Shannu Ponnappa

Shannu Ponnappa is based in Unit No 100/C inside the Standard Design building. This is located in Andheri East, quite close to the MIDC area. Being near MIDC means it is a very industrial part of Mumbai. There are factories and big office parks all around us. The Standard Design building is one of those functional structures where a lot of different businesses are tucked away. Our unit, 100/C, is where we do all our work. It is a busy place to be. In the mornings, the traffic getting into Andheri East can be a real headache, so we usually try to get in early before the rush hits. The area does not have many trees, just a lot of concrete and trucks moving goods back and forth. Inside the unit, we have our desks and the equipment we use every day. It is not a place for showing off; it is a place for getting things done. We have a small corner for making tea and taking breaks. The walls are mostly covered with calendars and notes. We have been in this spot for a while now and we have gotten to know the people in the other units. Sometimes we share a quick word in the hallway or the lift. It is a straightforward way of working. The hum of the city is always in the background, but inside the unit, we just focus on our tasks.