Mandira moved to the care industry to give back to her community, joining the team at Karuna Manor as a Project Manager in January 2014. Her expertise in event management and community knowledge has enabled her to forge key links, as well as utilising her cultural knowledge to cultivate an authentic Asian environment encompassing everything from arranging menus to temple activities and interiors.
BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, London School of Economics, 2006
1) What is your current position?
Currently, I am the Community Development Manager at Karuna Manor, working towards creating a new community and creating a fulfilling environment in our Home for our elderly residents that require convalescence, nursing and dementia care.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
It has been inspirational playing an integral role in such a comprehensive project to create a wonderful home that delivers something that is both relevant and innovative for our Gujarati community: a place that we can be proud of, and (heaven forbid) would consider for our own loved ones.
3) What inspires you?
Seva – there are so many kind-hearted people in this world who spend their time working on good causes and helping people to achieve a better quality of life.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
I have been blessed with a supportive and loving family and a good education that has provided a solid foundation to build on. The biggest struggle is perhaps one that many of my generation face – with countless opportunities available, how do you find the right one for you?
My career to date has been a journey of self-discovery, working in a wide range of industries, including finance, events and now care, but I feel I am now in a position where I can help make someone’s day better, which is the most powerful impact one can have.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I am surrounded by an adult generation of hard-working individuals who came to this country with nothing and have achieved so much in such a short space of time. These inspirational people are now giving so much back to the world through charity, and tireless dedication to voluntary work and offering service and our the unsung heroes and role models to us all.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Satisfaction. Knowing that we will be able to give something back to help make a difference to our Gujarati community. At Karuna Manor we do more than assist our residents with daily living. We also offer support to anyone who needs it through our educational programme and events, sharing the knowledge and experience of the experts that we trust.
7) And the worst?
Working in elderly care naturally means that over time we meet and get to know some wonderful people who have led long, rich and diverse lives, and it is always sad when their journey ends. The other struggle is the limited number of hours in the day! It is a fulfilling but challenging role that requires a great amount of perseverance and dedication.
8) What are your long term goals?
To create a new hub and community centre that everyone is welcome to visit. At this place, we would like to deliver the highest and best standard of care whilst adding to quality of life.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Our social services system does a fantastic job in providing support to those who need it, but it can be struggle with increasing costs and tightening budgets. I would increase healthcare funding to ensure that everybody gets the support they need and to educate people on the importance of saving for later life to ensure they can maintain the lifestyle that they deserve and want. For those who may eventually need it, 24 hour professional nursing and care is a big commitment and one that we all need to plan for.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
“If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one.” ― Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa. Her inspirational work and wonderful achievements have always spoken to me and it would be fascinating to hear first-hand about her life experiences.
