“I was born and raised in Hyderabad, in a family of journalists and bankers. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who valued both curiosity and responsibility. My family instilled in me a love for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of words. I pursued my education in Hyderabad, completing an MBA from IIM Calcutta and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Laws from NALSAR University.
My corporate journey began shortly after, and for nearly a decade, I worked at various multinational companies, including Oracle, KPMG, and Deloitte. These years were formative, teaching me the importance of structure, discipline, and the ability to navigate complex systems. But as much as I learned and grew in the corporate world, something was missing. I felt a growing desire to connect more deeply with the people around me, to make a tangible difference in their lives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself volunteering in Kamareddy district. One experience, in particular, had a major impact on me. We came across a woman who had been isolated by her family after her husband’s death. She was struggling to care for her children and needed help to regain her footing. With our support, she learned basic skills like operating a smartphone and managing a bank account. Over time, she started her own home business. Seeing her transformation was a turning point for me. I realized that while my work in the corporate world was important, helping others in a more direct way brought me a deeper sense of fulfillment. This experience led me to transition into the social sector, where I joined WE Hub, India’s first state-led initiative for women entrepreneurs. At WE Hub, we focus on empowering women by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed. My work involves designing and implementing programs that address challenges like financial literacy and skill development for women in business. I’ve also been involved in policy advocacy, raising awareness about the importance of women’s participation in the economy, and ensuring safe working environments for women.
Balancing my professional commitments with my passion for writing has always been a bit of a juggling act. I don’t have a fixed schedule for writing; instead, I find pockets of time throughout the day to put my thoughts on paper. Early mornings are when I feel most inspired, but I’ve also written during lunch breaks, while traveling for work, or even in the middle of a busy day. I’ve learned that consistency is key, even if it means writing just a few sentences each day. Over time, these small efforts add up, allowing me to complete larger projects like my books.
My first book, Isuka Addam, was born out of a desire to explore and challenge societal norms. Through its stories, I wanted to spark conversations and encourage readers to reflect on the communities around them. The book touches on issues like early marriages, lack of proper public sanitation, especially for women, challenges in the corporate world, and the struggles of handloom weavers. My goal was to highlight underrepresented voices and inspire change, or at least a deeper understanding.
After Isuka Addam, I went on to write Balkaav – Backpack Kadhalu, a collection of stories inspired by my solo travels. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and these stories capture the human emotions and historical narratives I encountered along the way. From Dhoolpet in Hyderabad to Old Goa, each place I visited left an indelible mark on me, shaping my understanding of the world and the people in it.
Writing these books has been a deeply personal journey, and I’m grateful for the support of my family, friends, and mentors along the way. They’ve encouraged me to pursue what truly matters to me, to stay curious, and to enjoy the journey, no matter where it leads.”
- Sri Uha, Author & Social Worker