Asian Star- Deepshikha Joshi

Tell us about your early life and background.
I grew up in a town called Haldwani in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, in
India. My father established a School in Haldwani in 1976. Both my parents were
acclaimed Academicians who made remarkable contribution to the field of
education. They introduced me to the Indian classical music at an early age,
encouraged me to read a lot and instilled the values of education and self
dependence in me. I was surrounded by more than a couple thousand books at
home at all times. My parents always supported my endeavours be it in
accompanying me to my music classes and events in different cities or making
different genres of literature available to me at home. I had all the freedom to
explore my interests in various areas.
I completed my Grade 12 education in Haldwani. I have a Masters Degree in
Political Science from the University of Delhi and an executive MBA from IIM-
Lucknow.
Tell us about your background in music and what it means to you.
My parents introduced me to music at an early age. Initially I was enrolled in a
nearby music school. Gradually, as my interest in Indian classical music deepened,
I was introduced to the renowned Sitarist, Late Pandit Deviram Arya ji, in Nainital.
I took a trip to Nainital every weekend for my lessons with him. Also, my brother
(a Sarangi player) established an environment at home that was conducive to the
learning and practising music. I also learnt under the eminent Sitar exponent, Late
Pandit Umashankar Mishra ji in Delhi.
I am continuing my musical journey under the world renowned Sitar and Tabla
Maestro, Pandit Nayan Ghosh ji. I am very fortunate to have his blessings and
guidance. My endeavour as a pursuant of Indian Classical music is to constantly
travel in the deeper nuances of music and find myself through it as I am finding
my way in it. It is a vast field where the musician loses oneself while still keeping
very aware of the movement and purity of notes. It is a life long journey that
involves surrender to the Guru, a deep love for music and constant effort to
better and refine oneself as a musician and an individual.
Tell us about your career advancement, initiatives, volunteer work and present
occupation

While I was in India, I did some very fulfilling work as a training and development
Manager at a unique organization that delivered Life skills training at Engineering
and Management institutes, apart from a few other corporate jobs I worked in. I
moved to Canada in 2014. I have been working for the Government of Alberta
since 2015. I worked with Alberta Supports in the Ministry of Community and
Social Services for over 6 years and I am currently with the Department of
Training and Employment Services, Workforce strategies in the Ministry of Labour
and Immigration. I am happy to have found work that gives me the opportunity to
serve Albertans in my little capacity. It has enriched my life experiences in many
ways.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I do not have any regrets. I believe in working hard towards a worthy goal. I
understand that things happen when they have to happen and what’s yours will
come to you when it’s meant to.
Were You Ever Discriminated against?
We all have prejudices that lead to biases, both conscious and unconscious. We
all make certain decisions and treat people based on what we already know about
them. In that sense, we all discriminate against or work in favour of some people.
Sometimes we benefit from it and other times we don’t. If this question pertains
to racism in particular then no, I have not faced racism in a very explicit manner.
But prejudiced behaviour and biases I have, both in India and Canada. The best
we can do is to try to become aware of our biases and make conscious decisions.
Any comments of Canada’s culture and climate?
Canada as I know it is a country of varied cultures considering the innumerable
ethnicities that live in it. They all bring their unique culture, food, language and
music with them and make this a diverse and vibrant country. We live in Alberta,
the land of lakes, glaciers and Rockies and long and frigid winters. But the summer
then is so much sweeter. It can take some time to adjust to the winters initially
but eventually we get used to it. Also, it may be cold outside but the people are
warm hearted.
What Brought You Success in Canada?
Success means different things to different people. Knowing what one wants or
doesn’t want in life can eliminate a lot of obstacles and unnecessary running
around when we are working towards something. Sometimes it is a lot of hard

work, hit and miss or pure grace that brings us things we want and need in life.
Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?
I am always willing and I am fortunate to have found work that enables me to
serve all demographics of the society.
Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin
I am no preacher but here are some things that I try to follow. I don’t always
succeed at them but here they are- Stay real. Remember your roots as they give
us a strong foundation. Live an authentic life. Find work that fulfills you and put
your heart and soul in it. Make as much money as you need to live well but at the
end of the day, we live in a certain way so that we can do our life work without
stress and not the other way round. Slow down, be in nature and experience it
closely. Be kind.