Life & Technology

Ganesh realised that there was more to this life than what he knew. He met the Creator through His word. Since then, his journey with the living God has helped him grow personally and professionally. After completing his degree at IIT Bombay, Ganesh moved to the United States for his Master’s.

Ganesh started as an atheist and scientist. But a deeper search into how science and faith can coexist led him to God. He says, “Jesus said to love God with all your MIND, heart, soul and strength. So I realised that God wants us to think.”

“We need to think rationally. How does one think rationally? Why should I trust my thoughts if we are just random electrons? A rational mind, in my opinion, suggests that we were designed by an intelligent creator.”

“Morality, if subjective, will lead to dangerous results. We cannot decide based on our feelings or ideas of right or wrong,” says Ganesh. “Feelings can change, and with it, our understanding of right or wrong. Some love their neighbours, others eat their neighbours.”

“Some people believe there is no right or wrong. What happens if someone takes your wallet and says it belongs to them? When things get personal, we quickly understand good and evil!”

As a technology sales professional, what are two or three things necessary to sustain long-term relationships?

Sales is a service, and serving is in the DNA of every salesperson.

First, build trust. Trust requires truth. Communicate to the customer both the capabilities and limitations of your product.

Second, walk with the customer during the process. It is crucial when sustaining a relationship. Getting the customer to understand how your product impacts their business at each stage will build their confidence and help produce better results.

With employee advocacy programs ramping up, what are your tips on how employees should use social media?

1. Post content that is consistent with your values
2. Don’t oversell
3. There is great value in sharing experiences. Help people evaluate complex subjects and simplify them
   
4. Use the platform correctly — each social media platform reaches a specific audience. Plan your content according to the audience and platform profile. E.g., a LinkedIn profile is for professionals, and Instagram is for a younger audience
   
5. Make sure that the content you share is appropriate for both your work and personal life. Only share things meant to be public, not private.
   

Connect with Ganesh Venkataramanan

• Website
• Instagram
  

This interview with Jonathan Harris first appeared on the LiveJam blog.

There are many voices in this worldly wilderness we live in. What makes life meaningful? When you meet people and movements that unite to make the world a better place. Pornography is destroying young minds and hearts. The spiritual binding is too powerful for a person to break on their own. Jonathan’s life changed when he rediscovered his journey with God through LiveJam. Not only did he learn to overcome porn addiction, he found a community that reignited his walk with God.

How did you get to know about LiveJam?

I was in school when I first met Bonny who came to conduct a BreakFree Tour session. I intentionally bunked the session and was on my way out of school. My teacher saw me loitering about and took me to meet Bonny. Bonny spoke to me for a minute, and I was greatly encouraged. After the meeting with Bonny, I joined a youth community.

What was your life like before you met LiveJam in school?

I was introduced to Porn when I was in class 7 in school. I could not focus on my studies as the images kept playing. I felt my heart cringe and get drawn to the lust of the flesh. It further affected my relationship with my parents. The growing frustration in my heart triggered anger and a rebellious nature. I would respond rudely to my parents, and eventually began to believe the lie that my dad hated me.

What feelings did you encounter during the healing process?

I was struggling internally because I knew I was wrong. The shame associated with watching and indulging in lewd acts when I was alone, haunted me. I’d often fall after being optimistic about having overcome it. To make matters worse, I was rebelling against my parents. Often displaying anger that made me feel sorry for my mother later. I always thought my dad hated me because of his constant correction. The frustration would drive me back into sin again. I was changing, but the struggle was real. I started to understand how to deal with my feelings better.

What impact did the community have in your life?

The youth community was a great support. Being with like-minded individuals, most importantly, those who understood or have been through similar issues. The new friends I made through the community were a great source of inspiration. Their stories resonated with mine, and I became more confident about overcoming the issue. Eventually, the love and support along with intercessory prayer changed me completely.

I will say that you can find all sorts of people out there, good or bad. It’s your choice who you want to be with If you stick around with the wrong people you will inherit the wrong traits and vice versa.

What are your plans now?

The future is in God’s hands. I want to do whatever God leads me to do. I am already on the way and trying to make each day count. I love what LiveJam is doing, reaching out to troubled teens and youth. I want to be a seed sower and an encouragement to others like Bonny and my Youth teacher were to me as there are so many waiting for that one word of encouragement that can make a difference in their lives.

What is your message to fellow youngsters?

Remember the three D’s in life — DECISION, DETERMINATION, and DESTINATION. If you take the wrong path, you will end up in a mess. If you take the right path, your future will be the best.

Note: This interview was part of my part-time work with LiveJam, a nonprofit based out of New Delhi (Now, New York)

The future is bright for nonprofit communicators. Creative and personal communication will always need the human touch.

The first adopters of social media were nonprofits. The industry overall has been slow in adopting social media. Workloads have increased which is hindering professional growth. 

The exposure is useful and the slow pace sometimes becomes a boon in the process.
There’s much that can be done online, but it needs to be the right mix. Not everything can be done online. Social Media, when used effectively is a great tool to nurture long-term relationships. We are emotional beings, and moving online needs to be an extension, not the standard for every work. Using digital tools can be overwhelming, but using them intentionally is rewarding.

Moving from traditional communication tools to digital is a step forward. The fundamentals of communication remain, though there is a learning curve when it comes to applying them online. Newer tools are always welcome, whatever moves the needle for the organization. Communicators who learn to balance both forms of communication will be most successful in meeting organizational goals more quicker.

I reached out to Arnab who leads communication and fundraising for Anwesha Kolkata. A nonprofit focused on improving the quality of life of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A positive thinker focused on making a difference, and a great communicator who loves communicating about Causes. He spent nine years in the education industry and over five years in the nonprofit sector. Arnab found a job he could love with Anwesha. Especially, their mission of reaching out to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016)

1. What do you love about your job the most as a communicator?

2. Which communication tools have been most effective in your work with Anwesha?

There’s no substitute for in-person conversations. But, it’s not always possible. With the pandemic, it’s become all the more difficult. So, we have increased our focus on digital practices: Facebook and Email Marketing.

3. The Future is bright for nonprofit communicators. Share five tips for those who want to pursue a career in nonprofit communication.

In the years I’ve spent learning and observing, I’d recommend career aspirants keep these five C’s in mind.

Put in the hard work initially, ask questions, and build your technique. We are all unique and need to learn to express ourselves freely. 

Despite the drop in revenue owing to the pandemic, the Radio Industry is set for some good news, according to industry experts (article on Exchange4Media).

Does that mean a career in the industry is still one to pursue? A vehement YES says Harshita, who has spent over 14 years in the media industry.

There are unique stories that reveal the power of the medium, like that of the fishermen's community down south. Radio Jockeys, in particular, have played a tremendous role in positively influencing lives using their creativity and talent.

I reached out to Harshita to share her views on her experience as a Radio Jockey for those aspiring to pursue creative jobs. The media industry thrives on creativity and passion. Harshita is creative at heart and loves interacting with people. She is passionate about Photography and Video Editing.

“I have over 14 years of experience in pre and post-production work in film, media, and entertainment industries. I have learned a lot and established myself as a producer, cinematographer, voice-over artist, and photographer. A curious learner, I constantly strive to improve my skills with every assignment. I have worked for a news channel, a film school, a production house, and an online media company. I’ve also worked as an RJ at a radio station and as a documentary filmmaker.” - Harshita Sharma.

As a Radio Jockey, what do you love about the role?

I love interacting with people, and writing fun, creative content that touches hearts and minds.

In no time, an RJ gets a lot of recognition and fame. But, it requires a lot of hard work because it is not as easy as it seems. An RJ is expected to be pleasant always, no matter what, which sometimes can be tricky because we are human and we get under the weather. The three things I love about the role are;

It is a blessing to be in a job where you can speak your heart out on topics you enjoy and build a relationship with listeners to grow along with them.

Share a personal experience on how radio is impacting young lives

When a person calls, she expects the call to be warm and friendly, even if they call to answer a quiz. We are expected to be encouraging every time. They don't talk to an RJ. But to a friend or maybe someone they have known for years. Even if they are speaking for the first time.

I remember a girl who called me one evening when she was on her way home from the office. It was before sunset. She called to answer a quiz I had asked. She was on public transport and alone with some guy in the tempo apart from the driver. She felt weird, and we spoke for almost 10 minutes. Until there was another lady passenger, and she felt safe.
That's how these conversations should be. I still remember the relief in her voice that evening.

Five tips for those desiring to pursue Radio Jockeying today

An RJ is in a position of great responsibility because of the power the role has in influencing people’s lives. Celebrities, Anchors, and RJs are seen as icons because they inspire people. An RJ needs to be a strong communicator focused on impact.

To sum up, an RJ is an element that can add joy to Radio shows. Radio Jockeying is a fantastic career if you love interacting with people; an opportunity to be creative and expressive and a platform to exercise your love to interact.