Choosing light

In this column we shine the spotlight on the immigrant experience. And, as a cultural exchange, get them to share food recipes they hold dear. This week we bring you the story of Neha Malik from India. The HR professional and career mentor has been fighting her share of ebbs with a gentle flow of faith.

by Navjyoti Dalal

Of the people I have come across for this column, a majority has migrated to Ireland for better financial/growth prospects; while some found it a safe sanctuary, having fled wars and/or persecution; yet others are those for whom this is an educational nursery, incubating their potential, readying them for the workforce.

But for Neha Malik, Ireland was a beacon of hope, and perhaps the only one. Indians by origin, Neha, and her husband Tarun Malik, journeyed across continents, from Singapore (where they were based before moving) to Ireland, along with their daughter Lorena, who was about 5-6 years of age then. As Tarun and Neha marvelled at the greenery of this land, Lorena filled some of that colour with imagination. Her sight, compromised and on a progressive decline, could only do so much.

Curating A New Life

Lorena has Alström syndrome, an ultra-rare, progressive genetic disorder causing childhood-onset obesity, vision loss, and sensorineural hearing loss.

Google lists other very serious and fatal effects of this condition including multi-organ dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney and liver failure.

The condition is rare with only 1200 reported cases globally, and only 20 in India. The line of treatment is usually managing symptoms, without any cure.

Through their doctors the Maliks heard about potential trials for Alström Syndrome (AS) in the UK, and decided to stake a chance at them. "Our first preference was to move to UK, but relocating to Ireland was more feasible because Tarun's employer in Singapore has presence in the Irish IT industry as well. So he requested a transfer," shares Neha about their 2020 inter-continental move.

This new life came with its own set of discoveries, learning, unlearning and adaptations. The challenges came in every form, on every front. On the peripheral level the adjustments happened with weather (it is also the safest to complain about); practically, they had to understand and conform to a new kind of medical system; emotionally, they had to navigate homesickness, an indefinite wait for the trials, and also finding people who accepted them and Lorena wholeheartedly.

She lauds the Irish culture for its openness, "I truly admire the Irish for their inclusivity and non-judgemental approach. It's remarkable how normal they are around the differently-abled, giving them the dignity they deserve. Such sensitivity is rare in many cultures. I also am thankful for institutions like Vision Ireland which are ever so supportive of persons with blindness."

With time she found her tribe, a slow rhythm began to appear in her days, Lorena too found herself a passion, music. A student at St Paul's School, she takes great pride in being able to sing bhajans (devotional songs) and difficult ragas of Indian classical music. "People tell me I am strong, but it isn't strength alone, it's self-preservation, and above all faith. One has to believe and put one step in front of the other," says Neha, who is a devout follower of an Indian spiritual Guru affectionately called Guruji.

Receiving and Relaying Guidance

Neha regards her spiritual outlook as a life-jacket in choppy waters. "It is very easy to get lost in the suffering. One tends to fall in the victimhood trap. But spirituality helps you see beyond the pain. I realised what I have in my life, whether good or bad, is my destiny, and I must live it with grace. With spiritual guidance you live in acceptance and gratitude. And I have plenty to be grateful for, to begin with, Lorena, my most special girl, with the purest heart," says Neha.

Her new beginning in Ireland also saw Neha embark on another journey of guidance, only here, she is the benefactor. A human resource professional since 2009, Neha has worked across a spectrum of HR roles in various industries from education to banking, but found her true calling in Ireland, in career mentorship of youngsters. "Career coaching youngsters is very close to my heart. It allows me to go beyond placements and genuinely help candidates align their skills, aspirations, and growth with the right opportunities, and not get lost in the rigmarole of job hunt. I understand the importance of employment in life, and so also the misfortune of being stuck in the wrong job, with an education loan to pay-off. I do my due diligence, interpret the job market, its trends and industry peculiarities, and more, to guide my clients accordingly," shares Neha, a talent acquisition specialist.

While Ireland has shown promise as a reliable economy, especially in pharmaceuticals and tech industries, the position is not built on solid ground (less taxation et al). Uncertainty now looms over the employment market. Neha doles out a few expert tips to safeguard one's position as an employee and employment seeker. "Focus on building in-demand skills, tailoring your CV to each role, staying flexible, and consistently networking to uncover opportunities. When applying for a position, ensure that your CV is tailored to the role, clearly showcases measurable achievements, highlights relevant skills and experience, and is concise, well-structured, and results-driven," she recommends.

I have known Neha for some years. We are what I'd call friendly acquaintances, and have a few things in common, including neighbourhood, nationality and a love for cooking. I have known that her daughter is differently abled, and that Neha is spiritually inclined, but it was only during the course of this interview that I found out about the internal storm she has been braving, with only faith as her shield.

If you, or someone you know, are an immigrant with a story to share, write to us at editor@westmeathindependent.ie, or navjyoti.d@gmail.com

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Truffles (sugar free)

Neha has a fan-base in the Indian community owing to her culinary skills. While her forte lies in traditional Indian sweet and savoury dishes, she has widened her scope. To accommodate Lorena's dietary requirements, Neha has developed many recipes aligned with AS. This healthy and sugar free alternative to conventional truffles can be enjoyed with diabetics and sweet lovers equally.

Ingredients:

•⁠ ⁠Dark chocolate

•⁠ 150 gm ⁠roasted chana (easily available at Indian/Pakistani stores)

•⁠ ⁠200 gm soaked dates

•⁠ 4-5 spoonfuls of cocoa powder

•⁠ 1-2 spoons pure ghee

Method:

1.⁠ ⁠Roast the chana on a medium flame. Once cooled, grind it into a fine powder.

2.⁠ ⁠Grind the soaked dates into a smooth paste.

3.⁠ ⁠Combine the powdered chana and date paste in a bowl. Add cocoa powder and mix well.

4.⁠ ⁠Add the desi ghee and mix until the mixture binds together.

5.⁠ ⁠Shape the mixture into small round balls.

6.⁠ ⁠Dip each ball into melted dark chocolate and garnish with pistachios.

7.⁠ ⁠Let them set in the fridge and they are ready to eat.