Introduction: Sohani Sirdeshmukh
“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” — WC Fields
A Name Worth 1000 Conversations
My name is Sohani (pronunciation: So — H — knee).
Indian classical music has what we call a raga (pronunciation: raa -guh). A raga is a particular pattern of notes. And every pattern in Indian classical music is given a different name. I was named after one such raga — Sohani.
I love my name! But, I’ve never had an easy time explaining its meaning or its pronunciation — in India or abroad, as a child and as an adult. I’ve always tried to help my acquaintances and colleagues pronounce it correctly. In one funny instance, I realized that my colleague in my new job was struggling hard to remember and pronounce my name. To make working with each other more comfortable, I asked her to call me Soha (the first two syllables). Simple enough? Yes. She was thrilled because I made it easier for her. She even practiced it a few times. But very soon, she started calling me Saho!
So now, I’ve fine-tuned myself to respond to anything that remotely sounds like the first two syllables of my name. And I am thankful because my name has been a conversation starter and an ice breaker on many occasions — including writing this introduction about myself.
My Writing Journey
I’ve never thought of myself as someone who’s good with words, and I often struggle with vocabulary.
Biology and the sciences fascinate me! I used to work in infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS research in Cleveland, Ohio, US. Here, I started to realize that scientists belong to an elite club. I was beginning to enter this elite club. It felt great!
But, I saw myself disconnecting with others. I could not easily explain simple scientific ideas to a non-science person. What is the use of health and science research and education when the very people it is meant to impact, get intimidated by it?
So I moved away from lab research. And my life’s course eventually brought me to a writing-intensive Master’s degree in International Development in Boston, Massachusettes, US. It was tough, but I learned how to use words to express, explain, and advocate properly.
I’ve been fortunate to work in different sectors. I slowly began to learn and understand how to make complex concepts and data palatable through writing. And through continuous drafting, revision, and feedback, I started getting better. But I still have a long way to go.
Continuing my writing journey, I now work in an education-technology organization in India. I write lessons that simplify science concepts for primary and middle school children in under-resourced schools in remote, rural, and urban India. I give teachers ideas to encourage curiosity and scientific temper among children. I bring current research to the fingertips of science teachers to make their classroom lessons as up to date as possible. Through my work, I help with upskilling teachers and also improve the quality of science education.
I’ve always followed and have been inspired by articles on Medium. Only recently, I decided to join Medium as a writer. As a writer, I intend to share stories in health, science, culture, and history.
I love to read different perspectives and opinions, and through the process of reading and reflecting, I hope to hone my own writing skills. I see feedback as an essential input for my writing process. So suggestions and comments are welcome.
Lastly, thank you, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, who encouraged me to share my story, and also for creating an impressive network of writers through his publication Illumination.