Interview with Trina Kanungo
Can you share a lesser-known fact about your artistic side, particularly painting?
TRINA KANUNGO: Unorganized sketches and greetings card making used to be my favourite passtime since my childhood. But I donot have any formal training in Fine Arts. I started my hardcore painting regime during my hostel episode at IIT Dhanbad,where I developed my interest in Indian folk art genre for the first time.In my hostel , I started hovering through various Indian Folk art forms in the Internet , and developed interest in Jamini Roy genre, Warli art genre, Maithili art gere and Indian Pottery painting ideas. So nothing was planned as such, it was a matter of pure incidence.
Which award or accolade holds the most significance to you, and why?
TRINA KANUNGO: I cannot identify any award as most significant, as for me, all my accolade holds equal significance. Any award is a tool of recognition to me. Therefore I feel blessed that , the Almighty God has given me such golden opportunities.
Can you elaborate on your experience with Macroeconomic Diagnostics and its applications?
TRINA KANUNGO: I have been a student of Mathematics hons, during my graduation, Maths and Computing , in my PG from IIT Dhanbad. I always had a keen interest in coding. I have learnt Java,C, C++ and Matlab till my PG courses. Now as I came across new programming languages like R ,Python, I came across this course of Macroeconomic Diagnostics , which is an online course , conducted by IMF. Since my husband , is a research officer in the Policy and research dept, in Reserve Bank Of India, he encouraged me to pursue this course, and he guided me thoroughly in this entire course. Macroeconomic diagnostics involves analyzing the overall health of an economy by examining key indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, unemployment rates, and fiscal balances. This process helps identify economic strengths, weaknesses, and trends to guide policy decisions, ensuring sustainable growth and stability. It encompasses assessing external factors, productivity, and financial conditions.Since I am an employee in the ECA of India, where we are dealing with the Export credit Insurance in Indian foreign Trade sector,it is so vital for me to have the basic knowledge of Economics. And when IMF organizes such basic courses, it is indeed a pleasure to learn Economics with real time case studies.
What inspires your writing, and which themes do you explore in your award-winning literary works?
TRINA KANUNGO: I have always selected non-fiction realistic themes, case studies , real life topics for my literary works so that my readers neednot give efforts to identify with my subject.
What drives your exceptional academic and professional achievements, from IIT-ISM Dhanbad to ECGC Ltd?
TRINA KANUNGO: Simply the urge to be financially independent individual, drove me from the IIT Campus in Dhanbad to the ECA (Export Credit Agency) of India, in the financial capital of India.
How do you balance your corporate career with your passions for Indian Fine Arts and Literature?
TRINA KANUNGO: My service life is my necessity, my workplace is my temple. But exploring Indian Fine arts and Literature is my hobby which helps me rejuvenate my energy to deal with my work life everyday.
How does receiving the Honorary Doctorate on “Peace and Meditation” reflect your personal philosophy?
TRINA KANUNGO: I feel, being calm and composed by nature, I have always tried to be problem solver in every aspect of my life. And medication has always played a vital role, in shaping my nature. So winning this Honorary doctorate on my thesis on Peace and Meditation , is actually a replica of my life and my journey.
How do you see women’s roles evolving in the corporate and literary worlds?
TRINA KANUNGO: Women’s roles in corporate and literary worlds have evolved significantly, with more women breaking barriers and attaining leadership positions in business and becoming influential authors and thinkers. This shift reflects greater recognition of gender equality, diversity, and women’s unique perspectives, enriching company cultures and literary landscapes with fresh insights and creative voices.
