Revant Himatsingka is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business. He was initially headed for a career in Finance. Soon after, he left his Wall Street job and also turned down an MBA offer from IIM Bangalore in order to pursue his passion for improving the thought process of India’s youth. Revant, recently launched his first book, Selfienomics, a self-help comedy book published by Bloomsbury.
In conversation with Revant :
1. What gave you the idea of “Selfienomics”?
It was a combination of frustration and self-confidence. Frustration at the way people spend their money, and time overall, and confidence that I can help them change it. I also realized that there’s not a single book which combined humor with philosophy in India. Most self-help books in India usually get very “spiritual” in nature, which I am NOT. So, I knew I can bring a new perspective to the table.
2. You are a TEDx speaker too. How does it feel to inspire a lot of people?
It feels amazing to get messages from readers from different parts of the country who tell me how the book and my talks have inspired them to make a positive change.
3. When was your first session of TEDx? How did it all begin?
It was in February 2017 in Delhi. Coincidentally it was the same day when SRK announced that he would start a TED talk show in India. I was going to come to India for my friend’s wedding so I wanted to make sure to use my trip for more than just the wedding. I got to know that a TEDx event is taking place in Delhi right before his wedding, so I contacted the organizers with my idea. They seemed to like it and we went ahead. It went off really well, and I became the first speaker to bring a sanitary pad to the stage.
4. What is the most memorable incident in your entire journey?
There have been quite a few. I think one pretty cool incident was when a German girl shared a 4 page PDF of her favorite quotes from the book. I thought the book is quite Desi in style, so was quite surprised that someone who doesn’t understand Indian references would be inspired by the book.
5. Who has been your support and inspiration for the journey as an Author and a TEDx speaker?
My mom. She keeps motivating me to go for the big things. My mother is the only source of inspiration and constant motivation whenever I feel low. She is the courage behind all the riskful steps I took in my life and paved way for much better opportunities.
6. How did people react to the path you were going to take in future as you completely left the expected MBA graduate path?
My friends and relatives could never understand how anyone could be “smart enough to get into IIM yet stupid enough not to go”. There have always been mixed emotions behind all the steps I took but, it feels great to see the hard work paying off.
7. What will be your message for the youth?
The media and Indian society always glorifies difficult things. This is why Indians are obsessed with buying diamonds, fasting, and IITs/IIMs. My message would don’t chase difficult things, chase what is “useful”. It is great to push ourselves to our limits, but there is a line that we frequently cross. We have become obsessed with checking items off our bucket lists by giving ourselves unnecessary challenges—doing one hard thing after the other, without stopping to think whether there is any benefit except an ego boost.