/ Publisher's Message, Summer 2014

by Raj Girn

Publisher’s Message, Summer 2014

Jul 05, 2014

Change vs. Status Quo

We live in an era where there’s an inordinate amount of mantras being shared across a myriad of communication platforms by poets, authors, artists, priests, motivational speakers, theorists, politicians, corporate leaders, family, friends and that voice in our various phases of consciousness — phew! Each have their ideas about everything, including the notion of “change” and most agree that change is good. I’ve always been an advocate of change myself, in part due to the fact that life is physiologically an evolutionary process and in part because experiences, by default of definition, are mobile in nature. Since I’m a ponderer of sorts, I got thinking, “Is change ALWAYS a good thing, ALL the time, in ALL aspects of human experience?” My resolution came quickly as I asked myself one very simple question: “Does or will the change serve you?” Ah, the billion-dollar question. Then I came across this poignant quote by 20th century Bengali saint Anandamayi Ma, which echoes a similar sentiment, “Though the dance of creation changes around me in the hall of eternity, I shall be the same.” So, although scholars of all institutions generally advocate the forward movement rather than the status quo (unlike Ananadamayi Ma), if the place we are at makes us content, maybe we should stay right there. Equally, if it doesn’t, onward we go! Quite elementary in theory; it’s the practice which challenges me.

So, as is the thing to do, I look both within and yes, I admit it, externally too, to people around me to see why they have chosen to change or why they have chosen a status quo. You know, truth be told, I’ve been doing this since my earliest of memories — always looking for answers — and I’m sure I will continue to do so until the external is no longer a consideration because I’ve managed to find all the answers to all of my questions right inside of me. Maybe then I will not bend towards change but towards my status quo like Anandamayi Ma. I guess this is why I enjoy my chats with people who inspire me and I share them with you in my Open Chest interviews, in the hopes that in some small or large way, they inspire you as well.

One such inspiration to me is the story and mindset of one of India’s most recognizable television personalities, MTV veejay Anusha Dandekar, who is the subject of this issue’s Open Chest cover story. Her journey reads like the fairy tale she so desperately aspires towards actualizing; one that most of us would agree, she has already accomplished. Read her story on page 32, as she shares how she rose through the ranks in India after leaving her home in Australia at the age of 19 to follow her dream of becoming an MTV veejay. This lead to her becoming a style icon, a renowned model and a Bollywood actor. Find out what she’s got up her sleeve for her North American debut; it’s going to be epic!

I’d also like to share some exciting news with you all on behalf of ANOKHI MEDIA. In addition to being able to receive your favourite magazine, ANOKHI, via hard copy and online flip book, you can now access ANOKHI Magazine via your iPad or mobile by downloading the free tablet app available on both IOS and android devices! This experience offers two unique features: photo galleries and videos. Take a look at the facing page for more information and download the app now! I’d love to know what you think of this dynamic, new addition to the ANOKHI MEDIA family, so don’t forget to share your thoughts by dropping us an email at [email protected] or posting a comment on Twitter (ANOKHI_Media) or on Facebook (/ANOKHIMedia).

Until next time, always remember to Be UNIQUE. Be ANOKHI.

. . . Be You!!!

Raj Girn
Founder/Publisher

_{Photography by Andy Lee}

PUBLISHED IN THE SUMMER ISSUE/JULY 2014

Raj Girn

Author

Raj Girn is an award-winning media personality, confidence coach, consultant and mentor. Bio: https://www.theopenchestconfidenceacademy.com/about/our-founder/ Testimonials: https://www.theopenchestconfidenceacademy.com/about/testimonials/