Today we’d like to introduce you to Anagha Kolanu.
Hi Anagha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in a world that didn’t understand me, I faced challenges that many wouldn’t recognize at first glance. Living undiagnosed with ADHD, battling depression in a community that dismissed it, and enduring a household where abuse was normalized, I often felt isolated and unheard. But through resilience and self-discovery, I found a way to heal and break free from the cycles that held me back. In sharing my story, I hope to shine a light on the struggles so many endure in silence—whether it’s navigating mental health, challenging cultural stigmas, or breaking generational curses. This is a journey of transformation, of reclaiming power, and of proving that healing is possible for anyone who dares to fight for it. ADHD was one of my earliest, yet most invisible struggles. I always felt different from my peers but could never quite understand why. In the Desi community, mental illness is often dismissed as a phase or a weakness rather than acknowledged as a real struggle. Because of this, many of my symptoms flew under the radar for years. My hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing were seen as carelessness, and my struggles with executive dysfunction were labeled as laziness.
Depression was another battle I had to fight, and like ADHD, it was misunderstood. In my community, depression is often reduced to simple sadness or a lack of motivation. No one talks about the chemical imbalances or the deep emotional turmoil it brings. Instead of receiving support, I was met with expectations to push through, to just “snap out of it.” But depression isn’t a choice—it’s a condition that requires understanding and care.
On top of struggling with my mental health, I grew up in a home where abuse was normalized. Domestic violence, both physical and emotional, was a reality I had to endure in silence. In Desi culture, family reputation is everything, and speaking out against abuse is often met with shame rather than support. I learned early on that staying silent was the only way to keep the peace. But silence comes at a cost. It meant suppressing my pain, pretending everything was fine, and carrying the weight of generational trauma alone.
Breaking the cycle of abuse is one of the hardest things a person can do, especially when the abuse is deeply ingrained in family structures. It requires not only recognizing the toxic patterns but also making the conscious decision to reject them. For me, this meant setting firm boundaries, prioritizing my mental health, and refusing to let the past define my future. It meant embracing the discomfort of going against cultural norms and standing up for myself, even when it felt like no one else would. Abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. The only way to dismantle it is by speaking up, seeking help, and creating a new path forward. I want to show others that it is possible to break free, to heal, and to build a life that isn’t defined by past traumas.
Now, my mission is to be a beacon of light for others. I want to empower those who feel trapped in silence to rise, to advocate for themselves, and to seek the help they deserve—without shame, without fear. Speaking up is terrifying, but it is also the first step toward freedom. Change happens when we break the silence, when we refuse to let our pain define us, and when we dare to rewrite our own stories. Breaking generational curses is not just a challenge—it’s an act of revolution. It is choosing to stand against the cycles of suffering, to heal despite the odds, and to pave a new way forward. We are not meant to suffer in silence. We are meant to thrive, to love, and to live freely as our most authentic selves. And no matter how difficult the road ahead, I will keep fighting until that becomes a reality for everyone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has never been a smooth road. Choosing to live authentically in a society that rewards conformity has often made me feel like an outcast. I have been called crazy simply for refusing to follow the script that has been handed to me. But I refuse to be a robot in a world that programs people to think and behave the same way. I have a mind of my own, and I believe in authenticity. Just because society forces certain ideals upon us does not mean we must accept them if they do not align with who we truly are. Too often, we are conditioned from birth—taught to fit neatly into categories, to mold ourselves into shapes that please others, to silence the parts of us that feel different. We are told what success should look like, how love should be expressed, and even what dreams are worth pursuing. But what if the true purpose of life isn’t to fit in, but to break free?
I hope everyone learns to peel back the layers of societal conditioning and brainwashing to discover their real, unfiltered selves. Because beneath the expectations, beyond the fear of judgment, there is something far more valuable: the essence of who you were always meant to be. True freedom lies in embracing who you are without fear, in standing firm in your truth even when the world tries to shake you. It is in loving yourself enough to walk away from what no longer serves you, even if that means walking alone for a while.
The journey to self-liberation is not easy—it is filled with moments of doubt, loneliness, and fear. There will be times when the weight of expectations feels suffocating, when you question whether it would be easier to simply fall in line. But within those challenges lies the greatest reward: the freedom to exist as your true self, unapologetically and without constraint.
It takes courage to defy the mold, to live in a way that is true to your soul rather than the expectations of others. But in the end, living as your true self is not just an act of rebellion—it is an act of love. A love so fierce that it refuses to be dimmed, a love that says, I am enough as I am.
And that, I believe, is the greatest gift you can give to the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve built a platform where I can speak up for those who can’t, and that is what I am most proud of. I am deeply passionate about mental health, healing, world issues, and giving back to the community. To me, true success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about using our resources, our voices, and our influence to uplift those who need it most. At the end of the day, what is the point of making money if we don’t use it to create a better world? Wealth should never be about greed or status; it should be a tool for impact, a way to contribute to something greater than ourselves.
We are so privileged to have things like running water, food, and a roof over our heads—privileged beyond measure to worry about things as simple as whether our top matches our bottoms or if our weekend plans will fall through. Most people in this world don’t have that luxury. While we stress over minor inconveniences, millions are struggling just to survive. And yet, so many people turn a blind eye to those who could benefit from just a little bit of help. It deeply saddens me to know that suffering exists on such a massive scale, while so many choose to look away simply because it doesn’t affect them directly.
But having these privileges isn’t just about enjoying them—it’s about recognizing them, being grateful, and finding ways to extend those same resources to those who truly need them. I refuse to accept a world where we normalize ignoring suffering just because we are comfortable. That is why I created my platform—to spread awareness, to spark conversations, and most importantly, to create real change. I believe we all have a role to play in healing this planet and helping those in need, and I will continue using my voice and my platform to ensure that mission never gets overlooked.
I believe that we have a responsibility to leave behind a legacy that future generations can build upon. Just as God intended, we are here to take care of this planet and each other. My vision is not just about short-term change—it’s about creating a ripple effect that lasts for generations. I want to inspire a movement where people recognize the power they have to heal the world, whether through their voice, their actions, or their resources. I want to leave behind a generational legacy where those who come after me are driven by a mission bigger than themselves—a mission to restore, uplift, and transform lives.
It all starts with one person who dares to dream big, who refuses to accept the world as it is and instead envisions what it could be. That person is me. And I won’t stop until I’ve done my part in making this planet a better place for all who inhabit it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is playing in the backyard, making potions out of dirt, leaves, sticks, and water with my friends. We used to pretend we were earth fairies, completely lost in our own little world where nothing could bother us. It was such a pure and simple joy—just kids being kids, creating magic from the earth around us. I still remember when my friend and I found the biggest stick we had ever seen to mix our potion with, and we were so in awe of it that we kept it for years. To this day, I swear it was the biggest stick I’ve ever seen. After hours of playing, covered head to toe in dirt, my mom would hose us down before we ran inside for a nap. And that nap? It was the best feeling ever—like drifting off into the deepest, most peaceful sleep after a day of adventure.
Children view the world through such a different lens—untainted by cynicism, full of wonder, and immune to the weight of the world’s struggles. They see beauty in the simplest things and believe in the impossible. A cardboard box isn’t just a box; it’s a spaceship, a castle, a secret hideout. A puddle isn’t just water on the ground; it’s an ocean waiting to be explored. They don’t see limits, only possibilities.
Somewhere along the way, as we grow older, that magic fades. The world tells us to be realistic, to compete, to conform. We begin to measure success in numbers instead of moments, and happiness becomes something we postpone—something we tell ourselves we’ll reach once we achieve the next milestone. But what if we never lost that childlike wonder? What if, instead of allowing the world to harden us, we allowed ourselves to soften it?
Hopefully, one day, the world will mirror that perspective—a planet where joy is abundant, where we uplift and support one another instead of competing and tearing each other down. A world without wars, famine, or inaccessible healthcare. A world where love, kindness, and connection aren’t rare acts but the foundation of our existence. A world where happiness isn’t something to chase but something that simply exists all around us, woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Maybe, just maybe, one day that dream will become a reality. And maybe, if we choose to see the world through a child’s eyes again, we’ll realize that the first steps toward that reality begin with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anagha-kolanu-33903121a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaghha.kolll/
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