Linda Ashok is an Indian English poet and multipotentialite with contributions across poetry, publishing, psychology, corporate communication, and academic counseling. She represents a rare blend of creativity, intellect, and professional versatility, making significant contributions to literature, psychology, and education.
Indian English Poet
Linda Ashok is an Indian English poet whose works include Whorelight, Waiting for the Helicopter, and Sharpless 29. She pioneered the Best Indian Poetry initiative in India in 2028, following the Best American Poetry model by David Lehman. Her work appears in numerous literary journals, and she received the Charles Wallace India Trust Fellowship 2017, completing a residency at the University of Chichester.
Literary Award Founder & Publisher
In 2012, Linda established the RædLeaf Foundation for Poetry & Allied Arts, creating a platform to nurture emerging literary voices from India and abroad. Through the RL Poetry Award (2013-2019) and RLFPA Editions, now evolved into BookWryter, she has significantly influenced the contemporary poetry landscape, fostering a new generation of poets and writers across international boundaries.
YouTube | Mental Health India
As a YouTuber, Linda has cultivated a dedicated community of over 3,000 subscribers, exploring the intersections of psychology in academic, practical, and trending contexts. Her channel offers candid insights into human behavior, actions, and outcomes, while examining the role of AI in psychology and the evolving landscape of global mental health practices in an accessible format. YOUTUBE
Emerging Psychologist
Linda is pursuing her Masters in Psychology with Clinical specialization (2023-2025) at IGNOU, having completed extensive psychiatric hospital internships. Her current research explores the relationship between perceived stress, sleep quality, and subjective memory complaints among working professionals in Kolkata. She aims to contribute to human autonomy, neuroscience, and psychotherapy through evidence-based practice and research.
Corporate Communications Professional
Since 2006, Linda has built an impressive career trajectory from a Kolkata call center to roles at Fortune 100 companies including IBM-Daksh, Bank of America, ADP, and Deloitte. Her 17-year journey in corporate communications spans internal and external communications management, industry analysis, and strategic leadership, regularly sharing insights through YouTube and LinkedIn platforms.
Academic & Career Counsellor
Combining her corporate expertise with psychological training, Linda guides students and professionals in understanding psychology’s applications across industries. She provides comprehensive career guidance, helping individuals make informed decisions about career transitions or enhancement through psychology. Her tutoring services address the challenges of distance learning, offering practical insights into psychology’s role in various sectors.
Future Aspirations
Linda’s forward-thinking approach integrates current engagements with future goals, focusing on pursuing a doctorate in mental health sciences preferably in neuroscience and human autonomy. She aims to support India’s Samaritan communities in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the homeless, mentally ill, and abandoned elderly. Additionally, she seeks to contribute to advancing education in Humanities, STEM, and AI.