MAM
Weekend Unwind with: Hansa Mondal, COO & co-founder of Ssoftoons Entertainment Media
Mumbai: With yet another Saturday upon us, it’s time to unwind with a dose of our weekend special series. Weekend Unwind is a tete-e-tete with an industry executive—akin to a virtual water cooler chat – an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
This week we have with us Ssoftoons Entertainment Media co-founder & COO Hansa Mondal, sharing her nuggets on dealing with the curveballs life throws at us.
Having left a well-secured job, Hansa embarked upon her entrepreneurial journey in 2001, co-founding Ssoftoons—a homegrown animation company—with her business-cum-life partner Sourav Mondal in Howrah, West Bengal. Being a complete novice in the industry, she had to start from scratch by learning to sketch and arming herself with the industry know-how. After nearly a decade, the company saw success in the regional market, and with an intention to have a national presence, the couple moved to Mumbai. Having delivered some successful projects, Hansa is currently working in association with Disney India. In her current position as COO at Ssoftoons, she undertakes planning and execution to keep the flow running smoothly.
So here goes…
Ø Your mantra for Life
Since childhood, I have followed “perseverance.” I am aware of my goal and remain focused and dedicated to achieve my dreams.
Ø A book you are currently reading/plan to read
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. I read each and every page more than once. It is really inspiring.
Ø Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
To put it simply: inhaling and exhaling. Am a yoga lover. Yoga and pranayama keeps me fit both mentally and physically.
Ø Your comfort food
Mummy-made Besan (Gram Flour) ke Pakode with green coriander chutney.
Ø When the chips are down a quote/philosophy that keeps you going
“One year equals 365 possibilities.” I calm down and regain the power to think and rethink to overcome the situation. I follow the philosophy of gratitude in every case, be it good or bad.
Ø Your guilty pleasure
Secretly taking good pens from my kids and husband’s drawers with the intention of not giving them back! I never buy a pen for myself.
Ø When was the last time you tried something new
I have started learning the piano. Practising and mastering this instrument requires dedication and sustained effort. It relaxes my brain.
Ø A life lesson you learnt the hard way
That we all are playing our roles on the stage of life. So, no matter what happens, the show must go on. Time never stops for anyone. It doesn’t care about your worries or about your happiness. So, accept every situation because worries and fears are yours, like happiness.
Ø What gets you excited about life
I started my journey from absolute zero. So, when I am out of projects or in a problem, I never regret it and instead try to give a kickstart, as I know how to grow from zero.
Ø What’s on top of your bucket list
Completing a management course from Harvard University Online.
Ø If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Maintaining a database of contacts and keeping in touch. I always preferred to be within myself. But later in my life, I realised my mistake because I came to know that “network = net worth.”
Ø One thing you would most like to change about the world
Blasphemy.
Ø An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
Reading good books and doing something constructive, like developing new concepts or plots. Building good stories boost my confidence to fight back.
Brands
UP govt, HGS unit to skill one lakh youth in digital push
MoU targets jobs, training and future ready talent across state
MUMBAI: Government of Uttar Pradesh has joined hands with OneOTT Intertainment Limited, the broadband arm of Hinduja Global Solutions, to train one lakh youth, signalling a fresh push towards jobs in the digital economy.
The memorandum of understanding, signed with the Employment Department Uttar Pradesh, aims to bridge the gap between skills and industry needs while opening up employment pathways for young people across the state.
The agreement was formalised by principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram and whole-time director, Hinduja Global Solutions and MD and CEO, OneOTT Intertainment Limited, Vynsley Fernandes, in the presence of labour minister Anil Rajbhar.
Under the partnership, OneOTT Intertainment Limited will roll out training programmes, workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to equip youth with skills aligned to a rapidly digitising economy. The initiative will also include research inputs, technical guidance and policy-level support to ensure effective execution.
Principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram, said, “This collaboration will help align skill development programmes with actual industry needs and prepare the youth of Uttar Pradesh for emerging opportunities in the digital services sector.”
Hinduja Global Solutions whole-time director, and OneOTT Intertainment Limited MD and CEO Vynsley Fernandes said, “India’s progress is closely linked to strengthening the capabilities of its young workforce. At HGS, we see skills evolving alongside technology, and partnerships like this help build a stronger digital ecosystem.”
The state government will facilitate coordination across departments and institutions, ensuring the programmes reach the right audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.
As digital infrastructure expands and technology reshapes job markets, initiatives like this are positioning skill development not just as training, but as a gateway to opportunity for the next generation.
