Sometimes, it takes a person who has been through depression to steer other depressed souls in the right direction. You could consider Rinku Taunk from Cuttack to be the guiding light for those who are lost. Having come from a family of academic acers (just to give you an idea, her sister is an Assistant Professor at IIM), when she couldn’t match up to her parents’ expectation, it really bogged Rinku down. She even tried to prepare for civil services for two years, but gave that up as well. But she did not remain low for long, especially when she discovered that, “Life is important and that one needs to concentrate on health,” she shares.
That’s when yoga came to her rescue, especially meditation, which did a lot to calm her down. She decided to spread the magic of yoga in her own small way and she has conducted several camps for students, women and others, free of cost. But for Rinku, this was not enough. “I wanted to make people realise that our ultimate goal in life is to be happy. We need to do our duty, but need to enjoy life as well,” she says. So she graduated into becoming a motivational speaker. The most recent talk she gave was at Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar.
This 31-year-old is also conducting open mics, and has conducted more than five till date, encouraging people to display their hidden talent. And this is not just for youngsters, it’s open to all including grandparents as well. She organises these events in association with YourQuote, a community of creators. “I encourage one and all to participate in this event and tell them that this is your stage,” she shares and adds that it is in their happiness that she finds her happiness.
Rinku, who was born in Berhampur, counsels people too. “I don’t have any certification,” she says frankly and adds that, “I just listen to them patiently.” Once they connect with her, she suggests yoga and meditation and slowly, shows them the way out of their troubles. “I don’t make a single rupee out of this and I don’t want anything in return anyway,” she says. When a suicidal boy goes on to become the best employee of his company (true story) thanks to her support, that is what satisfies her. “One cannot weigh this, it’s priceless,” she exclaims.
Personally too, Rinku wants to learn more and her book is also in the works. So, is she writing about her journey? “I have no strong identity of my own, how can I do that?” she says humbly. The book will have one-page chapters motivating readers to look at the brighter side of things. Just like she has.
For more on her, click on facebook.com/rinkuandmotivation
