Roshni Thakrar was born in Kent and moved to North London during her teenage years. She went on to read Law at City University and then pursued her Legal Practice Course at BPP in Holborn.
She has worked for many international companies and law firms and now works in-house for a FTSE 100 company as a solicitor. However, beyond law, Roshni's normal diary is filled with spiritual satsangs and sewa to the community. In the Summer of 2020, she launched her own podcast, Prim Rose Light on Spotify, to inspire and cultivate a conscious community through a fusion of Eastern philosophy and Western ways.
Each podcast delves into a different topic, from global issues such as climate change and the fast fashion industry to personal development such as the mind, body and soul connection and the impact of social media on our everyday lives.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I love exploring India, experiencing its rich and colourful culture and connecting back to my roots. However, for me, home is where the heart is and being a born and bred Londoner, having my nearest and dearest around me means that London will always be home.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I’ve grown up with a desire to make a difference and have been part of the Communications Team at my local ISKSON Temple for the last 15 years, hosting media and VIPs. I’m also Secretary of the Young Lohana Society and have organising several events but the most impactful for me where the two hugely successful careers fairs for young people aged 13-25.
3. What inspires you?
In addition to personal development, which is huge source of inspiration, I’m always inspired by stories where people from humble beginnings or adversity have really made something of themselves. I’m a big fan of Warren Buffett’s concept, the inner scorecard, and strive to be kind to everyone.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Qualifying as a solicitor has been the biggest challenge and the path was far from easy. I made hundreds of applications and it was bittersweet when I finally secured my training contract as it was outside of London, meaning that I had to leave my family and life I had built.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My dear mother, who is my guiding light, biggest cheerleader and best friend. When you are building a career - a lot of people buy in to you as a credible professional and person, whether that is a friend reading over an application or putting you in touch with people they may be able to help or even employers, giving you a chance so I also give thanks to all that have helped me on my journey thus far.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I’ve just started my new role as an in-house solicitor at a FTSE 100 company, but I certainly feel fortunate to work for a company whose values so closely match my own. For example, the Chairman has made it his personal ambition to ensure that environmental, social and governance issues are at the forefront of the company's agenda in 2021.
7. And the worst?
Whilst law is a rewarding and intellectual discipline and vocation, it can also be a challenging, highly competitive profession to get into and qualify. In addition, once qualified, the demands and expectations of both clients and firms can be immense. The profession is getting better to focus on mental health and well-being but for as long as these pressures and high chargeable targets exist, striking a work-life balance will always be tricky.
8. What are your long-term goals?
The focus on climate-related disasters is increasing and I feel a sense of duty to use my voice to raise awareness through my podcasts, work and sewa. I want to play my part in helping make the world habitable for humans as well as wildlife. I am also hugely passionate about education and youth empowerment as the future of tomorrow.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I think a much stronger focus on practical life skills such as coding, AI, investing, cooking, how to change a tyre on a car, interpersonal skills, meditation and cultivating a spiritual practice you can call your own, would be hugely beneficial in equipping young people to be wholesome leaders of tomorrow in what is already a dramatically changing world.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg - I applaud all that she stood for as a staunch advocate for gender equality and champion of justice.
