A mother, mentor and guru

The third unit of entrepreneurs from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Programme at IIMB graduated recently. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women is a global initiative that fosters economic growth by providing women entrepreneurs all around the world with a business and management education, mentoring and networking and access to capital.

Hyderabad-based Bharatnatyam dancer Vyshnavie Sainath daughter and disciple of Rajeswari Sainath participated for Goldman Sachs in Performing Arts category.

She says, "While I was getting equipped with all things management, every lecture had one thing in common - throughout your journey you need to have that one person who will help you grow, be critical of every move and most importantly is happy to see you successful – following every class I had just one person who was that to me-MOM, who shifts between so many roles in my life my mentor, business partners, my partner in crime, my confidant, my punching bag."

"The programme focuses on women, who are into different businesses and are trying to make a difference in the society; I was the only one selected in fine arts. It is going on from six to eight months now, I did my initialtraining and got into my graduation programme, which was for three months. Now, I am done with the learning aspect of management. The mentoring session will go on for three years."

It's a natural thing for her to be a dancer; because of the influence that her mother had on her, and Rajeshwari Sainath took up the role of a teacher along with being a mother with aplomb. She says, "I think she has done it really well because she never mixes up with her roles.

There is a lot of influence that my mother has in my regular life. I don't have to go out for inspiration or competition as it is all at home. Seeing her practice makes me feel guilty. I am proud of the way she conducts the family. As I am married now, I can feel how she dedicates herself to us. I did not understand that until I got married."

"In class I behave like any other student; my mother is a little stricter towards me when compared to others. There is absolute surrender in any decision making of choreographies; unless my mother approves it will not go on stage.

It may be a small step or an elaborate sequence, unless she as a guru approves it won't go on stage. Once it comes back home, I have the lenience of choosing, then I have my father on my side, so it becomes easier to get things done in the home front."

Her mother Rajeshwari always wanted Vyshnavi to be good at her academics. Rajeshwari shares, "For me, there should be a lot of self instinctive thought process when you want to do something. Of course, there will be support and encouragement. I always thought that along with dance she must academically excel.

I lead by example; as a guru you just cannot keep on preaching - you must practice before you preach and scan yourself as a role model. I always keep telling Vyshnavi to do just that. Had she not have chosen dance as her career, I think she would have been in one of the world class universities.

I thought she must channelize her knowledge and intelligence and work in fine arts. She also enjoyed the journey of fine arts so much that it was an automatic progression. In this process she had learnt multiple styles, and continues to learn, and, then she did her journalism, which she felt was not routine.

She has leadership and entrepreneur quality. I felt happy when she got selected for the programme." On how the relationship pans out on so many levels as a teacher, mother, friend and mentor. She explains, "I am a very strict teacher, but she knows the seriousness of the art form and what it means to be at that level.

We are like friends; we enjoy a lot together. She values my opinion- of what I approve and think. However, as a guru and student we need to navigate certain constrains. I am a good friend and I keep giving her advices. Professionally, we both sit together and choreograph if necessary, and uphold the guru and student parampara."

Being a mother, she wants all mothers to be liberal in selecting their kids' career. "Don't pressurise them; give them the space and time and try to understand what is good for them.

Do not try to push her to weak areas and neglect her strong area. Parents must be adaptable to the comments; they must be intelligent to do the right homework for their child. Bring in lot of humility when among kids," she says.