The word “Socialite” has lost its charm in Delhi,now it’s embarassing to be called socialite
The word “Socialite” has lost its charm in Delhi,now it’s embarassing to be called socialite – says Thenny Mejia eminent personality and much more in an exclusive interview with Tarun Sharma,Editor-in-Chief
Exclusive interview of Thenny Mejia eminent personality with Tarun Sharma,Editor-in-Chief
Editor: Please tell us about your current role and the hurdles in the current role if any.
Thenny Mejia:
In the past few months, I’ve returned to my origins, US healthcare BPO, but in a different role, business development, unlike before I headed for 13yrs an outsourcing company, profile was different, on the present one, I’m still adjusting.
Apart from BPO, I do marketing and business development for lifestyle brands, which in the last 1.5 yrs, I took a sabbatical from it, but after reconsidering my decision of moving back to NY for good, I’m back at it.
Editor: As a latina born in the Dominican republic and brought up in New York what prompted you to stay here when you came to Delhi 13 years years ago and if there was any struggle to settle down in Delhi what it was.
Thenny Mejia:
This is a very good question, I think it was more the challenge I faced at the beginning. When I first came to India, ITES was at its nascent stage, ran by men, women roles was restricted to HR dept and not even as the head but more as the assistant, I came across individuals who would tell me that I should be at home raising my kid and why I don’t get it a husband…very chauvinist remarks, I endured. Since I’m so opinionated, whenever we would get into a political discussion about the state of affair of this country, I would hear those type of comments…. India became a dare that I needed to conquer on my own with a teenage son in tow, don’t regret the challenge.
In terms of quality of life, it was a struggle, I came from NYC, where water, electricity and just the basic infrastructure are a given, we don’t think about them; first 6 mònths, we lived in a 5 stars hotel that’s not the real india, when I moved out of the hotel after finding a home, I realized that I took those basic requirements for granted, in a country like India, the basic infrastructure of most developed country are rare, simply precious commodity, enjoy by the few privileged
Editor:What has been the most important life changing incidence in your life.
Thenny Mejia:
Getting a pacemaker in 2010 made me realized how death is just around the corner and who my true friends are
Another important life changing experience was the whole of 2012, losing so many family members, in particularly my dad, I was in state of shock for months, couldn’t come to terms with him been no more. I’ve learned to take each day as it comes and live it to the fullest, as we never know what the future holds and how long would it last.
Editor:You are a known socialite what according to you should be the attributes in a person to get recognized in the social circle.
Thenny Mejia :
In the last couple of years, the word socialite has lost its charm in Delhi, now is embarrassing to be called socialite.
Wikipedia definition: A socialite is someone who participates in social activities and spends a significant amount of time entertaining and being entertained at fashionable events attended by others of similar standing.
Now I shy away from social dos as much as I can, but to answer your question, attributes, good social standing, clean reputation, charming, great network of friends, well traveled, well read, be able to hold any type of conversation whether is politic or fashion, should feel comfortable in her own skin, not pretend to be someone else, just be yourself.
Editor: what has been your greatest fears in life.
Thenny Mejia:
Losing my family members, while I live in India, feel like I’m missing out so much, not been with them during important moments in their lives, like birth of my niece, nephew graduation and many other important moments. Most of the time I ask myself if work and chasing success are worth the sacrifice.
Editor:Being a woman,a socialite ,a professional female gender look to you to become successful as you are one day ,whats your advice to them.
Thenny Mejia:
Believe in yourself, follow your dreams, never take no for an answer, anything that a man can do, a woman can do as well.
Be confident, behave like a lady even if penetrating a man’s world. Always remember whatever you do or say, there is always someone watching or listening, so be careful of your actions and your word.
Editor: You had stayed in New York and now you have been in INDIA for long time what’s the main difference you find in the culture ,atmosphere in INDIA vis a vis your previous native place.
Thenny Mejia:
Unfortunately, regarding my native place Santo Domingo, D.R., I have very little memories, since I grew up in NY and my family has been there since the 1940s, I can relate more to my life in NY than in DR.
New Yorkers have a more professional attitude, they stick and respect time, deadlines are important. In India, time are stretchable, I’ve always heard that IST stand for India Stretchable Time and I totally agree. No one seems to respect each others’ time.
When it comes to similarity between India culture and ours, Dominican, is been very family oriented, we respect our elderly, they have the final word of wisdom.
One thing I’ve noticed in the past couple of years in India that society has become very superficial, is all about the money, showing off, nothing seems real anymore. In that aspect, I find New Yorkers more honest, either they like you or they don’t, no two face about it.
One thing I’ve noticed in the past couple of years in India that society has become very superficial, is all about the money, showing off, nothing seems real anymore. In that aspect, I find New Yorkers more honest, either they like you or they don’t, no two face about it.
Editor:If given a chance to you to improve INDIA’s political scenario what important steps you would have taken.
Thenny Mejia:
Since I was a kid, I found politics fascinating. India requires a major sweeping, politics should be for the people not for the few, who control the power. Most of the decision makers have been in position of power for more than 4 decades, it is high time to bring fresh uncorrupted individuals to lead India in the right direction.
India is not a monarchy, so why be led by a dynasty or lead by religion, religion has no room in politics, neither dynasty. India needs leader who can build a legacy and really create an Incredible India.
Editor:Your success mantra for our visitor’s.
Thenny Mejia:
Come without any expectation, do not compare India to anything, soak in the country beauty and culture.
Be a white canvas, let the colors of the land paint on you.
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