Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies | In an era where multitasking often leads to burnout, Mrs. Shiwali Gupta, Founder of Scentwave Organisation, stands out as a beacon of purpose-driven balance. A dynamic blend of intellect, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has seamlessly transitioned from being a radio jockey and IT professional to a social innovator who’s redefining health awareness in Rajasthan. Her life is an inspiring tale of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can together create lasting impact.
In this exclusive conversation, Mrs. Gupta opens up about her journey, from Sawai Madhopur to Jaipur, and how her initiative, Scentwave, has emerged as a platform for awareness, empowerment, and empathy.
Q. Shiwali ji, you have beautifully managed multiple identities — a radio jockey, an IT professional, and a social entrepreneur. How has your journey unfolded, and how do you balance it all?
A. My journey began in Sawai Madhopur, a small yet vibrant town in Rajasthan. Though I initially aspired to become a private engineer, family circumstances led me to pursue science and later a master’s degree in English Literature. Marriage brought me to Jaipur, where my husband practices law at the High Court.
Despite new responsibilities, I continued my education, completing B.Ed and LLB. But my first love was, and remains, radio. Even as a student, I hosted morning shows as a radio jockey, and I still find the microphone therapeutic, it clears my mind and connects me to people’s emotions and stories.
Radio taught me more about society than any classroom could, the power of communication, empathy, and listening. Alongside, I’ve always indulged in creative pursuits like painting, baking, and home craftwork. These are not just hobbies, but sources of mindfulness. Presently, I also contribute as an administrator with the Lions’ Superstar Club and seminar in-charge for the Lioness Club. Balancing everything comes from the belief that if something gives you joy, you’ll always find time for it.
Q. Tell us about Scentwave — what inspired you to start it, and what are its key objectives?
A. Scentwave was born out of a personal realization. I faced a chronic health issue that required lifestyle changes and self-discipline. During that period, I discovered how little awareness existed, especially among women, about preventive health and early diagnosis. Research shows that nearly 90% of women ignore early signs of illness, often dismissing them as stress or fatigue.
That struck me deeply. I wanted to bridge this awareness gap. Scentwave therefore focuses on health literacy, making people understand not just symptoms but the importance of early detection and self-care.
We design our programmes to create internal realization rather than momentary awareness, workshops that blend medical knowledge with emotional well-being, helping participants become conscious of their bodies, stress patterns, and health choices.
Q. Life’s path is rarely linear. What personal lessons have helped you navigate challenges?
A. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to manage expectations, from oneself and from others. Understanding people’s perspectives is vital. I believe change begins within; only then does society begin to change.
Patience, tolerance, and empathy are my guiding principles. Relationships, personal or professional, thrive not just on resources but on compassion. Every setback has made me more resilient and self-aware.
Q. What have been some of Scentwave’s notable initiatives, and what lies ahead?
A. Our first programme was organized for CK Birla Hospital and was one of the earliest independent health awareness events in Jaipur. Since registering Scentwave in 2017-18, we’ve partnered with various institutions including RPF, government departments, and several hospitals.
Moving forward, we are expanding into cyber safety, road safety, and environmental conservation because awareness must extend beyond physical health to emotional and social well-being.
We are also exploring partnerships with the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Agriculture Department to take our outreach to rural communities. Our mission is to make Scentwave a sustainable model that unites health, education, and environment under one empathetic umbrella.
Q. From a business and sustainability perspective, how does Scentwave operate?
A. Many healthcare institutions have CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) allocations that often remain underutilized. Scentwave acts as a bridge, designing socially impactful programmes that align with hospitals’ CSR goals. For example, we organize emergency response training, awareness sessions on cardiac arrest, and free health check-up camps, including mammography and diagnostic screenings. These not only educate the public but also help hospitals fulfill their CSR mandates meaningfully.
Over the years, we’ve conducted numerous programmes with leading hospitals like Manglam Plus, Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, and CK Birla. Our focus is always on education through engagement.
Q. How do you see the post-Covid social and professional environment, especially in relation to health?
A. Covid transformed our lifestyles irreversibly. The rise of work-from-home culture increased sedentary habits and lifestyle-related disorders. There’s now a heightened need for self-discipline in fitness, diet, and mental health.
Moreover, Covid made people rethink career stability, many realized the importance of purpose and empathy in their professions. The pandemic taught us that health is not a luxury; it’s a collective responsibility.
Q. What message would you like to share with young aspirants who wish to blend their career with social good?
A. Clarity and conviction are everything. Identify what truly moves you, that’s your purpose. Be consistent, lead by example, and don’t let societal pressures deter you. Success has little to do with titles; it’s about impact. You can be an engineer, artist, or IT professional and still contribute meaningfully to society. The secret is perseverance. I always say — “Live your passion, but let your passion serve others too.” That’s what gives life real fragrance, a Scentwave of its own.
Mrs. Shiwali Gupta embodies the modern Indian changemaker, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, blending empathy with enterprise. Her journey with Scentwave is not just about health awareness, but about nurturing a culture of responsibility, resilience, and radiance.
Interviewed By:
Charu Bhatia
1 comment
Excellent