs like the ASHA initiative demonstrate the power of this approach, transforming communities into active stakeholders in health governance.
4. In working closely with adolescents and addressing mental health issues, what are the main challenges young people face today? How can community health initiatives better support adolescents in navigating their mental and emotional health?
Today’s adolescents face unprecedented challenges at the intersection of digital pressures, academic stress, and societal expectations. Through SOHAMINDIA’s mindfulness-based approach, we blend traditional wisdom with modern psychology to address these issues effectively.
Our programs integrate teachings like Vedanta philosophy, Swami Vivekananda’s practical insights, and Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence frameworks, fostering resilience and self-awareness among adolescents. This holistic approach empowers young people to navigate mental health challenges sustainably.
5. Looking ahead, what areas in community health and public accountability do you feel need the most attention, and what strategies could best address these gaps?
We must enhance public health accountability through forums like VHSNCs, JAS, and RKS while ensuring technology complements—not replaces—personal interactions in healthcare delivery.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of community resilience. Moving forward, SOHAMINDIA will continue blending ancient wisdom with modern healthcare practices to build sustainable health systems that address emerging challenges like mental health and non-communicable diseases.
Conclusion:
Dr. Daman Ahuja’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering communities through sustainable health interventions. His leadership at SOHAMINDIA and collaborations with institutions like NACO and the Population Foundation of India have transformed public health systems across India.
By blending traditional wisdom with modern strategies, Dr. Ahuja has redefined public health as a collaborative and inclusive effort. His insights offer a roadmap for creating resilient health systems and empowering communities to take charge of their health journeys.
This interview, proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, highlights the importance of sustainability in every aspect of life. Led by Smruti Bhalerao, the platform is committed to driving impactful conversations and inspiring change.
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