A Voice Out of Poverty
by Jillian Haslam
A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.
As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.
From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.
Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.
British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face persistent abuse and starvation.
This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community, gratitude, and love.
A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.
Now for an interview with the author:
What are your favorite TV shows?
Heartland, Succession, Breaking Bad, Yorkshire Vets and a few others
What is your favorite meal?
Stew & Rice
If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?
How to Overcome Adversity
Is there a writer you idolize? If so who?
Lord Robert Winston because he manages to explain the most complex topics like the working of the human brain in a simple and understandable way.
How did you come up for the title of this book?
It was a joint effort on the part on my Publicist and myself.
Now for an Excerpt:
One day my mother took Vanessa and me to see Mr. Nazareth, a kindly family friend. Mr. Nazareth was a tall, dark, South Indian, Christian gentleman in his late forties, who my parents had met through a mutual acquaintance and in the past helped my father find work. Mr. Nazareth was blessed with a charitable heart. Poor himself, he was always smartly dressed, a habit from his father who had worked closely with the British Army during British rule. His family had worked for the British Army and he always wore perfectly pressed shirts and trousers and behaved like an absolute gentleman.
DUM DUM 5
Seeing Mr. Nazareth was a high point for Vanessa and me. He never failed to have a bag of Muri Balls ready for us. Flavored with cardamom, ginger, and coconut, and the size of a golf ball, Muri Balls were made from puffed rice, honey, and jaggery—an unrefined sugar. They were super sweet and light and a huge treat. Each time we saw Mr. Nazareth he’d have a bunch for us wrapped in a paper packet called a thonga.
But my mother didn’t take us to him to indulge our sweet teeth. My mother sought his guidance regarding where and how we should live, which we desperately needed. He asked us to return two days later with my father.
We returned as requested and gathered with him into the crowded small living space in his two-room home. My parents perched on his two cane stools called moras and he, hands on his knees, sat upright on his sole dining chair. Vanessa and I sat on the floor and leaned against the wall, devouring the obligatory Muri Balls as fast as humanly possible.
“I’d like to make you a proposition,” he said. His tone was more formal than normal, like a CEO leading a discussion with staff. He paused to emphasize the moment and continued.
“I have spoken to a friend who would like to open a school for the poor in Dum Dum. The area is desperately short of such facilities, so many children in need.”
“I see,” said my father, with a tone of respect, “but why are you telling us?”
“I would like you, Roland, to be the principal and Margaret the teacher. I want you to teach the children to speak and learn English. But beyond that, I want to offer you all a place to live. You cannot go on like this.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Embrace Adversity, Unleash Greatness!
Once upon a time, in the heart of adversity, there lived a young girl named Jillian Haslam. Born into abject poverty in the city of Kolkata, her life seemed destined for despair. But little did the world know that within those hardships lay the seeds of greatness and resilience.
Jillian's childhood was filled with struggles, facing hunger, homelessness, and the harsh realities of poverty. However, amidst the gloom, she discovered a glimmer of hope - education. Determined to change her fate, Jillian pursued knowledge with fervor, knowing that education was her ticket to a better life.
Through sheer determination and hard work, Jillian excelled in her studies. She didn't let
her circumstances define her, but instead, she let them fuel her dreams. Every challenge she faced became a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal - to break free from the shackles of poverty and create a life of abundance.
As the years passed, Jillian's unwavering spirit caught the attention of a kind soul who offered her a chance to work for a prestigious organization. This opportunity opened doors she could only dream of before. With dedication and passion, Jillian climbed the ladder of success, proving that her past could not hold her back.
But Jillian's journey didn't stop there. Instead of forgetting her roots, she embraced her past and used it as a powerful tool to drive change. She founded initiatives to help underprivileged children like herself, providing them with the gift of education and hope.
Today, Jillian stands tall as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of turning adversity into golden opportunities. Her voice echoes through her book, A Voice Out of Poverty, touching countless hearts and motivating others to rise above their circumstances.
In the face of challenges, lies the key to your transformation. Embrace your struggles, for they hold the power to unlock your true potential. Rise above adversity and let your resilience shine, turning every experience into a golden opportunity for growth and success!
#EmbraceTheJourney #UnleashYourPotential #TurningStrugglesIntoTriumphs #Adversity
Jillian Haslam is a remarkable individual with expertise in speaking on adversity and Resilience
With a distinguished 23-year career in banking, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her engagements. As an acclaimed author, her books A Voice Out of Poverty and 9 Steps to Overcome Adversity-A Handbook for Life have garnered critical acclaim including the prestigious Kirkus Star Review! Her extraordinary journey has earned her accolades, including the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for her humanitarian contributions.
Jillian's unique perspective and powerful storytelling have made her a sought-after speaker on the topics of adversity and resilience. She has inspired audiences around the world with her transformative message, helping individuals and organizations overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The Times, The Telegraph, The BBC, and The Week. Through her speaking engagements, Jillian empowers individuals and teams to harness the power of resilience, navigate adversity, and unlock their full potential. Her profound impact continues to resonate with audiences from various backgrounds, fostering a culture of strength, growth, and success.
Jillian Haslam's expertise as a speaker on adversity and resilience, coupled with her extensive banking experience, has made her a trusted voice in the field. Her ability to inspire and guide others through their own journeys of overcoming obstacles sets her apart, making her a valuable asset to any event or organization seeking to cultivate resilience and achieve exceptional success.
Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.
Connect with her here:
www.jillianhaslam.com
https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Out-Poverty-Achieve-Adversity-ebook/dp/B0BX48B964
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875
https://www.jillianhaslam.com/book
https://www.facebook.com/jillian.haslam
https://www.facebook.com/IndianEnglishTheMovie
https://twitter.com/JillianHaslam
https://www.instagram.com/jillian.haslam/
3 comments:
Thanks for hosting!
I look forward to reading this.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
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