Asian Heritage Month Employee Features

Rahul Paul  Dr. Pratibha Shalini    

Rahul Paul

Instructor, School of Business

Rahul, having lived and worked across different continents, how have your personal experiences in Oman, Switzerland, and Canada shaped your understanding of your own Asian heritage? In what ways have these experiences enriched your personal and professional life?

I was born and raised in the Arabian Gulf - Muscat, Oman. I did my entire 14 years of schooling from my first year of kindergarten until my last year of high school at the Indian School Muscat (ISM). My parents are from Kolkata, India and we are of Bengali descent. Bengali is my mother tongue and Hindi is our national language. I am fluent in five languages.

During my teenage years, I used to have a deep desire to step out of my comfort zone and mingle with people from different countries and cultures. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to travel to many countries across the world along with getting acquainted to so many people from different ethnic backgrounds, some of whom have become friends for life!

The most memorable experience of my own Asian Heritage was when 50 of my friends belonging to 28 different nationalities (Non South Asian descent) had flown down to Kolkata for my wedding from 32 cities across the world, including Fort McMurray. The culture was very different and unique to them, and I appreciated the fact that they had a quest to learn and tried their best to immerse themselves into the new custom before, during and after the wedding festivities.

Looking at this year's theme for Asian Heritage Month, 'Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy', what personal legacy related to your Asian heritage would you like to leave for the students at Keyano College? How do you hope to inspire future generations in your academic and professional sphere?

We are thankful to have the opportunity to come and live in Canada, which has become our home away from home. We are so blessed to live in such a multi-cultural community. It is important to hold on to your roots and respect your own ethnicity along with embracing the Canadian culture and norms with open arms! I believe that our values and interests may differ based on our upbringing. However, we are all global citizens and should respect one another!

Throughout your career in hospitality and academia, have there been any figures from your Asian heritage who inspired or influenced your approach to teaching and management? How do their philosophies or successes resonate with your work at Keyano College?

Mahatma Gandhi, a famous freedom fighter from India had once said “literacy should never be the end of education nor even the beginning. It is only one of the means whereby man and women can be educated". As a result, I strongly believe that there is no end to being educated regardless of your background or gender. Furthermore, you should pursue a career in an area that you are passionate about and not because you are forced to do it.

Can you share about any leaders or thinkers from your Asian background who have shaped your views on leadership and education? How do you incorporate their teachings or values into your role at Keyano College, both in the classroom and in your interactions with colleagues?

Apart from my parents,  some of my teachers from my high school days at the Indian School Muscat had always inspired me to strive for the best while I was in a dilemma to choose the right career path. They used to encourage me by stating that education shall never go waste, no matter which career you path you follow, as long as long have the grit and determination to do it within the best of your availability. As there is a saying, 'knowledge is power'!

Dr. Pratibha Shalini

Instructor, School of Business

As an accomplished academic with roots in India, how has your heritage influenced your approach to teaching and research in economics and business?

I was raised in a culture that views education as a catalyst for enlightenment, empowerment, and societal progress. Growing up in India, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in uplifting individuals from diverse backgrounds and breaking the cycle of poverty. Inspired by these experiences, I embarked on an academic journey that melded my Indian heritage with global perspectives. After earning an MSc. in International Financial Management from the University of West of Scotland, UK, I pursued a PhD in Economics, focusing on financial inclusion and literacy. Rooted in my observations and deep connection to my Indian roots, my research aimed to address economic disparities and empower marginalized communities both locally and globally.

Upon relocating to Canada and joining Keyano College as a faculty member, I've always infused my diverse educational background and cultural heritage into my teaching approach. By incorporating perspectives from various cultures, I aim to enrich discussions on global economic dynamics, fostering a deeper understanding of Canada's role in the interconnected world. Looking ahead, I aspire to expand my research portfolio and develop my teaching curriculum to include topics that promote responsible business and economics education. The goal of my next research project is to broaden the scope of financial literacy to sustainable financial literacy, emphasizing responsible consumption and production decisions for the betterment of both individuals and society as a whole.

Could you share how your own story of determination has played a role in your career achievements, especially in transitioning to teaching roles in Canada?

I believe education can change lives, and I've always been determined to make a positive impact. My journey shows how determination helped me reach my goals. One significant example of my determination was when I decided to pursue my bachelor's degree from one of India's most prestigious universities, despite the daunting two-hour commute each way each day, involving crossing state borders. As a woman, the societal barriers added complexity to my journey, but my determination remained unshaken, propelling me to pursue higher education abroad.

Venturing into unfamiliar territory for my master's degree and later embarking on a PhD journey, where I encountered unforeseen challenges such as the unexpected demonetization of currency by the Government of India, which directly impacted my research. It happened towards the end of the third of year of my PhD and felt like an end. However, with the support of my instructors and family, I persevered, turning this setback into an opportunity to produce a unique thesis, now available for public access at the British Library.

Upon relocating to Canada within a month, my determination was once again put to the test as the Covid-19 lockdowns started. It necessitated a swift transition to doing everything online – from finding a job to doing all the work online. Despite the challenges posed by this new environment, I embraced innovative methodologies and overcame obstacles with resilience and adaptability. Throughout my career, my determination has been a driving force behind my achievements, enabling me to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for growth and impact.

Your research interests include economic and social development. How do you see these areas intersecting with the challenges faced by the Asian community in Canada?

To tackle the challenges faced by the Asian community in Canada, particularly in economic and social development, it's crucial to think long-term. For students and individuals seeking to integrate into Canadian society, it's essential to move beyond immediate goals such as obtaining work permits or residency. While these milestones are important, they should be viewed as steppingstones rather than ultimate objectives.

Instead, students taking study route should view it as an opportunity for holistic personal and professional development. By focusing on acquiring a quality education and continuously learning new skills while refining existing ones, individuals can lay the foundation for long-term success and exponential growth. Embracing education not only opens doors to better career opportunities but also fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability – qualities essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Furthermore, upholding the values ingrained in our cultural heritage – such as hard work, integrity, perseverance, resilience, and contributing to society – can serve as guiding principles in this journey. Therefore, by embracing a long-term vision grounded in education, continuous learning, creativity, and cultural values, individuals can not only overcome challenges but also thrive and make meaningful contributions to the Asian community and Canadian society as a whole.

What message would you like to share with students of Asian descent at Keyano College about leveraging their cultural heritage as a strength in their academic and professional pursuits?

As you navigate your academic and professional pursuits, it's essential to leverage your cultural heritage as a strength. Embrace the values of resilience, diligence, and respect for education that are ingrained in your cultural background. These values can serve as guiding principles to help you overcome challenges and achieve success.

In addition, it's crucial to control temptation and stay focused on your long-term goals. While short-term benefits may seem enticing, it's important not to jeopardize your long-term aspirations for immediate gratification. Resist distractions and prioritize activities that align with your ultimate objectives.

Remember to maintain a balance between short-term rewards and long-term goals. By staying disciplined and focused, you can navigate challenges with confidence and achieve sustainable success in your academic and professional endeavors. Your cultural heritage provides a solid foundation; let it guide you as you strive for excellence and pursue your dreams at Keyano College and beyond.