Jayanti Tamm

Author – Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult

2010-12-07

Before her birth, Jayanti Tamm was prophesied to be the "Chosen One," by the guru Sri Chinmoy, a man who declared himself "God." Cartwheels in a Sari reveals the hidden world of growing up "cult" in mainstream America. With humor and provocative insight, Jayanti reveals the allure and illusion of cult life, and the struggle to control her own destiny while risking everything that she has ever known, including the person that she was ordained to be.

Assistant Professor of English – Ocean County College

Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, provides area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. Ocean County College aspires to be an institution of distinction where faculty and staff serve to awaken students to a love of learning. We foster educational innovation through effective teaching-learning strategies, designed to develop and nurture intentional learners who are informed and empowered.

Nominee – Pushcart Prize

In 2000, Jayanti was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, which is an American literary prize by Pushcart Press that honors the best "poetry, short fiction, essays or literary whatnot" published in the small presses over the previous year. The Pushcart Prize is the most honored literary project in America.

American University;

Master of Fine Arts

Creative Writing

2000

Queens College City University of New York

Bachelor of Arts

English

1997

Director

Kenilworth Public Library

I want to thank you again for joining us. Everyone was impressed, not only by your writing, but also by the way you were able to speak so beautifully and without rancor about your experiences growing up. This morning, my two co-workers who had attended last night still couldn't stop talking about it.

Director of Educational Programs

Greenbriar Woods Education Programs

I wish I were really good with words, not to mention "well-crafted
sentences," to adequately express my thanks for another wonderful presentation.
Your lecture was, as always, so well organized but what we love most of all
is your ability to connect with the audience. There are some presenters
who are always our "favorites" and you are certainly among our top three
choices. Kudos.

Coordinator of Honors English

John F. Kennedy High School, LI

I must say, there has been a buzz in the building since your visit. The students and staff (including me) found you absolutely captivating.

Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult

Darien Public Library Speaker Series  Darien, Connecticut

Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult

West Orange Public Library Event Series  West Orange, New Jersey

Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult

Byram Shubert Library Speaker Series  Greenwich, Connecticut

Writing One's Life: Sharing Your Innermost Experiences For All The World To Read

Writing a memoir requires taking great risks. The most effective memoirs plunge fearlessly into memory and expose what had once been concealed. That process demands shaping and reshaping memory to refine both the overt and subtle dimensions in order to transform it into a compelling narrative. To write one’s true story, we need to take full ownership of our past as well as our aesthetic strategy. My workshop provides a safe, nurturing forum where the risks will result in deep rewards.

Finding One's Own True Path: The Journey To Finding One's Self

Sharing her own extraordinary story of being born and raised as the 'Chosen One' in a cult, Jayanti Tamm inspires her audience to discover their own hidden courage and determination in order to find their own true path to happiness.

Cults: The Hidden Dangers

In a riveting retelling of her own experience of being born and raised in a cult in 'mainstream America,' Jayanti Tamm reveals rare insights into the appeal of cults and the powers of their manipulation. Often shocking and always engaging, this lecture provides an inside glimpse into a world most people will never know.