Tiya has had  a wide range of interests and experiences in life. From being an author and exploring marine archaeology to founding a business and holding a significant position in a company supplying military equipment, her path has been truly dynamic.Tiya has had  a wide range of interests and experiences in life. From being an author and exploring marine archaeology to founding a business and holding a significant position in a company supplying military equipment, her path has been truly dynamic.

Tiya Chatterji is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of pursuits. She is an author, a marine archaeologist, and a budding businesswoman. She's the founder of a startup company, Archaic Minds, which specializes in providing creative services. Additionally, she's a skilled scuba diver and also holds the position of Director of Business Development at Anuvyom Alliance.

Sharing about her childhood, Tiya describes it as cosmopolitan. Born in Andhra Pradesh and raised in Bangalore, she fondly recalls her childhood as a mix of cultures – growing up alongside South Indians, Bengalis, Catholics, Christians, and Muslims. She remembers her childhood for the food and friends, and for being creative. Every summer, she would take classes that her parents encouraged, and that's how she found her passions.

Tiya laments that despite India's rich historical heritage, Marine Archaeology isn't widely pursued. Her goal has always been centered on heritage preservation.

Tiya says that her entry into marine archaeology happened unexpectedly. While at Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute, where she completed her first Master’s Degree in Archaeology, she was contacted by a maritime research center for a short-term contract involving secondary research. Despite initial doubts, her adventurous spirit led her to accept the opportunity. The industry's positive response was overwhelming.

What was initially intended as a six-month project extended into a year, earning her a fellowship to pen a comprehensive book titled 'Underwater Archaeology in India: The Lost Enigma.' While working on the book, she noticed a lack of awareness on the topic which prompted her to share her newfound knowledge and passion for the field with the world.

For Tiya, monetary gain wasn't the driving force. Even though being aware of the scarcity of marine archaeology jobs in India, she chose this path to safeguard the nation's valuable heritage. Guided by a retired navy commander during her maritime research, she attended defense conferences, establishing connections. After concluding her contract, she ventured into working for the Indian Navy on the esteemed publication 'The Indian Navy.'

Tiya says that while her journey has been challenging due to the scarcity of professionals in her field, she persisted with the support of her parents and friends.

Her advice to the younger generation is to embrace hard work, not to give up early, and to harness the resources within to make a meaningful impact.

Tiya says that her father is her role model as he always encouraged and supported her and is an honest person. Inspirational figures from the armed forces, like Major Anoop Mishra, have also left a lasting impression on her. Tiya draws inspiration from Mark Twain's quote, "With courage, you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."

Tiya differentiates between education and experience, asserting that while education is vital, experience holds greater significance in shaping a fulfilling life.

Acknowledging her mistakes, Tiya highlights trusting people too easily, missing opportunities abroad, being overly emotional, and sharing her goals as her mistakes. She believes that one should share goals once they achieve it.

Tiya's achievements include creating a documentary about Rani Abbakka, an early freedom fighter, using her own funds. She is proud of her forthcoming fictional book about maritime myths and legends of India.

Apart from her work, she enjoys travel, diverse cuisines, scuba diving for relaxation, animal rescue, and poetry writing.

Tiya says that if she had a time machine, she would want to revisit a time in her life when things were simpler and she was living an ordinary life. She would like to use those years to explore things.

Tiya's message to everyone is to write without inhibition, as writing fosters expression, clarity, and exploration. She advises against getting trapped in hustle culture and encourages rest and mental well-being. Reading, she believes, broadens perspectives.

For those aspiring to enter the maritime industry, she suggests having alternative income sources too. In defense studies, she advocates for a strong resume, portfolio, dedication, professional appearance, and effective communication.

Addressing women, Tiya urges them not to let gender hinder their ambitions. She reminds them to rise above preconceived limitations and to not let their gender define their capabilities.