twistntales

To Whomsoever It May Concern

It's a joy to write a recommendation for Ahana.

Ahana came to us in twistntales in Aug 2005, when she had just registered for her bachelor's degree in literature.

We are a small bookstore that caters to the neighbourhood. Folks come to us for recommendations on what they should be reading. In such a scenario, Ahana fitted the role well.

But almost two years later, as she moved out, she created a void that's difficult for us to fill. Not only had she enlarged her role considerably, but also for folks that we serviced .... we had spoiled them with some exemplary reviews, amazing recommendations and completely personalising service for them.

As a bookstore owner, I was thrilled. As her boss, I was overwhelmed – she had performed way beyond expectations. But more than anything else, as a coach and human resources person, I was pleased at the constantly stretching targets that she set for herself, and successfully achieved, time and again. I was pleased to see her grow.

Ahana does things with a passion that is rare. While she was at the Store, she has often been asked, whether she owned the Store. That she did. She took ownership to get the job done and service the customer. While her knowledge about books, authors, writing styles was expected, it was her ability to interact with people that was going to be tested. But the care, the sensitivity and the interest that she took in people was surprising.

She joined us at an age when most girls tend to find social interactions a little painful, (except amongst friends their own age). She was breaking her own barriers and inhibitions with every interaction with a customer, in the process rediscovering her abilities to relate to people. Ahana is a child woman in many ways. She is completely unbiased when it comes to people. She is willing to give benefit of doubt. She is non judgmental. Her ability to relate to young kids and parents was natural, but to seniors was trying. She consciously worked on areas to develop tact, patience and sensitivity to deal with older people. That was very rewarding.

Ahana is a delight for a humanities person. From Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, her interests were varied. But reading and more so, writing seems more like her true calling. She writes with a sensitivity and fluidity that is difficult to achieve. She gets to the point, and conveys precisely in the manner she intends to. Rules, forms and the grammar of writing do not deter her. She has crafted her own unique way to communicate – and manages to touch the soul, everytime. Our book reviews were handled with flair !

As a student, Ahana learnt to do the balancing act very well. While managing the requirements of a demanding part time job, she coped well with academic pressures. Whatever Ahana does in life, it has to include an element of writing. She finds her way home through it. We wish Ahana all the very best in all her academic endeavours.

For the uninitiated, Ahana is Tia. We surely are hoping that our co-author on this blog is headed to Oxford into elite company.

Happy birthday, Tia. I know that this may be your last birthday in Pune. We will miss you. :))