Geeta Srivastava nurtures a social enterprise called Magic of India bringing Indian culture and language alive in a fun engaging way. Through classes, workshops and entertaining events. One of her popular events is Holi at London, which is a massive community event. She won the Outstanding Achievement British Indian award.
Prior to that, Geeta had set up and lead the UK business of www.shaadi.com for 9 years making it a successful brand in online match making.
Her earlier avatar include Zee TV (UK), leading Ad Sales for Mainstream Agencies, and all Marketing initiatives including the first biggest Asian fair. She produced a 13 program television series on the best Indian restaurants of London. Other roles include being the Director of The Indus Entrepreneurs UK, a networking organisation. While in India she ran advertising and marketing for Raymond’s fashion, the team winning many industry awards.
Geeta has been living in the London for the last 18 years. She has a high interest in art, fashion, and online community building. She has been a proficient Bharatnatyam performer, and regularly practises yoga.
1) What is your current position?
I’m the Founder, Director and Teacher at Magic Of India, a London based social enterprise, which works to teach Indian culture and languages in a fun, engaging way. Also, our events embrace Indian culture with celebration of oneness and diversity.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Many of the children I teach are British but of Indian heritage. The feeling of being able to give these kids an insight into their culture, allows them to establish a connection with their roots and feel a sense of pride in both the country where they live and their heritage. Aside from that, I’d say winning the British Indian Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015, was a big moment for me.
3) What inspires you?
I was inspired to start Magic Of India watching my daughter growing up away from her roots. I really wanted her to find a way to get her to feel proud and connected with her heritage. I wanted to spread the cultural diversity of India to her and all the children around us. India has so much to offer, from the history of the land, the poetry of Tagore, the journey of Gandhi, to the vibrant arts like dance and music. All of these inspire me and keep me going every day.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Working alone, struggling for funds and resources. We have scripted a set of 300 little learning films, with no resources to bring it to life. I’d like to see more artist, writers, teachers join in and teach, entertain and build the organisation and contribute to the children and adults, and feel a sense of India wherever they are.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I was raised by a single mother, who balanced work and bringing us up and she has without a doubt been the biggest influence on me. She ensured that we were persistently dedicated to the pursuits of arts, dancing and culture from a very young age. She once told me that I should only look for work that inspires me every day and if it does not, she can always feed me. That, coming from a woman of meagre means was powerful and has had a lasting impact on me.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
To see children thrive in their dual heritage. Seeing them learn and smile is the best part. When their parents tell me stories of how these kids connected with their grandparents for the first time by speaking Hindi, that feeling is indescribable. It makes realise I’ve had some sort of impact on them, allowing them to connect with their heritage and culture.
7) And the worst?
Being an entrepreneur can be very isolating, when trying to build a dream. Even people working close to you often wonder how and whether ideas will pan out. You have to be able to see far ahead and have an unwavering belief in yourself.
8) What are your long term goals?
To build up a bank of stories, language lessons and maybe yoga videos, all freely accessible through YouTube, for children and people to access easily, so I can spread the thriving and layered Indian culture to people anywhere in the world, and to that end, find ways in which all our children thrive in the amazing texture that the culture offers. To be able to enjoy being a citizen of the world without fear.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would not change anything because I know that once I am in their shoes, there are many complex aspects to consider in each decision. I sincerely believe that they are working in our best interests.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I’d say Leonardo da Vinci because in one lifetime he explored art, science and music and I love that he didn’t limit himself to doing just one thing. He thrived and excelled in a number of fields and it would be a privilege to spend time with him. Apart from that I’d say Madonna has an amazing energy I admire, she’s so edgy, refreshing and bold. She fights all odds and comes out a shining, strong successful woman and it would be a privilege to spend time with her.
