Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Manju Sheth.
Dr Sheth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story is rather unique .I am an Internist /Physician with interest in women’s health at Lahey Health. I have trained/worked in medicine in India, England and Boston so my approach to medicine is very integrated.
The person behind the patient is very important for me….the joy, sorrows, stress and the entire mind body connection is something that I focus on very carefully.
I have always been deeply curious about Human nature…power of human mind and what makes us who we really are. It led me to two enormously popular interview series in the South Asian world called Chai with Manju [Chai means tea] where I have interviewed major celebrities like Deepak Chopra, Linda Henry and been invited to State House to interview our Treasurer Deb Goldberg to name a few. Slowly it has become the series that is the window to the SA world in USA .I also started another interview series called Dream catchers to feature those making a difference from our community specially the younger generation like Sonika Veid featured in Top 5 /American Idol and Anubha Sancheti, a local dentist who won a million dollars on America’s greatest makers.
I also cofounded a Media company {INE multimedia ]in collaboration with the oldest Indian newspaper in NE called India new England news .It is a non-profit with the mission of education and empowerment and I bring to it my passion for media and goal of providing a platform to those making a difference .I have been a part of/Co-chaired /Organized over 200 major events in the SA community in last 10 years which have included huge fund raisers .It led me to create and conceptualize with my partner Mr. Upendra Mishra ..the biggest SA award show in North America called New England Choice Awards where we have honored some amazing people .The awardees have included a Grammy winner and Dean of MIT /engineering ..We have 10 important categories and a Lifetime Achievement /LA Award. This year this award will be presented to Mr. Nitin Nohria, Dean of Harvard Business School.
I have also Cofounded the annual biggest SA health expo in USA and have been fortunate to receive a grant from Harvard Pilgrim health care …I started it during my term as president of Indian Medical Association in 2013 and has been a great educational resource.
I truly believe that when we follow our passion and work hard with pure intentions then the universe becomes aligned to help us in making our dreams a reality. I try to constantly learn and get better at whatever I do… I truly believe that if we do not grow then we die.
My Husband and daughter have been my greatest support…standing behind me unconditionally. I also have a great group of friends
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, nothing worth having is ever smooth or easy .I have had my shares of challenges but I look at every roadblock as it has been aptly called ….bend and not an end…
People still have preconceived notions about race and surprisingly about women as well.
I have had instances where men have thanked my male partners /co workers and ignored me even though I have been the founder/producer of the show .It truly bothers me that some people still do not take women and their accomplishments seriously .
I am a nature lover and believe that god plans for flowers to bloom in different seasons so we have beauty throughout the year…I call myself a Fall/autumn flower as most of my opportunities came later in life.
I am a Hindu who went to a Catholic school /raised by nuns and has worked with almost every nationality and religions so my outlook on life is very different .I have learnt that often people misunderstand and miss judge you because they have not been exposed to many cultures so explaining things patiently will bring out the innate goodness in people.
I have my roots in India but truly got my wings in this country and I am very grateful for that. I cannot even begin to tell you the kindness and appreciation that I have received from most people.
Boston to me is as close to heaven on earth…and I have lived in some wonderful cities all over the world including London and Delhi .I am a true Bostonian at heart and I am completely besotted with my city and its people. I travel a lot and inevitably I get teary eyed before the plane lands in Boston and I hear.
Welcome to Boston.
Please tell us about INE Multimedia.
INE Multimedia is still new non-profit .I am very proud of our mission to educate, enrich, empower and of course entertain.
We have some important events like biggest South Asian Health expo IN NE for last 6 yrs. and have also brought some fabulous international entertainers to Boston. We do enriching shows like Chai with Manju, Dreamcatchers and Health Talk but I have to say that I am most proud of New England Choice Awards /NECA.
It has become such a huge success in such a short time. We plan to make it a national event very soon.
What sets us apart is that our focus is completely on our mission and giving back to the community.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would change one thing about myself. I have always been too trusting of people.
Now I too have learnt to trust but verify. I also gave too much of myself and neglected my own well-being and health by working 18 hours a days I am learning to make myself a priority now.
Contact Info:
- Email: Drmanjusheth@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Nabil Kapasi
Dyuti Majumdar
Thomas Arul
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
