**A Minute with: Shobha Parthasarathy, Test Consultant**
Shobha Parthasarathy, a test consultant based in Latsia, Nicosia, has made a significant impact in her professional field since moving to Cyprus in 2004. Originally from India, Shobha's journey began after her marriage, leading her to establish a life in Cyprus over the past 22 years.
**Life in Cyprus**
Shobha and her family initially resided in an apartment close to her workplace before purchasing a home in Latsia. Her culinary preferences reflect her Indian heritage, as she favors light South Indian breakfasts, often consisting of steamed or baked dishes. Today, her family enjoyed dosa accompanied by various chutneys, while her children opted for a protein-rich cheese dosa with a homemade spice mix.
**A Day in Shobha's Life**
Describing her perfect day, Shobha envisions a calm and creative atmosphere, beginning with a restful night’s sleep. She values meditation and cherishes moments spent in her garden with her partner, enjoying tea and breakfast. Shobha also dedicates time to her passion for nature-inspired art, and she finds relaxation in watching her favorite series at the end of the day.
**Influential Reads and Memories**
Although she does not read frequently, Shobha recalls the profound impact of "The Man Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma, which she encountered during a work trip. The book has influenced her belief that positivity shapes life and that happiness is derived from contentment and gratitude.
Reflecting on her childhood, Shobha treasures family trips to temples with her grandparents and a memorable journey to Ooty in Tamil Nadu and the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala with her parents and sister. These experiences, filled with exploration and connection to nature, remain vivid in her memory.
**Family and Food**
As a food enthusiast, Shobha ensures her fridge is well-stocked with fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs, and protein sources, catering to her family's diverse culinary tastes. The family enjoys a mix of Indian and international cuisines, primarily home-cooked, highlighting their love for food.
**Musical Influences and Personal Growth**
Music plays a significant role in Shobha's life, with classic film melodies from 80s India accompanying her during car rides. She appreciates the meaningful lyrics that evoke companionship and opts for upbeat tracks during late-night drives to stay alert.
Shobha identifies with the butterfly as her spirit animal, symbolizing freedom and transformation. This imagery resonates with her personal growth journey, reflecting her evolution over the years.
**Pride and Aspirations**
One of Shobha's proudest achievements is raising children who embody a balance of creativity and practicality, excelling in both art and engineering. She values their manners and respect, which she attributes to the values instilled in their home.
**Cinematic Inspirations and Time Travel Dreams**
Shobha recalls being captivated by the scene in "Alice in Wonderland" where Alice steps through the looking glass into a fantastical world, a moment that has stayed with her since childhood. If given the chance to spend an evening with anyone, she would choose her grandmother, a figure of strength and curiosity, hoping to learn more about her life and rediscover lost family recipes.
In a whimsical twist, Shobha dreams of time traveling to the Maldives for its idyllic beaches and then to Munnar, where she imagines staying in a tree house surrounded by nature's beauty.
**Facing Challenges and Embracing Authenticity**
Shobha acknowledges her fear of inactivity, which is compounded by the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. Despite this, she remains committed to staying active and engaged.
Offering advice to her 18-year-old self and her children, she emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition, embracing unconventional paths, learning from failures, and balancing future planning with the appreciation of present moments.
**Authenticity in Relationships**
When it comes to relationships, Shobha values authenticity above all. She believes that being true to oneself is crucial, as altering one's identity for acceptance can lead to disconnection.
In her professional life, Shobha has transitioned from architecture to software testing, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to quality and precision in both her technical and artistic endeavors. Alongside her career, she has cultivated a passion for creating handcrafted art, evolving from a hobby into a source of personalized gifts.
For those interested in her artistic journey, Shobha can be followed on Instagram at [@bhasha_art](https://www.instagram.com/bhasha_art/).
Shobha Parthasarathy's life in Cyprus illustrates a rich tapestry of cultural integration, personal growth, and a commitment to family and creativity, making her a remarkable figure in her community.