Harini Srinivasan: An Inspiring Journey of Adaptability and Passion

Early Life and Education:

Harini Srinivasan was born and raised in South India before moving to Delhi at the age of seven. Growing up in South Delhi, she completed her schooling and pursued a master’s degree in English literature from Delhi University. Writing has always been a central part of her life, with her childhood filled with short stories, poems, and a voracious reading habit. This passion naturally led her to a career as a senior copy editor at Encyclopedia Britannica, aligning well with her academic background.

Influence of Upbringing:

Harini’s family strongly emphasised education, which deeply influenced her career path. She always aspired to be financially independent. Her uncle also played a significant role, encouraging her to attempt the civil services exam.

Challenges and Career Decisions:

A major challenge in Harini’s life came when she had to leave her job in the civil services after her marriage. Her husband was transferred to Germany, and it was not feasible to stay apart. She decided to resign since she hadn’t completed the required five years in government service to qualify for extended leave. This decision, though difficult, opened new avenues for her. Moving to Germany, she learned the language, pursued an MBA, and transitioned into project management.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life:

Harini credits her strong support system of family and friends for helping her balance personal and professional responsibilities. Multitasking became a part of her daily routine, and prioritising tasks allowed her to manage everything effectively. Her interests in reading and writing provided a much-needed balance to her life.

Role Models and Mentorship:

Harini’s mother has been the most significant influence in her life, serving as her biggest supporter and role model. While many people have offered valuable advice throughout her journey, her mother stands out as the primary source of inspiration.

Advice for Aspiring Writers:

Harini’s advice to aspiring writers is simple: read, write, and rewrite. She believes that extensive reading helps understand different styles and techniques, consistent writing hones skills, and revising work is crucial for improvement. Writing is a habit that requires dedication and continuous practice.

Resilience and Motivation:

Harini draws strength from her spirituality and faith, with meditation being her go-to practice for maintaining resilience. Her support system, comprising close friends and family, also plays a critical role in keeping her motivated during setbacks. Her positive outlook and inherent toughness enable her to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

Advice for Young Women:

Harini advises young women never to give up, emphasising the importance of adaptability, financial independence, and the agency to choose one’s path. She encourages them not to burden themselves with the expectation of being superwomen but to prioritise and balance their responsibilities realistically.

The Importance of Women’s Voices:

Harini strongly believes in the importance of women’s voices and perspectives in shaping societal norms and beliefs. She sees women as the cornerstone of families, with their influence capable of shaping entire generations. The power of sisterhood and support from other women is invaluable, and even small changes at the family level can significantly contribute to societal progress.

Also Read: Balancing Dreams and Duties- Insights from Shunali Khullar Shroff

Views on Midlife Career Changes:

Harini views midlife career changes as a positive opportunity for growth. People often settle into routines by midlife, and a career change can bring new challenges and mental stimulation. It’s also a chance to pursue passions that may have been set aside earlier due to societal pressures.

Future Aspirations:

Looking ahead, Harini is focused on supporting her son’s growth and has ambitious plans to write more books. She has numerous ideas and would be very happy if even a few of them materialised in the coming years.

Rapid Fire Round

• Favourite genre to read? Historical fiction.
• One book you wish you had written? “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier or “Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace Thackeray.
• If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be? Becky Sharp from “Vanity Fair.”
• Favourite writing snack or beverage? Coffee or tea.
• Last book that made you cry or laugh out loud? The Korean drama “Queen of Tears” on Netflix made her laugh.

Harini Srinivasan’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of adaptability, passion, and resilience. Her experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams, whether in writing or any other field. As she continues to inspire through her writing and professional achievements, Harini embodies the spirit of embracing change and following one’s passions with determination.