Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ragasudha Eripilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

RAGASUDHA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, my parents, especially my mom, laid down invaluable foundations that have shaped my life and career in profound ways.

Two specific things they did stand out, as they provided me with skills, resilience, and confidence that have stayed with me. Firstly, my mom encouraged us to take part in a wide range of activities and competitions from a very young age. Whether it was singing, dancing, debating, or participating in fancy dress events, she made sure we had opportunities to get on stage and present ourselves. At the time, I didn’t realize the impact, but these experiences helped me overcome stage fright early on, instilling a comfort and enthusiasm for public speaking and presentations.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” The confidence to speak and present ideas effectively became a tremendous asset, enabling me to take on leadership roles and connect with others more naturally.

Secondly, my mom fostered a strong sense of independence and self-belief. Rather than handholding us through every challenge, she encouraged us to explore the unknown and solve problems on our own. As author Paulo Coelho put it, “The ship is safest when it is in port, but that is not what ships were built for.” This freedom to make decisions and tackle issues independently created a foundation of resilience and self-confidence.
Early on, I learned that I didn’t need to wait for guidance or approval to pursue goals. This mindset became crucial in my career, especially in taking on new, unfamiliar projects. I developed the ability to embrace uncertainty, explore new ideas, and find my way through challenges—qualities that have been essential in every step of my professional journey.

Together, these experiences taught me that confidence, resilience, and the willingness to take on the unknown can open up doors to remarkable growth. My parents’ approach built in me the courage to engage fully with life and pursue every opportunity with conviction.

As John Quincy Adams wisely noted, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” My parents’ influence instilled in me the qualities that continue to guide my journey today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Raga Marupilla, an IT consultant by profession, and the passionate founder and director of Pragnya Cultural Society, club counselor of Pragnya Young Orators Gavel Club, a Toastmaster, and a committed community leader. My journey is driven by the deep belief that culture, confidence, and community empower our future—and that our children are the leaders of tomorrow.

Growing up in India in a large family, I learned early on the power of community. My mother encouraged us to participate in every competition, nurturing confidence and resilience. Years later, as a mother, I felt that same calling to create a space for my children—and all children—to experience culture actively, not just learn about it. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

This vision led me to start gathering 20-30 families for celebrations in 2016, which blossomed into Pragnya Cultural Society in 2017. Today, we celebrate with over a thousand people, bringing traditions and values to life together. In the last few years, we’ve placed a major focus on empowering children. Through summer camps we’ve held for the past five years, our young members explore mindset, talent, and cultural pride. Our Gavel Club nurtures public speaking and leadership skills, and this summer, our students published a book of their own stories—an incredible testament to their creativity. We host interviews with young, accomplished talents, giving our children role models they can connect with.

Our mission is simple but profound: “Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders.” The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m driven by a vision.

As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Balancing work, family, and a growing community can be challenging, yet every event, every young voice empowered, reaffirms my purpose.

Together, we are building a foundation for our children to grow with pride, courage, and leadership. And for me, there is no greater reward.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey with Pragnya Cultural Society has been filled with challenges that tested my resilience and commitment. Two particular events stand out, where I learned that no matter how steep the challenge, a determined heart can find a way.

The first was an unforgettable scramble when we were just a week away from a major event, with over 700 tickets sold. I received a call from the venue management informing me that, due to a scheduling conflict, they could no longer accommodate us on our chosen date. Cancelling wasn’t an option—our performers were lined up, and families across the community were counting down to the event. I spent nearly two days in the venue management’s office, working out a solution to their conflict. I wouldn’t let up, determined to show them that “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

With perseverance and a bit of diplomacy, we resolved the issue, and our event went on as planned. Seeing everyone come together that day made every minute worth it.

Then, there was the time we were told we couldn’t sell tickets at all—a huge setback, as ticket sales were our main funding source. Instead of backing down, we decided to make it a free event. We rolled up our sleeves, prepared food ourselves, and sold it at the venue to cover our costs. What could have been a disaster became a lesson in community and teamwork, proving that “When one door closes, another opens.”

Each event teaches me that resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about facing them head-on. Setbacks are simple opportunities to test our commitment. Every setback reinforces the lesson that “Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”, The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it”.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

Coming from a background where I was often encouraged to take ownership and be self-reliant, I found myself holding tightly to every task, thinking that my personal touch was essential to achieve success. However, as I took on larger community projects with Pragnya Cultural Society and started leading teams, I realized that this mindset was limiting both myself and those around me.

The turning point came during one of our biggest cultural events, which required managing hundreds of details—from scheduling performers to coordinating volunteers. I initially tried to oversee everything myself, convinced that my direct involvement would ensure perfection. But as the event drew closer, the weight of the responsibilities became overwhelming. I was exhausted, and I started noticing small errors slipping through the cracks because I was stretched too thin. It was then that I realized I needed to step back and trust my team. I began delegating roles, giving others the freedom to make decisions and take ownership.

At first, it felt uncomfortable—I feared things wouldn’t be done the “right” way. But what I discovered was that my team members brought unique perspectives and solutions I hadn’t considered. They took pride in their roles, and the event ran smoothly, with each person’s contribution adding richness to the experience. This unlearning process taught me that true leadership isn’t about controlling every detail but about empowering others to grow and shine. Letting go of that need for control opened up new possibilities for our events and allowed me to focus on the bigger vision.

Now, I live by the mantra, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pragnyacultural1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pragnyacultural
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pragnya-cultural-society
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pragnyaculturalsociety9450