As a writer, a significant part of oneself is reflected in one’s book. With growth, certain reactions become ingrained, influenced by teachings and experiences from the earliest stages of life. This ongoing process, extending from the prenatal stage to the present, shapes us. However, a pivotal moment arrives when introspection compels us to question if our actions genuinely define our essence. Samantha Kochharr reached this juncture after her father’s passing.
At An Author’s Afternoon organised by Prabha Khaitan Foundation at Taj Bengal, Kochharr — hair stylist, dresser and practitioner of Shamanism — shared her journey from being an accomplished stylist to an author with her debut work, Arribada: The Arrival. In conversation with Shruti A. Juwarkar, Ehsaas Woman of Goa, Kochharr, who is the daughter of the eminent Blossom Kochhar, bridged the gap between the ordinary and extraordinary. Esha Dutta, the Foundation’s Honorary Convenor of North-East Affairs and Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata, welcomed the speakers.
Shamanism, an ancient energy healing practice, is integral to Kochharr’s life. Hailing from a 300-year-old lineage of Shamans, she emphasises the importance of dedicated prayer and practice. Arribada emerged as a “pure download”, a story not planned but compelled by a call to write. This creative process required changes in her prayer routine, with 1.5 hours dedicated to praying and writing. “As I always say, Arribada is a pure download,” said Kochharr. “It wasn’t like I had a story to share or something that had to be written. I was just asked to write the book, and I did that.”
Kochharr perceives herself to be a conduit for the Universe’s message, believing her book has a healing purpose for those who will encounter it when the time is right. Amidst personal challenges, including business struggles during the pandemic, intensified spiritual practice became her solace. She encourages all readers to recognise their role as “chosen ones” of the Universe to make a positive impact. “I failed in English in school,” she said, “and yet, the Universe ‘chose’ me to write a book.”
Intriguingly, Kochharr’s writing took her to Tanzania, a place she knew little about. Through transcendental meditation, she visualised the country, later discovering that its accurate depiction aligned with her trance experience. Kochhar had unearthed her path to Shamanism after scepticism. Post her father’s death, a pivotal moment of transition, Kochharr assumed leadership of her family business and gradually embraced Shamanic practices, leading to powerful healing experiences. “I was never a believer of Shamanism, to be honest,” she said. “Looking at those beads and crystals that my parents used to practice, I thought they were useless and all for nothing. It was only after my father’s death that I began to take these things seriously.” Today, she is the managing director of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.
Kochharr also unveiled the nature of Shamanic healing, where presence alone can mend. She highlighted the mind’s potency in undoing occult influences and emphasised the interconnectedness between personal healing and the transformation of external situations. Throughout the conversation, she reiterated the Universe’s guidance and the significance of listening to and acting upon it. She recounted her role in helping the dying find solace and transition, emphasising the importance of releasing grief through tapping techniques. “We human beings are very dheeth (stubborn) and we don’t want to listen to others. We think we are right,” she said.
Kochharr’s perseverance in taking over her father’s business reflected in the unwavering support of loyal employees. Her daily motivation arises from her commitment to improving lives, more than the brand she represents. “There were so many people from the company who had taken crores worth of products and the money was stuck,” she recalled. “I remember, when the time came to give salaries to the employees, I did not have enough to pay them.” But the old employees stood by her, saying, “Aapke company ne 15 saal se humara ghar chalaya hai, bachon ko school bheja hai, hum bas 20 din aur wait nahi karenge?” Those words stuck with Kochharr, and the respect from her employees got her going.
The event culminated in a Q&A session with Kochharr, leaving the audience inspired and curious about Shamanism’s ancient art and its transformative potential. The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Esha Dutta, and the author was felicitated by Anita Gurbaxani.