Tannisha Avarrsekar is the Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Lokatantra, an online platform that works towards bridging the gap between voters and politicians. She is a graduate in English and Politics from King’s College London, where she also sits on the Board of elected Associates.
Miss Avarrsekar is a well-respected consultant in the field of Political Strategy & Communications and was recently conferred with the Madcon Top 50 Marketing & Advertising Leaders award for pioneering efforts in the field of political marketing.
She is the author of two critically acclaimed books and Tanisha Avarrsekar also acts as Advisor to the boards of reputed NGOs such as the Insaniyat Foundation and the CFTI.
We invited Tannisha Avarrsekar, for an interview with Most Popular Stories to know more about her entrepreneurial journey.
- Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I did do jobs at numerous big companies including DDB Mudra and Yash Raj Films, before choosing to found a start-up. As a creative, I thrive on independence and flexibility, and entrepreneurship offers me more of that than most jobs would.
I like that all of my time, effort, and talent feel invariably like an investment in myself. Politics was always something I was passionate about, so it just made sense to put my money where my mouth was. I had done my research before I put in my papers, so I knew that the niche that I wanted to carve with Lokatantra was one that was untapped.
- What was the vision behind it?
Since I moved to London for my studies when I was 18, 2019 was the first election that I was able to vote in. After I came back, gathering information about the registration process, as well as probable candidates took lots of time and effort.
That’s when I began realizing that for citizens like me, who wanted to be more politically aware or socially conscious, there was the want of a platform where they could educate themselves and engage with those they were considering electing. And that’s how Lokatantra came along.
- Describe the services that you offer to your customers and in what way they are unique?
Lokatantra is the first-of-its-kind, online platform, that empowers young Indian voters, with extensive and detailed information about their candidates and the voting process, verifies its authenticity and then organizes it in a manner which makes it quick and easy to understand.
On the flip side, it also collects data on citizens’ opinions on key issues through polls and surveys, and then analyses and publishes the results, to aid in the decision-making process of leaders. Thereby shedding light on both the accomplishments of politicians- especially independents who can’t afford expensive campaigns, as well as the troubles of the common man.
- What difficulties which you have faced or you are facing?
To be fair, the journey so far has been short. The greatest difficulty was getting people to believe in, invest in and work with, a fairly unconventional initiative. Both my age and gender meant that people took the time to take me seriously.
- How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Honestly, I thrive under pressure. I truly perform my best under it. So it’s never something I’ve perceived as an obstacle.
I am a workaholic, but I am also someone that is not too hard on myself. It is very helpful, that I am blessed with a great support system both at work and outside. I deal with stress by distracting myself with friends, music that pumps me up or reading my favorite quotes and poems.
- What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person/startup?
Being independent and on occasion bold in my decision-making has definitely helped. It has allowed me to make unconventional choices, take calculated risks and sometimes better deal with the brunt of mistakes.
- How is your company helping India to grow?
Lokatantra is a digital news & media agency in the form of a website and mobile application that is helping India grow by educating the youth about politics and social causes. Moreover, it connects leaders and citizens, and answers all voting-related how, when, where and who questions.
With no affiliations to any party, person or ideology, Lokatantra brings the electorate honest and unbiased information that helps India make the most of its right to vote.
- In your opinion what are the keys to success?
I believe the key is simply having faith. In plans, in people, and most importantly in yourself.
- What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
Don’t let anyone succeed or failure define your entire career. I have faced so many ups and downs in the very short duration that I have been an entrepreneur, that I am certain that nothing is really permanent. Don’t let external pressures and expectations mess with your plans, because it is never too early or too late to do anything.
Click Here to Visit the Website
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.Lokatantra
You can also check out other articles like,