Exclusive interview with Jay Vardhan Sharan, Monitoring Manager with RateGain

Jay Vardhan Sharan, Monitoring Manager with RateGain receives the Global 50 Glory Award 2021 for achievement in the Travel industry. He has great enthusiasm and fondness for travelling and exploring new places and has an open eye for adventure. Here’s an exclusive interview with Jay Vardhan Sharan:

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I took birth in the multi-cultural and glorious capital city of Delhi, and have learnt a lot during my growing up years here. I graduated from IP University and got my master’s degree from Massey University in New Zealand. Currently, I am contributing to the growth and performance management of a Travel Tech company called RateGain as their Monitoring Manager. Previously, I have worked as a part of fortune companies like Vodafone and Amazon. When I am not hustling for my professional commitments, you can find me capturing moments, architecture, wildlife, nature, psychedelics and just anything and everything through my passion lens of photography. I take great enthusiasm and fondness for travelling to and exploring new places and have an open eye for adventure.

What were the challenges you faced initially and how did you overcome them?

In terms of recognizing, honing and pursuing my passion for photography, I would say it took me some good enough time to realize that I have a fair aptitude for it. It just didn’t come on its own and so it’s okay to take time to realize your calling. During my initial days, I was much like a guy who carries a DSLR camera. I started the photography journey with basic portraits and record shots. And then eventually, I began to enthusiastically attend photo walks and got mentored by a couple of experienced photographers who taught me the technicalities of my device. This piqued my interest which led me to click pictures with different points of view. My work thus significantly improved over time through regularly practising and experimenting with subjects and eventually I got recognition in and from the photography community, Indian and International.

What has been your most significant achievement?

There have been quite a few. I was selected as India’s top 50 and Delhi’s top 10 photographers by the prestigious 35 awards, Russia.

I was also declared the winner of the SIG photography competition twice in 2018 and 2019 conducted by Amazon India.

My accolades, best photographs and work were also displayed on renowned platforms like national geographic yourshot, viewbug.com, youpic.com and many more.

How do you come up with new ideas?

Constant revolution is very important to stay legit in this business. One thing that has helped me in coming up with different perspectives is that I am not limited to a particular genre or type of photography. Initially, this principle did not act in my favour as photography is a broad subject and everyone gets specific with their niche to improve or showcase their work rather than clicking everything in general. In my case, I also enjoy capturing the beauties of nature and wildlife the most but at the same time, I photograph other genres as well and click almost anything. So in a way, I’m not limiting myself to a particular type and I have the freedom to choose and click my subjects at any point in time, anywhere. That’s what gives me the liberty and inspiration as well as methods to come up with new ideas.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

There ain’t one person, as my biggest inspiration, but I have so many. I believe it becomes essential to constantly have a learning spirit, keep learning and growing and give back to the community in whatever ways one can. I seek inspiration and encouragement to further grow my work from many other artists, photographers, and creators.

What motivates you?

After much practice, learning and a spirit to improve continuously, currently I am at a stage where I feel a sense of being satisfied when I’m able to motivate, inspire and encourage someone with my work. Self-belief and the desire to accomplish new heights are what drive me.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Honestly, the last 2 years of the pandemic have changed the game for everyone. Life is now much sedentary and pretty basic across activities and moods. It revolves around working from home, family, household chores and if I’m able to take out some extra time then I give it towards photography, editing, and music. I like to experiment with my photographic skills and interests, editing photographs and studying, and curating and exploring music.

Who do you look forward to for advice?

I’m a people’s person totally but my inner circle is limited to family and friends. They are the ones where I go to seek advice on various matters and discuss several situations of life or decision making. Sometimes, it’s also the other way round, people come to me for all kinds of advice and second opinions.

How do you define success?

No for me is not just fame and money but it is also more of satisfaction, personal development and constant improvement. Success is a state of contentment, where one is feeling a sense of ownership and experiencing a state of contentment having tried and given their best shot. We are always learning, growing, making mistakes, failing and learning, keeping this fact in mind, I believe personal development at overall and small levels with growth and improvements define success for me.

What are your growth plans for the next 12 months?

My immigration plans got delayed severely due to covid, but I’m hoping to implement those now on priority. As the pandemic rules are better and allow travel, a lot of interesting travel plans are in the pipeline for me. I have also planned and am in active talks for various collaborations on the photography front and they will be seeing the execution front soon in the coming months.