RYTHM Connect

Can the next generation turn empathy into lasting impact? Host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Pranati Panda, Programme Director at Parinaama Development Foundation, about what it takes to move from awareness to real action.    The conversation explores what it takes to motivate young changemakers in a world of distractions. Together, they unpack how purpose, technology, and mentorship can ignite a new wave of socially-conscious leaders determined to create lasting change.  ------------------------------------------------------------ 00:00:06 to 00:00:38 | What Drives Change  Sparking lasting impact among youth  Health, education, and upskilling in underserved India  Invitation to a purpose-led conversation    00:01:14 to 00:01:42 | Parinaama & Partnership  Closing gender gaps; removing barriers  Longstanding RYTHM Foundation ally  Menstrual health & sustainable agriculture wins    00:03:08 to 00:06:20 | From Sceptic to Builder  Watching a non-profit start from scratch  Management skills meet grassroots action  Field visits that changed perspective    00:08:00 to 00:11:03 | “Impact Is Fun”  From “NGO” to “for-purpose” mindset  Try volunteering; exposure shifts views  Value beyond corporate status    00:15:01 to 00:18:37 | Youth, Tech & Literacy  Rural phones = new opportunities  Creator economy requires fundamental skills  Digital literacy over endless scrolling    00:21:42 to 00:23:44 | Nonprofits, Upgraded  Education to keep pace with automation  Foundational literacy with RHYTHM  Storytelling that scales impact    00:27:30 to 00:28:54 | Leading Earlier  Younger teams in real authority 

Can tourism finally break free of mass consumption and become a method for meaningful community engagement? Host Umayal Eswaran dives into the world of sustainable tourism with Madhurjya Sarma, a Senior Project Manager at Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE).   This insightful conversation breaks down how sustainable tourism and climate action converge to help transform communities in the remotest parts of the world, and how community-driven solutions can unlock long-term change.   —————————————————————————————— Episode Highlights 00:00 – 03:41 | A Purpose-Driven Journey * From teacher to tourism and clean energy advocate * Unlocking purpose on a field trip * The sustainable development journey   03:42 – 07:35 | Lighting Up Remote Communities  * Over 60 years without light * Taking the wonders of technology to over 200 villages * The milestone of electricity    07:36 – 11:54 | Where The Roads Do Not Go * The terrain challenge * 20,000 steps, multiplied  * Stranded in the mountains * Reiterating community needs   11:55 – 13:29 | Acting When It Matters * Connecting people to human realities * The big why: Choosing to act * Waking up to our roles   13:30 – 17:59 | Traditional Wisdom vs. Modern Solutions * Resistance to change * Building trust through collaboration * Cultivating community leadership * Local knowledge as the basis for creating solutions   18:00 – 22:47 | Infrastructure Sustainability * Long-term technical concerns * Enabling community-driven systems and creating ‘climate engineers’ * Committees for continuity   22:48 – 27:16 | Tourism for Climate Action * Going ‘carbon negative’ * Minimising damage, maximising positive impact  * A holistic approach to sustainable tourism    27:18 – 30:26 | Government Involvement * Government support for development rollout  * Preventing over tourism * Sharing responsibility between sectors   30:27 – 33:47 | Vision For The Future * The tourism industry in 5 to 10 years * A community-first approach * The necessity of a circular economy * Localism for long-term sustainability   33:48 – 38:50 | The Unconventional Path * Shifting parental expectations * Supporting the changemaker’s passion and purpose * Partnerships for the future   END

In this inspiring episode of RYTHM Connect, Dr. Agnes Callamard, one of the world’s most respected human rights advocates, speaks with Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran about the power of standing up—for justice, dignity, and freedom. From her deeply personal beginnings in rural France to leading Amnesty International, Dr. Callamard reflects on the importance of courage, compassion, and speaking truth to power.  Their conversation offers a grounded look at today’s human rights landscape while also highlighting practical ways individuals, governments, and organisations can spark positive change.  Episode Highlights  00:00 – 01:39 | A Courageous Life  Meet human rights leader Agnes Callamard  A global voice for dignity and truth Lifelong journey driven by compassion  01:40 – 08:43 | Values That Shape Us  Inspired by her grandfather’s legacy  Childhood rooted in empathy and service  From local action to global impact    08:44 – 14:54 | Facing Global Shifts  Human rights amid rising challenges  The need for collective responsibility  Strengthening systems through cooperation    14:55 – 20:40 | A Call for Leadership  Encouraging climate accountability worldwide  Elevating justice in global decisions  Why vision and action must align    20:41 – 27:47 | Supporting the Marginalised  Ending inequality through legal reform  Protecting land, rights, and livelihoods  Uplifting refugees and at-risk communities    27:48 – 34:26 | The Role of Business  Corporate voices as allies for change  Engage in policy with purpose  Embed sustainability in every initiative    34:27 – 39:30 | Reasons for Hope  Courage from youth and activists  Collective action makes impact possible  Most people believe in a better world  39:31 – 40:21 | Keep the Conversation Going  Advocate for inclusive global progress  Use your platform for good  Change begins with all of us <END> 

Can a sport break barriers and bring people ofall abilities together? Parabowls—a modified version of lawn bowls—is doing just that. Host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Ganesh Ramanathan, President of Parabowls Singapore, about his journey as an athlete and advocate championing accessibility in the sport. This episode also explores sports’ role in inclusion, Singapore’s leadership in disability sports, and the push for global representation. Tune in for an inspiring talk on breaking stereotypes and promoting equality! ______________________________________________ 00:00-02:21 – Introduction  Welcome to RYTHM Connect  Introducing Ganesh Ramanathan  Parabowls: driving inclusion through sport    02:22-06:51 – Passion for Lawn Bowls and Advocacy  An athlete and an advocate  What the game entails  Bringing lawn bowls to athletes with disabilities    06:52-09:58 – The Power of Sports in Inclusion  The sport’s unique sportsmanship  Playing for enjoyment and empowering others  Expanding access through leadership    09:59-13:22 – Competitive Representation in Sports  National and international level opportunities  Gaining recognition on the big stage  Platforms for athletes with disabilities to thrive    13:23-19:38 – An Inspiring Story of Transformation  Mahindran Pasupathy’s inspiring journey  A life renewed for an athlete with a visual impairment  Family and community support for athletes with disabilities    19:39-25:00 – Breaking Stereotypes in Adaptive Sports  The societal shift needed for true inclusion  A rare sport uniting all abilities  Plans for fully inclusive competitions    25:01-29:39 – Singapore’s Leadership in Disability Inclusion  Government initiatives and policy changes  The “Disability Sports Master Plan 2024”  Expanding access and boosting participation    29:40-31:55 – Challenging Disability Stigmas  How Parabowls Singapore is shifting perceptions  Inspiring more people with disabilities to join sports  The importance of long-term community support    31:56-38:52 – Expanding Accessibility Through Innovation  Short mat bowls for easier accessibility  Adapting Parabowls for All Ages and Environments  Boosting participation through local partnerships    38:53-40:01 – Closing Thoughts  The uniting power of sports  Inclusion: Opportunity, not charity  Inspiring communities to foster belonging 

Social entrepreneur and gender equality advocate Eena Khalil Lim discusses community-driven change, holistic education, and the importance of fostering a love for learning in this engaging instalment of RYTHM Connect, hosted by Umayal Eswaran. She also shares insights into her work on social entrepreneurship with The Good Shop and the CHILD initiative, which empowers parents to make informed choices for their children’s well-being. ________________________________________________________ 00:00-01:01 – Introduction Introducing guest Eena Khalil Lim 01:02-04:09 – Eena Khalil Lim’s Background Growing up in a diverse community Interest in advocating for gender equality sparked   04:10-06:10 – Change Through Social Entrepreneurship The essential quality in driving social change Involving whole communities, listening to all voices Prioritising community needs   06:11-09:00 – Hope in Changemaking Real change happens when everyone is on the same page A “never-ending hope” keeps the vision alive No one issue is greater than the other   09:01-12:58 – Holistic Education Look at education holistically Education and empowering livelihoods Adapting to children’s different learning ways   12:59-15:20 – The Love of Learning Encourage a love for learning Avoid pressures and strict expectations Encouraging a reading habit from young   15:21-20:15 – Learning and Technology The power of AI and its timely introduction Excessive device use Reading for engaging imagination, cognitive growth   20:16-24:19 – The Arau Approach History of the Arau approach Malaysia’s own educational method The three pillars   24:20-29:40 – The Inspiration for CHILD The children’s industry covers medical care to tech Products should be guided by child experts CHILD helps parents navigate tough choices   29:41-35:25 – The Good Shop Understanding social entrepreneurship Aiming to bring social enterprises mainstream   35:26-40:25 – Creating Curiosity Integrate local culture for relatable learning Move beyond grades to foster interactive learning Nurture communication skills for fluency and expertise   40:26-42:59 – Closing Thoughts Education should be holistic Integrating local culture into education is empowering

In this episode, Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, reflects on her distinguished journey as the country’s third female Chief Justice with host Umayal Eswaran. She delves into her guiding principles of authenticity, the complexities of balancing leadership demands, and the pivotal role of support systems. Join this captivating conversation on resilience, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest levels. ______________________________________________ 00:00-00:40 – Introduction Introducing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Welcoming her to RYTHM Connect 00:41-01:55 – Ghana’s 3rd Female Chief Justice Chief Justice Torkornoo’s background and achievements 02:15-04:03 – Authenticity as a Philosophy Chief Justice Torkornoo’s guiding philosophy is authenticity Being yourself and not anybody else Your unique self is a gift to your community 04:04-05:31 – Challenges on the Journey Juggling multiple roles without conflict Balancing professional and personal responsibilities The burden of leadership 05:37-06:14 – The Weight of Leadership Balancing diverse expectations from 35 million people Leading a government arm for both the vulnerable and the privileged 06:15-08:16 – A Balancing Act Discovering balance without compromising well-being Staying true to her identity as Gertrude Women’s struggle to maintain a work-life balance 08:25-09:30 – Quietly Rising to the Top Surprised by anonymity despite years of service Women often identify themselves before their profession 09:38-12:48 – Strong Support System A loving family foundation instils confidence A supportive spouse offers stability A supportive work environment encourages growth 12:52-15:16 – Parents Shape Futures Parental support builds confidence from childhood Loving and supportive fathers play a key role in a daughter’s strength Balanced perspectives from both parents are essential 15:17-17:26 – Trust at the Core Trust is key to collaboration and teamwork Focus on real needs to build strong connections Clear communication ensures everyone works toward shared goals 17:27-20:39 – Curiosity Opens Doors Proactiveness led to an unexpected opportunity Expertise in business law opened new doors 20:40-24:13 - Learning is Lifelong Embrace deliberate learning for leadership growth Find role models to guide your journey 24:14-27:45 - On Creative Pursuits - Creative pursuits enrich leadership perspective - Humanity thrives on diverse experiences 27:46-32:06 - Pivotal Career Moments - Gained trust through active involvement and support - Led committees, shaping key reforms and initiatives - Helped execute chief justices' visions with dedication 32:07-36:26 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders - Choose to understand where people are coming from - Define your problems and develop solutions - Engage people with kindness and compassion 36:27-37:38 – Closing Thoughts - Owning your space is about making an impact - Never be afraid to ask for help

In this episode, Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, reflects on her distinguished journey as the country’s third female Chief Justice with host Umayal Eswaran. She delves into her guiding principles of authenticity, the complexities of balancing leadership demands, and the pivotal role of support systems. Join this captivating conversation on resilience, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest echelons of power. ________________________________ 0:000:00-00:00:44 - Introduction  Introducing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.  Welcoming her to RYTHM Connect.   00:00:45-00:01:57 - Ghana’s 3rd Female Chief Justice  Chief Justice Torkornoo’s background and achievements.  00:01:58-00:04:02 - Authenticity as a Philosophy  Chief Justice Torkornoo’s guiding philosophy is authenticity.  Authenticity is being yourself and not being anybody else.  Being your unique self is a gift to your community.  00:04:02-00:05:35 - Challenges on the Journey  Juggling multiple roles without conflict.  Balancing professional and personal responsibilities.  00:05:36-00:06:14 - The Weight of Leadership  Balancing diverse expectations from 35 million people.  Leading a government arm serving both vulnerable and powerful.  00:06:15-00:08:20 - A Balancing Act  Discovering balance without compromising well-being.  Staying true to her identity as Gertrude.  Many women struggle to maintain work-life balance.  00:08:21-00:09:29 - Quietly Rising to the Top  Surprised by anonymity despite years of service.  Women often identify themselves before their profession.  00:09:30-00:12:50 - Strong Support System  A loving family foundation instilled confidence.  A supportive spouse offered stability.  Supportive work environment encouraged growth.  00:12:51-00:15:16 - Parents Shape Futures  Parental support builds confidence from childhood.  Loving and supportive fathers play a key role in daughter’s strength.  Balanced perspectives from both parents are essential.  00:15:17-00:17:26 - Trust at the Core  Trust is key for collaboration and teamwork.  Focus on real needs to build strong connections.  Clear communication ensures teams works toward shared goals.  00:17:27-00:20:39 - Curiosity Opens Doors  Proactiveness led to an unexpected opportunity.  Expertise in business law opened new doors.  00:20:40-00:24:14 - Learning is Lifelong  Embrace deliberate learning for leadership growth.  Find role models to guide your journey.  00:24:15-00:27:44 - On Creative Pursuits  Creative pursuits enrich leadership perspective.  Humanity thrives on diverse experiences.  00:27:45-00:32:05 - Pivotal Career Moments  Gained trust through active involvement and support.  Led committees, shaping key reforms and initiatives.  Helped execute chief justices' visions with dedication.  00:32:06-00:36:25 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders  Choose to understand where people are coming from. Define your problems and develop solutions.  Engage people with kindness and compassion.  00:36:26-00:37:39 - Closing Thoughts  Owning your space is about making an impact.  Never be afraid to ask for help.   00:37:40-00:37:49 – Outro Music 

In this inspirational episode, host Umayal Eswaran engages with Dr Suria Selasih Angit, a proud member of Malaysia’s Indigenous Orang Asli Temiar community and an educationalist at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Together, they explore how to make education more inclusive and culturally responsive for indigenous and marginalised students. Tune in to this engaging dialogue as Dr Suria shares her innovative approaches to dismantling educational barriers and inspiring the next generation. Learn more about: Dr Suria on LinkedIn Dr Suria at the University of Nottingham _____________________________________ 0:00:04 - 0:00:55 – Introduction Introducing Dr Suria and welcoming her to RYTHM Connect 0:00:56 - 0:02:07 – A Proud Orang Asli’s Mission Dr Suria’s background, advocacy, and mission The concept of co-creation in indigenous education 00:02:08 - 00:06:32 – Foresight and Talent Factors leading to Dr Suria’s accomplishments Dr Suria’s exposure to mainstream education The early identification of her talents 00:06:33 - 00:08:00 – Indigenous Community Learning Basic education in Orang Asli communities Community learning centres in Orang Asli villages 00:08:01 - 00:10:37 – Dismantling Educational Barriers Underlying issues affecting school performance Economic, geographical, and personal barriers Employment challenges of Orang Asli graduates 00:14:57-00:21:00 – Engaging the Community The active role of parents Partnering with Orang Asli communities 00:21:01 - 00:25:09 – World Bank Project Dr Suria’s Bangladesh education project How this influenced her work in Malaysia Understanding context, needs analysis, and capacity-building 00:25:10 - 00:28:17 – Partnering Policymakers Integrating indigenous perspectives in mainstream education Coordination and knowledge sharing The RRCC model  00:28:18 - 00:29:43 – Closing Thoughts Borrowing Dr Suria’s insights “We are looking from the outside; you are an insider.” 00:29:45-00:31:02 – Outro Outgoing message to Dr Suria Directing listeners to Dr Suria’s work Reminders to subscribe and review the podcast END

In this enlightening episode of RYTHM Connect, the spotlight is cast on the intricate tapestry of diversity, empowerment, and leadership, as illuminated by the rich experiences and profound insights of guest Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin from the corporate foundation Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and host Umayal Eswaran. Through an engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, they navigate the complex terrain of societal challenges and triumphs, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to the heart of gender equality, social justice, and the full realisation of women’s talents. Learn more about:  Dr Yatela on LinkedIn  Yayasan Sime Darby   ________________________________________________ 0:00:07-0:02:28 – Introduction   Introducing RYTHM Connect, Dr Yatela, and YSD.  0:03:40-0:08:36 – Of Adversity and Allyship  Dr Yatela’s career and journey with YSD  Challenges and discrimination “as a woman and in a hijab”  A male ally emerges…  0:10:13-0:12:38 – Unconscious Biasness  Opening minds with education and awareness  Diversity for performance and profits  0:12:50-0:14:25 – Equality Everywhere  Unpacking the paid paternity policy  Equity in the workplace – and home  0:14:26-0:17:07 – Perspectives on Family and Talent Retention  Umayal on what truly defines family  Sharing the benefits and burdens  Empowering Women: TalentCorp’s Solution  0:17:33- 0:24:01 – The Dilemma of Underprivileged Women  The absolute unacceptability of domestic violence  Advancing education and awareness  Umayal on RYTHM’s Maharani Programme  0:24:26-0:29:33 – Effective Governance  Dr Yatela on the YSD experience  Women Excelling in Foundation Leadership  Dispelling corporate foundation myths  0:29:43-0:34:03 – Closing Thoughts  The necessity of a diverse policy ecosystem  The vital role of women in sports  0:34:04-0:35:26 – Outro  Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect  Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media 

While prominent organisations and specialists around the world are helping to demystify neurodivergence and its various profiles, access to the necessary services and support systems remains scarce, especially in developing countries. In Malaysia, many neurodivergent children and their families struggle without life-changing interventions and support. Existing programmes are riddled with gaps and shortcomings, preventing children on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities from reaching their full potential and becoming meaningful contributors to society. In this episode of RYTHM Connect, our host Umayal Eswaran sits down with the indomitable Dr. Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs) to address the ongoing struggle of inclusivity in education and the critical policy-driven interventions that must take place in order to empower neurodivergent children for the future. Learn more about:  Dr Tricia Yeoh on LinkedIn   IDEAS Malaysia    ____________________________________________________ 0:00:08-0:02:22 – Introduction   – Introducing RYTHM Connect and Dr Tricia Yeoh    0:03:23-0:06:10 – Equity and Policy Reform  – Dr Tricia’s passion for addressing social injustices and public policy  – Of lasting, impactful, and systemic institutional changes    0:08:22-0:10:25 – Inclusivity in Education  – The IDEAS Autism Centre  –  Addressing educational disparities for marginalised communities    0:12:42-0:16:28 – The IDEAS Experience  – The think tank’s policy recommendations  – Dr Tricia on inclusive vs. specialised schools    0:20:44-0:24:23 – Challenging Policy Shifts  – The difficulty in executing changes  – The efforts of the private and third sectors    0:26:01-0:27:11 – Recommended Measures  – Inspiring students to pursue SEN studies  – Short-term stop-gap measures    0:30:09-0:32:08 – The Orang Asli Experience  – Exploring synergy with the Education Ministry  – “Taking what we can get”    0:36:41-0:40:00 – The Role of Parents and Communities at Large  – Managing misunderstandings and expectations  – An All-Party Parliamentary Group on SEN?    0:41:00-0:46:16 – Closing Thoughts  – The “art” of policy advocacy  – Dr Tricia on sustaining efforts  —Indicators of progress    0:46:16-0:48:38 – Outro  – Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect   – Takeaways   – Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media   

In this inspiring episode of RYTHM Connect, host Umayal Eswaran sits with the trailblazing Natasha Zulkifli, founder of Women in Rail Malaysia and a director at YTL Construction. Join us as we delve into Natasha’s remarkable journey, where she has consistently shattered glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated fields of both rail and construction. _____________________ Show Notes [00:00:01] – Introduction - Welcome to RYTHM Connect - Introducing guest, Natasha Zulkifli   [00:03:29] – Natasha’s Early Career - Her early experiences in the construction and rail industries - Exploring challenges within a male-dominated profession   [00:04:15] – Founding Women in Rail Malaysia - The inspiration behind Women in Rail Malaysia - Natasha shares anecdotes from the organisation’s early days   [00:07:22] – Exploring Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math subjects - Why STEM matters, especially for girls - Society’s role in fostering and supporting the initiative   [00:09:29] – Overcoming Barriers - An inspiring narrative of defying conventional norms - Support for brave and adventurous women   [00:13:18] – Future Aspirations - Expanding Women in Rail across Asia Pacific - “Don’t overthink it, just do it!”   [00:15:18] – Closing Thoughts - Natasha’s final thoughts and advice - Thanking Natasha for her time and insights   [00:18:30] – Outro - Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect - Preview of the next episode - Reminders to subscribe and follow on social media  

10 million stateless people in the world right now are denied a legal identity & access to basic human rights that the rest of us take for granted daily - like education, healthcare & employment. Beyond a life of deprivation, stateless people struggle the most with a sense of belonging & feelings of being rendered invisible in countries where they have lived their whole lives. As the Director for Social Protection at the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas, or DHRRA in Malaysia, Maalini Ramalo has been championing human rights & dignity for stateless communities. She shares the heart-wrenching stories she’s encountered in her journey of helping thousands break free of intergenerational cycles of statelessness. Catch the eye-opening segment with #RYTHMFoundation Chairperson, Umayal Eswaran on the latest episode of #RYTHMConnect  - the show where we have conversations with changemakers, social advocates and the people driving causes you care about! #HumanRights #Social Protection #Stateless #Community #Equality #Identity #Podcast #RaiseYourselfToHelpMankind

The journey towards building resilient communities is one that also requires resilience of character, and Dr Madhavi Panda knows that all too well. As the Founder of the Parinaama Development Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering rural communities in India, Dr Madhavi has had to arm herself with grit in the face of barriers to building trust among the communities she helps. Inspired by the resilience of the women she works with; she shares her story of overcoming obstacles and persevering to keep helping rural women do better for themselves! Catch the deeply insightful segment with #RYTHMFoundation Chairperson, Umayal Eswaran in the latest episode of #RYTHMConnect - the show where we have conversations with changemakers, social advocates and the people driving causes you care about! #WomensEmpowerment #ImpactStory #Podcast #RaiseYourselfToHelpMankind #RYTHM

Despite growing up with the odds stacked against her, former Olympic windsurfer and environmental activist, Amara Wichithong never gave up on herself.  Amara began collecting and recycling trash to earn a living at the age of 13, until she discovered her talent and love for the wind sport, which propelled her towards a victorious professional career. She is the perfect guest to launch our brand-new podcast, RYTHM Connect, where #RYTHMFoundation Chairperson, Umayal Eswaran, talks to remarkable people who drive change.  Catch Amara's inspiring and riveting story on the very first podcast episode of RYTHM Connect! #WomensEmpowerment #ImpactStory #Podcast #RaiseYourselfToHelpMankind #RYTHM