Diversity Rules Magazine

5 Diversity Rules Magazine April 2019 who empower other women and obsolete gender stereotypes. It's an ode to self-determina on, in- spired by women and girls who broke the rules to seize hold of their own des nies and achieve amaz- ing things. I'm super proud of it! JRK: On your website it says that you have "always had a penchant for doing things differently." Can you explain that a bit more? AB: With my music, people said it wouldn't work because I was singing in English and that I should fol- low a more conven onal career path. With my busi- ness, they said I was too young and inexperienced. And with Mpower, they said the problem was too big to make a difference. Everything I do is borne out of personal passion and a desire to make a posi ve impact. Even if it means going against the grain – with hard work, passion and a good team you can overcome the biggest challenges. JRK: You are one that has always been acutely aware of the inequali es around you. Can you tell us when that awareness first appeared, what some of the inequali es were that got you riled up, and what you did to address those inequali es? AB: Growing up in India, it's impossible not to be aware of inequality in most things around us. When I was 17, I set up Svatantra, which means freedom in Hindi because I wanted to do something to support women in the Indian countryside- to help them to grow their businesses and become in- dependent. These women might be farmers, small shop owners, or women who make saris or jewel- lery. They have o en been held back from things we take for granted, like opening a bank account, and life can be super tough for them. But the strength, passion and determina on I see is truly inspira on- al. When women work, not only do their lives im- prove, but so do the lives of their families and com- muni es. JRK: You are a big supporter of equality, and since Diversity Rules Magazine's focus is on the LGBTQ community, can you address your perspec ves on equal treatment for LGBTQ individuals, or the lack thereof, both in India, and generally? AB: Love conquers all, I believe it's me that society treats everyone as equals, whatever our sexuality, race or background. There's a lot of des gma z- ing to be done in India – but the country's outlook is changing, and fast - we have a lot to be hopeful for! Last year I wrote a song called Hold On, about the ex- periences of people I know whose rela onship was pulled apart by societal pressures. It was a celebra- on of their love which endured in the face of ad- versity. JRK: While in England you interacted with people suffering from anxiety and depression. It impacted you so much that you set up a mental health ini a- ve called MPower. Can you tell us about that? AB: In India, Mental health is a topic that is rarely discussed and when it is, it is o en trivialised. As a result, depression and suicide rates are some of the highest in the world, par cularly amongst young people. When I was at university in the UK, I really struggled. I had a tough me ba ling anxiety and panic a acks. I found it difficult to reach out for help – I guess I had internalised the s gma. When I returned to Mum- bai, I eventually got the support I needed. However, it became very clear to me that it was really difficult for other people because of the lack of educa on and support available. I felt a huge responsibility to do something – and what started as a personal ba le became some Birla - Con't on page 6

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