DeepSummary
Sevan Doraisamy, an activist for the past 25 years and the executive director of the human rights organization Suwaram in Malaysia, shares his unique approach to recharging his batteries. He has a passion for writing scripts for TV programs and films, which he developed during his university days. Doraisamy grew up in a rubber plantation where open-air movies were a monthly treat, fostering his love for films from a young age.
While pursuing student activism in university, Doraisamy used his scriptwriting skills to create dramas addressing social issues like workers' rights and minimum wage demands. After his studies, he continued his activism work alongside scriptwriting, finding it a refreshing break from the demanding nature of human rights work. His organization allows him flexibility to take time off for film productions, which he finds rejuvenating upon his return.
Doraisamy recently had the opportunity to work as a crew member on an Indian film production, a stark contrast from leading his own organization. Despite the menial tasks involved, he found the experience enjoyable and plans to take similar breaks at least once a year to recharge his energy and passion for his human rights work.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Finding balance and avoiding burnout is essential, even in work one is passionate about.
- Pursuing creative outlets or hobbies unrelated to one's primary work can provide a refreshing change of pace.
- Taking periodic breaks to engage in activities one enjoys can help recharge and renew energy and passion for one's main work.
- Being open to taking on menial or contrasting roles can provide a refreshing perspective and rejuvenation.
- Flexibility and understanding from employers or organizations can enable individuals to pursue their passions and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Childhood experiences and early exposure to certain interests can shape lifelong passions and pursuits.
- Combining multiple passions and interests can lead to unique and fulfilling approaches to work and life.
- Activism and human rights work, while inherently fulfilling, can be demanding and require strategies to avoid burnout.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “When I write and I work in movies, it gives some breakaway from the day to day commotions, I would say.“ by Sevan Doraisamy
- “So I took one month off and went and worked as a crew. In this production, I'm leading my own organization. And here you switch totally and become a crew, which means you're kind of like a very lower level of a worker in the production crew.“ by Sevan Doraisamy
Entities
Location
Person
Organization
Episode Information
Strength & Solidarity
Strength & Solidarity
5/20/24
Sevan Doraisamy started writing film scripts when he was still a student and despite a shift into social justice activism and – eventually – leadership, he has never stopped. He explains why it’s important to him and how it helps him to avoid burning out.
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