inspiringwomen

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Garima Anand

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Ranked among the Top 3 in FITTR’s Transformation Challenge Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Garima Anand – Preeti Juneja Q. What inspired you to take fitness seriously? It was my deteriorating health, including knee issues, being overweight, anxiety, and depression. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. Three years ago, I was suffering from major anxiety issues, even had to get hospitalized in the middle of the night. I was undergoing extensive counseling sessions when my doctor asked me what I enjoyed most. I told him I liked going to the gym and listening to music. He encouraged me to start doing those activities again, and since then, there has been no looking back. Q What kind of pushback did you encounter from family and friends during your fitness journey? Fortunately, I haven’t faced any resistance from my family. My husband, kids, and mother-in-law were incredibly supportive throughout my journey. They simply wanted me to find happiness and overcome my anxiety issues. My fitness journey began with the support of my husband. He’s a fitness enthusiast himself and has always encouraged me to prioritize health and fitness. I’ve received immense support from him throughout this journey. Not a day went by without me hitting the gym. I was dedicated to my workouts, and my diet was always on point with no cheat meals whatsoever. I was committed to achieving my goals, no matter what. In fact, he was the one who told my kids, “This is your mom’s ‘me time’ at the gym, and you shouldn’t disturb her. If she has to go, it means she has to be in the gym. Don’t give her any work during that time.” Q. How did you overcome the naysayers to sustain your passion for fitness? This was the most challenging aspect of my fitness journey because of the numerous judgments I faced. When I was overweight, people would call me names like “Pehelwan,” “Lambichori,” or say, “You’ve become quite healthy.” And when I began my journey, they questioned why I exercised so much, asking, “Do you want to become like a man?” My husband and coach were there to support and guide me. They advised me to simply ignore naysayers, and let them say what they want. To overcome the naysayers, simply ignore them and let them say what they want. Just smile back at them. I’d say, stay focused, disciplined, and consistent, no matter what obstacles come your way. Q. How are you inspiring others around you to embrace fitness? I am currently a certified diet and workout consultant, providing personalized diet and workout plans to my clients. People in my community see my discipline in the gym and observe the way I work out. Whether or not I inspire them, they definitely take notice. I’ve been sharing my workout videos and reels on social media. People often approach me, seeking tips and asking about my transformation journey. Q. What common myths about fitness would you like to debunk? A common myth in women’s fitness is the fear that working out will make them look huge and manly. This is not true. Women who work out will become stronger and more curvaceous, and while they will gain muscle, they will not look manly. Also, there’s a common misconception that going to the gym alone will lead to weight loss and fat loss. The truth is, the key factor is maintaining a proper diet. To lose fat, you must create a calorie deficit, while for weight gain, you need to be in a calorie surplus. So, both diet and strength training are crucial components of your fitness journey. Rapid-Fire: Energy food you recommend the most Good protein rich diet 2. Food you must avoid at all costs: All kind of packaged food at the store counter 3. 5 must-have things at home to get you started: – Fitness goal – Strength Training – Balanced and Discipline routine – Quantified Diet – Good sleep / Good recovery time 4. Your advice for 40-plus women? It’s important for all women to incorporate strength training alongside cardio into their fitness routine, along with a balanced diet and adequate protein intake. It helps in, – Boosting bone density – Enhancing functional movement – Weight maintenance – Muscle rebuilding – Promoting good mental health – Combatting osteoporosis, which often occurs post-menopause. 5. Quick snack to keep in your bag? – Bananas – Boiled eggs – Salad – Soya chunks About Author Garima Anand Certified by the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences, Garima Anand now offers diet and workout fitness consultancy from home. A homemaker turned fitness enthusiast, she inspires many people eager to transform their lives just like she did. If she doesn’t inspire, nothing can. 5th June 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Garima Anand ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Sharon Samuel Ahmed

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My mission: To help 1 million people achieve holistic weight transformation through Keto Diet and Intermittent Fasting methods. Sharon’s inspiration to help people lose weight stems from her own struggles with obesity, diabetes, emotional eating, fatigue, and low energy, which she battled for over 25 years. Like millions, she tried many weight loss diets only to regain the weight after stopping them. She successfully lost 20 kgs of stubborn fat in just 6 months and was able to stop her diabetes medication. This transformation elevated her self-confidence, self-love, energy levels, and overall outlook on life. She has already helped over 100 people not only lose weight but also achieve holistic and sustainable health.  Weight loss goes beyond just counting calories or exercising for hours every day. Sharon Samuel Ahmed In her program, Sharon targets the root causes of obesity through her 3 Step Weight Loss Framework and her Weight Transformation Journey Blueprint, both are scientific and proven methods for sustainable fat loss. Sharon works as a consultant with Transform Rural India, part of the Strategic and Programme Assistance Unit for DAY_NRLM, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. She provides policy and strategic support to achieve 1 lakh+ annual income for 8 crore+ rural women in SHGs, designs and drives “The Prajjwala Challenge,” and leads capacity building for SRLMs and local functionaries. Previously, she worked with Hand in Hand India, overseeing projects in North Indian states and building partnerships for new programs. She also served as a technical advisor at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and has extensive experience with organizations like Vodafone Foundation, Child Rights and You (CRY), SRIJAN, and PRADAN Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Sharon Samuel Ahmed – Preeti Juneja Q. What inspired you to take fitness seriously? My inspiration to take fitness seriously stemmed from my painful journey with obesity. At one point, I weighed nearly 100 kilograms and faced numerous health issues, including fatigue, low energy, cravings for sugary sweets, and eventually type II diabetes. I was on the verge of developing glaucoma, but fortunately, I was diagnosed in time to save my vision. Despite trying calorie-restrictive diets and intense exercise routines, I found little success. It left me feeling demotivated and frustrated, and the impact began seeping into my professional and personal life. I desperately wanted to “look good,” “wear the clothes of my choice,” and above all, “feel healthy.” Over time, I became a victim of the emotional side effects of obesity—self-hatred, lack of self-belief, emotional eating, anxiety, and possibly even depression. As my stress levels increased, so did my weight. I sought solace in food, relying on the dopamine effect of my favourite foods for temporary relief. However, this was only a fleeting comfort, and after indulging, I would blame myself for giving in to my emotional eating habits. There came a point when I lost all hope and believed I had to live with my situation for the rest of my life. This emotional turmoil began affecting my professional life as well, leading to self-doubt, an inferiority complex, and a tendency to blame myself for everything negative that happened. My turning point came when I joined the “Passionpreneur Movement” by Dev Gadhvi, who has learnt from his mentors like Sifu Dan Lok and Tony Robbins, undergone Vipasana several times and is on a mission to transform 1 billion lives. I am a part of Dev Gadhvi’s inner circle community, and I dedicate my mental and emotional transformation to what I have learned during this time. In one of the sessions, we were asked, “What is your purpose in life? What are you passionate about? What would you love to do? How would you like to change lives? What impact would you like to bring to people’s lives?” I realized I had no answers. I still felt a vacuum despite spending almost 22 years in the social development sector, working at the grassroots, funding, and policy levels. I struggled to find passion in my work and couldn’t associate my answers with what I had been doing for years. Then, a statement during the program struck me deeply: “Most movements emerge from the injustice or pain that someone has felt, and these movements are there to bring about a change in that inequality of pain.” The examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela resonated with me. I realized that the pain I had endured due to obesity wasn’t just physical but also emotional and mental. That’s when I decided to create change not only for myself but also to help others overcome the complex pain of obesity. I decided to lead by example, demonstrating the changes I advocated. I knew the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting for physical weight loss, and I spent months studying and understanding these areas to develop a holistic solution. I also earned a “Keto and Intermittent Fasting Coach” certification from Dr. Eric Berg, DC. I studied intermittent fasting through Dr. Jason Fung, MD’s training and books, both pioneers in their fields. I deeply understood that weight loss is not solely about shedding pounds but achieving a holistic transformation. It’s about losing weight from your mind, heart, and body. Through practices of gratitude, meditation, affirmations, and a comprehensive approach, I overcame my emotional and mental struggles. I found the best solution for physical weight loss by combining keto and intermittent fasting with exercise. Today, I am on a mission to transform 1 million lives by advocating for a comprehensive approach to well-being that encompasses emotional and mental health alongside physical health. This holistic transformation is about looking good and feeling good, inside and out. Q What kind of pushback did you encounter from family and friends during your fitness journey? Whenever you aim to bring about change through unconventional methods, it is initially met with resistance. This is true for any new idea or disruption that challenges widely accepted norms. Today, also, despite remarkable and proven results

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Sangeeta Relan

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Founder of AboutHer and Host of The AboutHer Show  “It is never too late, and you are never too old to become better.” Sangeeta Relan In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a writer and editor, managing an e-magazine for women called AboutHer. Founded in January 2018, AboutHer is a women’s lifestyle site that covers style, culture, food, travel, relationships, stories, books, and podcasts. About Her: The magazine features short stories, book reviews, and her reflections on women, their journeys, relationships, evolving roles, challenges, passions, and interests. Renowned for its large and deeply engaged readership, About Her invites visitors to come for the blog and stay for the comments. The About Her Show: Sangeeta hosts a podcast, where she converses with women achievers to learn about their inspiring journeys, aimed at motivating and empowering other women. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Sangeeta Relan – Preeti Juneja Q. In your blog “About Her,” there’s a section called Real Journeys, where you celebrate the resilient and determined women of the past, present, and future. Additionally, “The About Her Show” podcast features interactions with women achievers to inspire and motivate others. There are many hidden gems whose stories need to be highlighted. How do you go about finding these untold stories and giving them a platform to shine? I firmly believe that every woman has a story, whether she is known or not, and that each woman’s life offers valuable lessons for others. Our experiences may occur at different times and places, and sometimes take different forms, but we all navigate similar challenges. Therefore, it is important to learn from the experiences of others. not to discuss personal matters publicly, advised against “washing our dirty linen in public.” As a result, many women feel isolated, uncertain if their experiences are unique or shared by others. This sense of loneliness and the need for connection inspired me to start my e-magazine about six and a half years ago. I began by writing short stories based on the lives of everyday women, aiming to create a space where women could see their own experiences reflected and know they are not alone. In the first season of my podcast, I interviewed 51 women. Recently, I’ve also started talking to men because I believe that achieving a truly inclusive world requires allyship, where men and women work together. I choose my guests not based on their public recognition, although I do have some well-known guests, but those are rare. Instead, I focus on the untold stories of unsung heroes—people who are not in the public eye. By giving them a platform to share their life journeys, achievements, and dreams, I aim to inspire my audience. These stories resonate with listeners, helping them find relatable experiences and insights that can enrich their own lives. This is the essence of my podcast. Q. As an educationist in a university with a predominantly female workforce, do you think gender diversity is a real problem, or is it primarily an issue in power positions and boardrooms? What is your advice to women on dealing with microaggression? It all starts from the bottom, from the moment boys and girls are born and the way we raise them. Boardrooms reflect the culmination of these early influences. From the very beginning, the way we raise our children shapes their future roles and behaviors. We tell boys not to cry because they aren’t girls and guide girls to make specific choices. Even the toys we give them—dolls for girls and mechanical toys or planes for boys—reinforce these differences. As children grow and advance to higher positions, these distinctions become more pronounced and continually reinforced. It’s a real problem everywhere. As you mentioned, even in universities with a predominantly female workforce, these issues persist. For example, I prefer taking early morning classes to maximize my day. When my children were younger, I aimed to complete my work early so I could spend more time at home. I was never one to linger in the staff room engaging in idle gossip. Men would often comment that women leave early to go home, implying they are less committed. This bias exists everywhere. Sometimes it’s overt, but often, women can sense when they are being unfairly targeted. Firstly, I believe it’s important to address microaggressions when you encounter them because they’re often subtle and may stem from unconscious bias. Men, due to this bias, may not realize when they say or do something inappropriate. When I suggest calling out, I don’t mean engaging in conflict. Instead, you can gently hint at it or express your discomfort politely. For example, you can say, “I didn’t appreciate what you said. How would you feel if the situation were reversed?” At work, we have informal support groups where we intervene if we notice a female student or a young colleague facing such issues. We offer them our support and let them know they’re not alone. My advice is to address these situations smartly without being overly aggressive. Make your point clear and never let it slide because ignoring it can perpetuate the behavior. Q. Is enough being done to promote mental well-being? What initiatives are you taking in this field? There is a very positive development that people are becoming more aware and accepting of issues that need attention. However, it’s crucial to understand that addressing these issues requires ongoing commitment, not just a short-term effort. Initiatives must be sustained to bring about lasting change. In particular, I want to emphasize the importance of focusing on women’s mental well-being, which I believe is not receiving the attention it deserves. Women face a myriad of challenges throughout various stages of life, such as during menstruation, premenopause, postmenopause, and pregnancy—experiences that men may struggle to comprehend. While discussions around this topic have begun, there’s still much more work to be done in this space. Recognizing and addressing these issues is important, and although progress has been made, there’s still a long

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Rituparna Ghosh

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An International Storyteller and a TEDx Speaker Storytelling will be the strongest currency in the world Rituparna Ghosh For a span of five years, Rituparna shared her expertise in Storytelling and Children’s Literature at Delhi University. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in crafting the early years program for Delhi Government Schools, ingeniously integrating English, Hindi, and monthly themes through the medium of stories. More recently, Rituparna collaborated on the development of the Storytelling as Pedagogy Manual for CBSE. Through the platform of Your Story Bag, she has diligently conducted training sessions for numerous teachers and storytellers across India. Within the corporate and non-profit sectors, Rituparna has spearheaded projects that harness storytelling for diverse purposes, including Training, Company Branding, Change Management, Communication, Fundraising, Marketing, Program Facilitation, and Gender Sensitization. ‘Rituparna believes there is a storyteller in each of us. Children and adults need stories and storytelling skills all of their lives, to make sense of the world and give shape to their ideas.’ Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Rituparna Ghosh – Preeti Juneja Q. Stories breathe life into ideas. Which is your favorite marketing campaign? Marketing often intertwines with storytelling, especially during events like Women’s Day or Diwali, where brands invest significantly to evoke a feel-good factor. When it comes to marketing, I admire organizations and brands that prioritize storytelling as a sustained strategy. One such brand is the Whole Truth, a food brand that goes beyond selling protein bars and food items. The brand’s core mission is to enlighten consumers about the Whole Truth, to demystify food labels, and to reveal the nutritional content of every item they consume, thereby promoting healthy eating. I like it because this brand has held on to the raw thread of storytelling—the company’s branding activities, marketing, packaging, and communication in newsletters and social media are all based around storytelling. It is not a one-off campaign; it’s a brand strategy to ensure everything is around storytelling. And for me, that’s the whole idea behind a brand which does marketing, where marketing is not the end of selling a product. They’re also changing the narrative when trying to change how to consume food and the kind of misinformation out there. If you’re looking at storytelling as a way of sharing ideas, this brand is doing a particularly good job of it. Q. What is the story structure you follow to keep your audience focused and engaging? I’m fascinated by the question of story structure because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. It varies depending on your audience – whether they’re children, adults, or individuals you’re encouraging to think critically or creatively. The structure and format you choose depend on the purpose behind your storytelling. So, rather than having a favorite structure, my approach adapts to the specific goals I aim to achieve with my audience. Q. Content inspiration is everywhere. a) Where do you get your source of inspiration for content creation? My ideas stem from various sources within me, triggered by questions, observations of mistakes, disagreements with others, or reflections on literature. When crafting content for storytelling, I prioritize audience input, allowing their preferences to shape how I present my ideas. For instance, when collaborating with a nonprofit, I focus on communicating their mission, drawing insights from how businesses and organizations engage their audiences to care about their cause or purpose. Cross-sector and cross-segment analyses of my clients and projects often inspire content dissemination. Even mundane experiences, like telling a multilingual story to children, spark ideas about language usage and audience engagement. I repurpose such experiences to cater to different audiences, understanding that the same incident can offer diverse perspectives. I thrive on the exchange of ideas and constantly seek inspiration from my work and experiences. Learning from children’s storytelling informs my approach with adults, adapting techniques to suit different contexts, such as teaching or corporate settings. Content creation, to me, encompasses storytelling methods, discussions on the art of storytelling, and tailoring storytelling as a tool to engage diverse audiences. It’s a fluid process, influenced by the audience and the desired outcome of our interaction. b) “Moment Marketing” is a double-edged sword. What are your views on it? a) I’m not a big fan of what is commonly referred to as ‘moment marketing ‘, a strategy where brands leverage current events or trends to promote their products or services. Amul is The only brand that does an excellent job of this. Unless you follow the Amul rule book of moment marketing and storytelling or the brand voice they exhibit during such times, no other brand does it anywhere close to what Amul does. On the contrary, brands tend to be insensitive and try to grab landlight or jump onto the trend. Social media has created this whole urge to make every story your own. It’s like that boring cousin of yours; no matter what is being told in the room, your cousin will jump in and say, oh, it happened to me also and this is what happened to me so you know that’s what ‘moment marketing’ is like so I’m not very fond of it and sometimes people you know do it very very poorly so that’s not what I like about ‘moment marketing ‘. Q. What are qualities of a good storyteller? Share few effective tips and tricks of compelling storytelling? STORYTELLING is really like a nuclear bomb in your hands. A skilled storyteller wields this power with awareness, sensitivity, and integrity, refraining from manipulation and embracing storytelling’s transformative potential. Each story has the potential to inspire, educate, and change lives, making storytelling a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled storyteller. Any storyteller must grasp that storytelling isn’t about self-absorption. Instead, it’s about considering the audience, the listeners, and the target demographic you’re addressing. Secondly, it involves recognizing the story as a medium to convey something meaningful. A proficient storyteller understands the supremacy of the audience and surrenders to their power, acknowledging that the narrative revolves solely around them. Without

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Aabha Bakaya

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She started working independently on content creation and established the Ladies Who Lead (LWL) community, leading to the formation of LWL the company in 2021. She exemplifies the combination of beauty and intelligence, adept at discussing business affairs, stock markets, and shares. Aabha embarked on her professional journey as a correspondent at Business Today Magazine before transitioning to CNBC TV18 as a producer. Subsequently, she assumed the role of senior correspondent at NDTV Profit from 2004 to 2007, followed by a stint as associate producer at NDTV Good Times for a year. ZOYA explores Aabha Bakaya’s path to successin ‘Finely Crafted Journeys Read- Between 2008 and 2010, she anchored for ET NOW-TIMES GROUP, and from 2010 to 2016, she held the position of senior anchor and editor at Bloomberg TV India. She continues to lead and work within her own company, Ladies Who Lead. Award for Best Business News Anchor (Female) at the NT Awards Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Aabha Bakaya – Preeti Juneja Q. What are the common traits that influential leaders share? Which of these traits align most closely with your life story? Discipline, humility, and perseverance are all extremely powerful traits I have seen among some of the finest leaders, including my father, who built one of India’s largest hotel management companies, Sarovar Hotels. Q. Freedom fosters creativity. As an entrepreneur, could you share one innovative idea you initiated at Ladies Who Lead (LWL) that is thriving? It’s not about one idea. It’s about a million ideas that all contribute to creating something greater. It’s an ever-evolving process, and that’s the best part about creativity. Today, we have one of the most diverse, inclusive, and powerful platforms that doesn’t just talk about empowering women. Every action actually makes a difference in people’s journeys and gives them access to leaders across fields who tell them it’s possible to believe. You can do it. Q. Networking events take place across various sectors. LWL serves over 30 industries. According to you, why would individuals pay to network outside their sector unless they are seeking business opportunities? What value do you bring to the table? In today’s VUCA world, interconnectivity is essential. To not just survive but thrive, everyone needs exposure to multiple disciplines. Roles like HR, Tech, Marketing & Sales are evolving across sectors. Intrapreneurship is a highly sought-after skill, and exposure to entrepreneurs and their business expansion strategies, tested and proven, is invaluable. Cross-industry networking offers a wealth of knowledge on economic trends and their broader implications, making it a strategic move for any professional. Over the past year, LWL has doubled its member base to over 1000+. These members include business veterans, founders of unicorns, emerging entrepreneurs, and professionals from 30+ industries. Over the course of the past 12 months, LWL has significantly broadened its geographic reach, expanding from 4 cities (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune) to more than 12+ cities now. This also includes 6 international cities across the globe. LWL derives immense value and advantages for its members from cross-segment strategic partnerships. Its partner portfolio includes reputable brands such as Vertices, TMT, Harappa, Nuvama, Mint, Zen Co-works, and Taj Group Of Hotels Q. In networking, authenticity is key. However, everyone wishes to present themselves favourably. How can one network to build genuine connections and lasting relationships? What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs? Be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it. Although everyone you ask may not be able to help you, they will surely try. Q. In the digitalized landscape of the creator economy and ed-tech for learning, where information is abundant, how do you curate content topics, events and more? Today, people want in-person, intimate, and personalized engagement, and you’ll find that when you sit with someone in a curated safe space. When you take the time to attend and have each other’s attention for those couple of hours, you also walk away with meaningful takeaways. Nothing replaces that kind of learning. Q. How do you know a plan is a good plan Hahaha, You don’t; you’ll discover. But there is always another plan 🙂 Rapid-Fire: One area of specialization that interests you? Storytelling 2.What do you mean by an equitable future for women? Where they are no longer an exception to the rule 3.What is a day at work like? Manic 4.What skills from Journalism are helping you now in your new venture? Curation, Positioning, Questioning, Discovering and Relating One-Liners: 1.My mentor is: Life mentor – Ajay Bakaya. 2.Success to me is: Fulfilling your dream. Though the path may be unexpected. 3.recommend studying Media and Journalism from: Columbia School of Journalism. 4.Invest money to make money, Invest time to make: Human Capital that lasts forever About Author Aabha Bakaya As Founder & CEO of Ladies Who Lead, a members – only circle of women achievers, she is set out on this journey to co-create an equitable future for women in the workforce with an innate drive to speed up meaningful change. 1st May 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Important Links https://www.instagram.com/reel/C39t5FvSlB-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Aabha Bakaya ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

International Women’s Day: Empowered Hearts, Inspiring Souls

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An IMT CDL and DreamWeb India Collaboration Real life inspirational stories of famous personalities sharing their experiences on Courage, Grit, Sacrifice, and Resilience. Inspiring women to be strong, positive and lead from a place where they believe in self, first. From different parts of India, joining on the panelist: Premlata Poonia, Founder, Hamari Laado, Rajasthan; Dilshad Master, Founder & director, Bull’s Adventure, Bangalore; Anshu Arora, Chief Synergist, Metamorphosis, Gurgaon; Anusha Subramanian, Partner at Bohemian Adventures LLP, Mumbai; the session was moderated by Preeti Juneja, Founder, DreamWeb India. Anshu Arora in conversation with Preeti Juneja: Preeti Juneja interviewed Anusha Subramanian: Follow inspirational stories of successful women personalities here. DREAMWEB INDIA WISHES YOU A VERY HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY! Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women Important Links https://dreamwebindia.in/2024/02/14/inspiring-women-every-wednesday-premlata-poonia/ https://dreamwebindia.in/2023/09/20/inspiring-women-every-wednesday-dilshad-master/ Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Women’s Day: Women who inspire

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https://videopress.com/embed/9m4YRJ61?cover=1&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=1&hd=0 Women’s Day: Women who inspire Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp About Author Sarika Chavan Women who inspire: Sarika Chavan, Co-Founder of Sparkle Gift Cards Thinking of something innovative, something different to gift, and giving back to society? Sarika Chavan, women who inspire speaks on Sparkle Gift Cards as a gifting solution. 8th March 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women Do you have a question for Sarika Chavan? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Manisha Ram Kelkar

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ACTRESS IN INDIAN CINEMA & A RACER ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE Manisha Ram Kelkar an inspiring women, is a versatile Indian actress and accomplished Kathak dancer. She marked her acting debut in the Marathi film arena with the ensemble cast feature “Hyancha Kahi Nem Nahi,” under the direction of Kedar Shinde. In Bollywood, she garnered critical acclaim for her role in “Bandook.” Additionally, she ventured into Telugu cinema with the film “Friend Request.” Her Car Racing Passion An LGB Formula 4 race driver on a National level, she has won podiums in Autocross and Gymkhana races in Bangalore and Mumbai; and was felicitated by Mr. Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports. Chosen to compete in the Formula Women McLaren GT Cup in the United Kingdom, she emerged as one of the Top 50 contenders out of a pool exceeding 1000 participants globally. Manisha earned selection for the Nations Cup, tasked with representing India in the Middle East, amidst 22 nations vying for supremacy. Famous personality on silver screen Beyond the silver screen, Manisha, has been an inspiring women, taken center stage as a host for various prestigious events including the Times of India red carpet, Asian Film Festival, Times Marathi Film Technical Awards, Comedy Express, Marathi Film Awards on ETV Marathi, and as a host for the Cricket World Cup on Zee 24 Taas. Notably, she showcased her adventurous spirit as a strong contender in the pioneering reality show “Zhunj Marathmoli,” the first-ever adventure-themed Marathi reality series on ETV Marathi. Manisha shares her remarkable journey of resilience following a harrowing near-fatal accident in her in her TEDx Talk titled “What To Do When Dreams Shatter.” TEDX Talk Speaker Having enduring five vertebrae fractures, a broken rib, and intestinal perforations, she shares how she found the strength to overcome adversity. Through her narrative, Manisha is inspiring women, empowers those facing similar challenges, offering hope and motivation in the face of adversity. She is the daughter of noted writer Ram Kelkar (who has written scripts for films like Hero, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak) and Jeevan Kala, an actress and trained Kathak dancer (who danced in the song Hasta Hua Noorani Chehra among many others). Academically, Manisha holds a B.Sc. degree in microbiology and pursued further studies in Mass Communication and Filmmaking at the Post-Graduate level. In Conversation with Manisha Ram Kelkar – Preeti Juneja Q. What sparks greater enthusiasm in you—acting or car racing? Will you leave one for the other to pursue as a full-time career? The camera holds a special place in my heart; it’s the love of my life. When I’m acting, I breathe life into other characters, and when I’m racing, I feel genuinely alive. Both acting and racing are integral parts of who I am; they’re like extensions of myself. Acting allows me to immerse myself in diverse worlds, embodying various characters and experiencing a spectrum of emotions. Each role enables me to live multiple lives within this one existence. Comparatively, racing serves as a profound journey of self-discovery. It teaches me invaluable lessons about composure in adversity and the balance between competitiveness and empathy. Through racing, I’ve learned that life is a series of victories and defeats, but the key is to keep moving forward on this beautiful journey called life. As long as my passion burns bright for what I do, I will never part ways with either acting or racing, thereby inspiring women. Q. On a global scale, do you believe there is sufficient representation from India in Formula Racing? What obstacles did you encounter while striving to enter this league, particularly following the accident you had? Engaging in motorsports requires significant financial investment. Even talented individuals often rely heavily on sponsorship. In India, there’s a noticeable dearth of information about motorsports, but the landscape is gradually evolving for the better. Following my accident, I encountered numerous obstacles in my motorsports journey. Suffering fractures in the fourth and fifth vertebrae, along with a broken 13th rib and severe intestinal perforations, led to an extended period of being bedridden. However, the most formidable challenge I faced was coping with the post-accident trauma. Despite the immense struggle, my unwavering passion for racing cars served as the driving force that enabled me to overcome these hurdles. Q. What is the best way to get into Formula racing? Start with Karting: Develop fundamental skills in a cost-effective and accessible environment. Join a Racing School or Club: Receive professional coaching and guidance. Attend Racing Events: Learn from observing races firsthand. Network within the Racing Community: Build connections for opportunities and support. Progress through Racing Series: Gradually move from entry-level to higher-level formula racing categories. Seek Sponsorship and Support: Secure financial backing to fund participation in higher-level racing series. Stay Committed and Persistent: Maintain dedication, perseverance, and continuous improvement. Q. You actively support various sports and advocate for increased women’s participation. Tell us more about it. I aspire to inspire and influence as many motorsports enthusiasts, especially women, to embrace the sport. Drawing from my experience owning a complete women’s team in the #AdidasPremierLeague, I aim to create opportunities and platforms encouraging women to participate and excel in sports. Q. If you were to convey a message for a social cause to a broader audience, what would it be, and what is the underlying reason for your choice? Accelerating Change: Empowering Lives on and off the Track By fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the racing community, I hope to ignite a passion for motorsport among women and pave the way for their success in this exhilarating field. As both an actor and a motorsports racer, I believe in the power of passion and purpose. I’m dedicated to driving positive change in our society on and off the track. Social causes of empowering individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender or background. Together, let’s accelerate change and make a lasting impact in our communities. Let’s rev up for a brighter future. Rapid-Fire: In the

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Premlata Poonia

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Author of the book ‘Borders Bridges Belonging’ Hamari Laado is an initiative built on the collective spirit of wanting to create a better future for our daughters in rural Bharat! The Vision: To inspire and Enable girls with skills and confidence to achieve. The Principles: We believe that all girls can achieve. – We believe all girls deserve an equal chance to succeed. – We believe in building skills and confidence for girls to have a chance! The Programmes: NEEV MARG Giving Circle Borders Bridges Belonging It is a tale of two strikingly different worlds, and a journey through many layers of India – rural, small town, urban and global. The story begins with a family of farmers leaving their land and finding a home along the border during the partition of India. With many migrations, strong faith in education and constant pursuit of dreams, brings the author from her village to the American heartland. The book leaves us meditating on the role we play in being a bridge to the other part. I grew up in a society that had embraced the darkness they had inherited, and I was living in one which was burning its own houses down for light. Was there really no middle way? Premlata Poonia Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Premlata Poonia – Preeti Juneja Q. In your book “Borders Bridges Belonging,” you begin by reflecting on the generations preceding you: “My grandmother’s generation navigated the reality of borders, my parents crossed many bridges for our family, and my journey unfolded in pursuit of belonging.” Towards the end, you assert, “For five generations, Likhmalo has been the ordinary yet extraordinary starting, resting, and ending point. Somewhere within those points, I found my sense of belonging.” Was it the emotional connection to the place ”Likhmalo,” or the aspirations of young girls toward education that ultimately brought you home to where you belonged? The answer would be both and much more. Likhmalo and its journey, even after I left, became a specimen for me in terms of what is happening in girls’ education in rural Rajasthan or even general changes in rural areas. Coming from a village and constantly migrating for education were core to my journey and identity, however far I moved. And I knew no demand-supply logic would solve the issue of girls’ education in rural areas. I had to give my part to it. And yes, I feel so comfortable moving around the villages of Rajasthan compared to any other place. I know these places and their journeys more intimately than anything else. So I belong. Q. Could you please elaborate on Hamari Laado’s NEEV programme? Once you raise hope in girls, how do you ensure they can achieve their dreams? Do you provide financial aid to top-performing girls? Yes, the right question. We have programs that cater to the whole cycle. So, we do sponsor top-performing girls from rural Government schools. They are the first generation to complete high school, and we want to ensure they succeed and become new role models in their communities and make way for new social norms. NEEV is much more foundational at middle school – so girls develop the strength and confidence to go through high school well. Q. “Bhape had provided me with another ticket aboard a new train of hope”; “Despite initial reluctance, your father eventually accepted, recognizing the importance of your decision to return home and empower girls. What gave you the confidence that this was the right path? And how do you evaluate the impact and success of your efforts? *Bhape – Father I always told my family my hopes – to return and work for girls. But that was just an information. I went through the emotional journey leading up to it and was ready for it when I decided. I realized – Bhape’s emotional journey of internalizing it started after I made the final decision. So it took him time – not that he said anything to me, but you can sense. And the way society is – nobody he met said, “Oh, what a great decision”. People around were making all kinds of stuff up. So, he had a more challenging time making sense of himself and communicating with his set of folks. And much of it happened when I started taking him along and involving him in Hamari Laado’s work. It brought home the point for him. Q. You have witnessed the journey of many women from different walks of life. Who inspired you, who supported you, who helped you achieve your dreams? You read a lot about my family in the book and the role of each one of them. Family does give the biggest strength in terms of support. Maate, being such a high-spirited person, always gave us the strength, laughter, and stories to go on. So, nothing can replace that. But as you said, I was very fortunate to meet some amazing women from different walks of life. At every phase and place of life, I found a group of women friends who went above and beyond. There are way too many to be able to share here. But I always talk about my boss at Tata Steel at that time. She gave me a month off to prepare for the GMAT, wrote my recommendation letter, and taught me how to care in real. It’s unbelievable what people do for you and how it changes the course of your life. I got to be friends with Sarla while living in Columbus. She was in her 70s, had moved to the U.S. more than five decades ago and was probably the first Indian woman to attend Columbia Business School. Her life journey and her jest for life were so inspiring. It broadened my horizon on what I considered age to give, contribute, learn, grow, and live a good life. I recently saw her again when she was visiting Jaipur, and I hope to be a

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Dr. Priti Sharma

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Author of the book ‘An Insight into Mergers and Acquisitions’ An International Publication with Palgrave Macmillan She has more than two decades of academic and corporate experience. She is associated with the International College of Financial Planning(ICoFP) – A Bajaj Capital Group institute, ICFAI, National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange as academic faculty. Dr. Sharma has worked with Flex Industries Ltd in the corporate finance division. Her Academic & Research interests are Investments & Valuation, Financial Statement Analysis, Fintech, Blockchain, Mergers & Acquisitions and Mutual Funds. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Dr. Priti Sharma – Preeti Juneja Q. How can we empower women with financial Literacy in a way that is easy to comprehend and applicable to their everyday experiences? Financial Literacy is at the core of a self-reliant, confident and psychologically & financially secure society. One umbrella approach will not suffice when discussing women’s empowerment through financial Literacy. Women who have access to education and are part of the active workforce to be sensitized and educated about the importance of financial planning, setting their life goals in time and building a systematic approach to secure their golden age while attaining all other important financial goals. We must capitalize on digital infrastructure to leverage its reach and efficiency and conduct awareness sessions to take small steps through inculcating the habits of financial discipline, prudence and systematic investments. This could be supplemented with audio-visual resources to guide products and processes. A different approach is required for women from marginalized communities and less privileged in terms of education and financial security. Volunteers, NGOs, and self-help groups must be built to work at the grassroots level and educate on the importance of earning and regularly saving small sums of money. These women to be provided with enablers like organized credit support, physical, financial & digital infrastructure and mentorship to start their own ‘Kuteer Udyog’ (cottage industry) or earn a livelihood for themselves and their families so that they do not become a victim of the unorganized debt trap. Self-help groups are to be encouraged for financial assistance and cooperative progress among women. Creating financial awareness and handholding by volunteering educators, social workers and NGOs at their doorstep is a must to make a difference. Corporates, as part of their CSR activity and Government role, provide enablers in this direction. Q. In the face of increasing competition, India’s M&A market remains robust, with buyers adopting advanced pre-deal scrutiny and thorough post-deal strategizing. Your authored work, “An Insight into Mergers and Acquisitions,” imparts valuable insights into the realm of M&A. What pivotal message from the book would you like to underscore in the current scenario? Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) are a way of faster growth and entry into a new market and product segment. M&As are quite frequent when a tech entrepreneur wants to develop a new technology or work towards advancing existing technology but needs more funds for its scalability and commercial application. A large entity often finds it useful to acquire such tech start-ups. A strategically planned and carefully executed M&A can be a boon for not only merging entities but also leading to consolidation in the industry and efficient utilization of resources. M&A should never be governed by greed or poor reasons for making money or getting into the game of empire-building. It may lead to winning the deal but poses the risk of highly leveraged acquisition or overpaying for the target and being the victim of the winner’s curse. The acquirer should pursue only profitable growth opportunities, and strategic fit should be at the soul of M&A. The strict due diligence of operations, financial, legal, and human resources will ensure that M & A is not a nightmare. Merging entities should carefully craft the post-merger integration, clarity of roles, balance of power and plans to address the cultural differences. Q. Do you have specific financial guidance for women breaking through the glass ceiling in the eCommerce industry? How can they upskill in business finance? Every business segment has its dynamics. It is very important to understand the suppliers’ and buyers’ negotiating power for the industry, the nature of competition, trade requirements, and the availability of finance. E-business requires the understanding of creating a user-friendly yet secure platform, which is to be backed by standard procedures and policies. Inventory Management and Logistics play a very significant role in the success of an e-commerce platform. Women should acquire these skill sets and trade requirements. Develop a team which has expertise in these critical areas. Understanding of the various sources of short-term funding, receivable financing, and a flexible line of credit can help them to use funds as and when required and pay the finance charge on the actual amount and time of funds utilization. Equally important is managing long-term funds and carefully selecting the product lines they foray. Attending live training, being a part of industry forums, acquiring relevant certifications, and leveraging the power of the network are some of the key actions to make a strong footprint in the industry. Q. Given your combined academic and corporate background, your well-rounded expertise positions you as an excellent career advisor, especially in finance. Is this an avenue you are considering exploring further in the future? As educators, we have a moral responsibility to contribute and actively engage in guiding the new-age aspirants. We can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them in multiple ways. Today’s youth has a problem of choice and risk of being influenced by external stimuli like the attractiveness of a career option. The correct approach is to map your strengths and capabilities with the chosen profession and build a roadmap to achieve your goals. Choosing the right career option is the foundation of a successful career and a satisfied life. The pathways to achieving your desired goals are the acquisition of suitable skills, a well-designed approach, consistency of efforts, and hard work. Continuous learning, staying motivated, maintaining physical and emotional fitness, and maintaining a work-life

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