by After much contemplation, I decided to begin this blog (the first for my website) by writing about the process of building my web presence- a significant personal and professional milestone. I have decided to put “myself out there” with a strong belief in the skills and expertise I have to offer to the world.
Role of Informal Coaching and Support
Some conversations lead to unexpected results. One such discussion with my elder brother led to the creation of this professional website. I have been a diligent and hardworking professional who has always believed that one’s work speaks for itself. However, in the current age of the internet, it is equally important to present to the world what you offer, skills, expertise, and experience at the click of a button. One’s online presence is thus not a choice but a necessity. The thought of creating a professional website for myself never crossed my mind till I engaged in these informal but extremely enriching coaching and mentoring sessions with my brother Manu Sharma.
During our multiple conversations, he prodded me with some important questions- How does your name and expertise become known to people around the world, beyond your existing professional network? How do you forge collaborations and new partnerships? Where do you put your thoughts into words online, the personal and professional reflective pieces? While I was aware of the power of the internet, I never really put my mind to how I could use it to my advantage. These questions and practical demonstrations by him made me aware that my work was already on the internet, i.e, I already had an online presence- one that was incidental, not intentional.
Demystifying Website Development
One of the reasons the thought of a professional website never crossed my mind was that I lacked the expertise and resources to make something like this. The belief shifted when I undertook coaching sessions with my brother to understand the backend of website development. There is a technical component to website development; however, once the domain is secured and the template is designed, under proper guidance, I could create the menu, pages, and forms for my website. As I got the hang of it, I naturally began to think about how the website should be organized- the tone, the content, and the kind of tools I wanted to use.
Revisiting My Professional Journey
In the process of learning this new skill of website development, I re-engaged with all that I had achieved in my professional journey. While I knew it, this exercise made it clear to the readers that I had consistently been developing a research focus around themes of the importance of varied knowledge(s), community organization, participatory planning, and furthering the agenda of inclusive and just urban development. It also made me realise the areas where I needed to put more effort, publishing my research on academic platforms and independent web portals. In some way, this entire exercise also helped me strategize how I want to shape my professional journey from here.
Reflections: A Space for Thought and Growth
With this blog, I begin a new phase, documenting my journey in a space that is entirely mine. “Reflections” will be my corner to think aloud on cities, communities, and questions that animate my professional life, as well as moments of personal significance. This first post marks not just the launch of a website but a commitment to share, reflect, and connect more openly with the world.
I invite you to browse through the rest of the site, and if something resonates, feel free to reach out.
