women leader

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Renuka Puri

/

Late Shri Arun Jaitley, pre-budget She was born in Himachal Pradesh and later pursued graphic design at Arts College, Chandigarh. After working in an advertising agency and freelancing for several magazines and the U.P. Tourism Department, Puri joined The Indian Express in 1997. Puri has covered many subjects, including political developments, cultural events, and fashion shows. It marked her entry into more challenging news coverage, and she later pushed to cover high-profile events like Fashion Week, where she pioneered greenroom photography. Nirbhaya case in 2012, Delhi Renuka Puri’s work has been recognized for its depth and quality, earning her a spot as one of Fuji Films’ “super six women photographers” in 2005. Today, she continues to capture compelling stories through her lens, contributing significantly to Indian journalism​. Renuka Puri is known for her ability to capture the essence of a moment, offering readers a visual narrative that complements the newspaper’s written content. Her photographs have contributed to the coverage of significant national events and have been widely recognized for their quality and depth. Hon. Pratibha Patil, 12th Former President of India Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Renuka Puri – Preeti Juneja Q. How did you get started in photography? I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chandigarh. After completing my degree, I struggled to find a job in the photography field. So, I decided to try my luck at an advertising agency that needed some images. When I showed them my work the next day, my boss remarked, “You’re in the wrong profession, Renuka. You should be in photography.” For a moment, I thought he was implying that he didn’t want me there. So I asked, “What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting I should quit?” He responded, “No, not at all. I believe your photography is powerful, and there aren’t many women in this profession.” He was the one who suggested I pursue photography. When I mentioned that I didn’t have any contacts, he recommended I visit Rashtriya Sahara, where a friend of his worked, as they were preparing to launch an English magazine. I took my portfolio there, and the person in charge reviewed my work. Although the magazine’s launch would take some time, he advised that I start freelancing with them in the meantime. Soon after, I began freelancing for them. Early in my career, I covered live cricket events. My mentor at the time suggested I pursue journalism, recognizing that sports wasn’t my primary focus. He introduced me to someone at The Financial Express, where I trained for a year before moving to The Indian Express in 1997. I’ve been working here ever since. Q. If you were to use photography as a medium to influence society or create change, what would you focus on? I’m eager to photograph issues related to women. There’s still so much I want to explore in this area. Women as a subject in photography are incredibly powerful and colorful. My first book was on Tihar jail. I met so many different kinds of women over there. Few were guilty, and few were not, but they were happy. Living To The Fullest, Tihar Jail After that, I worked on a project for an NGO focused on mentally challenged women, which resulted in another great book. A writer, a painter, and I were given the task of capturing their life stories through art. This was a meaningful project which I feel found me, rather than the other way around. I photographed the first battalion of BSF women stationed at the Wagah border. These powerful women, who leave their families behind to serve our country, inspire me to pursue more projects focused on women. I met Mary Kom and began following her career, and we’ve since become good friends. I’ve built up a great collection of her photographs, but I haven’t displayed them anywhere yet. Mary Kom, the sporting mother at home In my job, I also get a chance to meet parliament women. On Jaya Bachchan, she knows photography. And I have got (rare) lovely pictures of her smiling and laughing. Q. In photojournalism, where the same subject often appears in multiple newspapers, how do you make your work stand out from the rest? What goes through a photographer’s mind in these situations? Yes, yes, you are right. Sometimes, photography is accidental also. And sometimes it depends on what kind of a position you are getting. Some may think it’s a wrong position to stand, but it’s a good position for you. Everybody chooses the camera angle: right, left, down, or up. And it’s totally up to the event, like what kind of an event. And you have to be very quick. Immediately, you have to decide whether I stand here or right. Anecdotes: The Prime Minister tweeted one of my photographs and asked my office to present him with that picture. The story goes like this: After an all-party meeting, when everyone had their cameras down, I decided to follow the Prime Minister. I’m not sure why I chased him, but then I noticed a glass door ahead of me. Through the reflection on the glass, I captured an intriguing shot of the Prime Minister with all the MPs visible in the background. It turned out to be a very interesting photograph. In a particular event like The Padma Shri, where you must photograph only the awards, you must still be very careful about your right and left and what is happening there. Q. Tell us about places that were not very much explored, that you had the opportunity to visit and photograph early in your career? Tihar Jail is one of them. At Tihar, women have a beauty parlour. They celebrate Karwa Chauth and Rakhi. Bollywood has given us a different perspective on the jail, so I think that was a very different place for me to shoot. That’s why I decided to show the actual thing to everyone, not just the Bollywood picture.

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Ahtushi Deshpande

/

Author, Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOOK First-ever visual documentation of Ladakh’s petroglyphs on such a scale using special photography techniques. Illustrated maps 260 photographs Well researched text and bibliography International recognition Solo exhibition in Paris in November 2024, alongside the book release. Foreword by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Additional foreword by Martin Vernier (HIRADa founder) Her work has been featured in various travel and lifestyle magazines, including Outlook Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Marie Claire, Design Today, and more. Ahtushi was recognized as one of India’s top 80 photographers, with her work featured in a book and exhibition celebrating 75 years of Indian photography, published by Museo Camera, the Centre for the Photographic Arts. The travelogue “To the Land of Snow,” which details high-altitude solo trekking, has become required reading in high school literature classes. Her photography encompasses a broad range, including travel, documentary, food, architecture, events, and hotels. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Ahtushi Deshpande – Preeti Juneja Q. How did you get started in photography? My interest in photography began in a home where creativity was appreciated. My avid hobbyist photographer father transformed our store into a darkroom. The heady mix of developing chemicals and the mysterious red glow of the darkroom fascinated me. Watching the image magically appear on paper when he left his prints for washing in the bathtub was surreal, and this early exposure to photography ignited a lifelong passion within me. I saved up for my first SLR camera when I was 17. However, it remained a hobby until 2004, when I turned my passion into a profession after a stint in television. I started working with Outlook Traveller magazine as a travel writer and photographer. My debut travel feature, “To the Land of Snow,” on the Milam Glacier trek, was published by Outlook was later also incorporated into Tamil Nadu’s high school English curriculum. Though I explored various roles within the field of photography, including paparazzi (IIFA Awards) and commercial work, my true love has always been travel and documentary photography. Once I had found the perfect confluence of my passion for trekking with my work as an adventure travel writer and photographer, I’ve never looked back. Q. If you were to use photography as a medium to influence society or create change, what would you focus on? I believe in using photography to influence the world and foster positive narratives through my journey. By turning my passion into a profession and exploring new subjects like rock art, I’ve demonstrated the potential we all have within us. My book on the rock art of Ladakh showcases how dedication to one’s passion can lead to meaningful outcomes. This particular project showed me the value of sharing the histories and cultures of places that inspire me, such as Ladakh, hoping that it will do so for my audience as well. Additionally, during my 1st cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment in 2015, I documented my journey through chemotherapy, capturing the process of hair loss and regrowth. This project, titled “The Color of My Cancer,” was exhibited by the Tata Memorial Breast Cancer Initiative, revealing a perspective on cancer that extends beyond the disease and delves into a more vulnerable reflection of both loss and renewal. It aimed to challenge the myths surrounding cancer, confront the associated stigma, and rise above the fear. By focusing the lens on my own experience, I sought to be a catalyst for change and inspire others. Q. Tell us about your book, “Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh” The inspiration for this work came from discussions with my friend Viraf Mehta about the presence of petroglyphs in Ladakh. When I first saw these petroglyphs in 2011, it was like I had been struck by a lightning bolt – Ladakh’s rugged, isolated terrain seemed an unlikely setting for such ancient artistry. Yet, there they were: these mysterious, mask-like symbols and abstract engravings of animals etched into rock – remnants of a prehistoric world previously unknown to me. This stirred something deep within me and I knew I had to document these extraordinary panels. The book provides a glimpse into the ancient artistry carved into the rugged rock surfaces of Ladakh, a high-altitude desert with a history that extends beyond its known narrative. Each site showcases its unique style and execution, underscoring Desmond Morris’s idea that artistry is an inherent human trait, regardless of material conditions. Despite the lack of funding and the difficulties of scouting expansive sites without GPS, I have managed to represent every region of Ladakh. I undertook 18 trips to Ladakh, with 14 of these trips focused solely on photographing this art. After completing my shoots in 2019, the challenge shifted to curating thousands of images into a cohesive book. Over the past five years, I have worked to make this relatively obscure subject accessible, combining my unique perspective with detailed research from academic papers, international publications, maps, travel insights, and contextual information. a) What makes it a unique piece of work? It is the first of its kind work in the mainstream in India by a non academic looking at the subject through the lens of art. As the first comprehensive monograph to cover all regions of Ladakh, it offers detailed illustrated maps, relevant context, and a modern geographical perspective that links the ancient past with the present. Featuring over 260 color photographs, including some previously unseen, the book provides a fresh and accessible view of a subject that remains relatively obscure, even within Ladakh. This project transcends traditional documentation, positioning photography as a powerful tool for both education and conservation. It pioneers the use of night photography and other innovative techniques to capture these ancient artworks specifically in this region. As the first major Indian contribution exploring rock art through the lenses of art, photography, and travel, the book stands out for its originality and personal aesthetic. The book offers a fresh perspective on Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage and

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Sangeeta Relan

/

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

International Women’s Day: Woman who inspires: Dr. Sharda Arora

/

Dr. Sharda’s list of patients includes some of Delhi’s most notable figures: Top Film Stars, Industrialists, and Cricket Stars. For a decade, she worked under the mentorship of India’s esteemed dentist, Dr. Col. S.S. Duggal, the founder of the New Delhi Armed Forces Dental Center. Dr. Duggal was recognized with the prestigious “Sword of Honor” by the Bhutanese King and received accolades from rulers of various nations for his service as their personal dentist. Commissioned by the Indian Army on the recommendation of the Indian Government, he held a revered position within the dental community. Throughout her career, Dr. Arora’s ultimate professional triumph has been the joyous smiles of her satisfied patients. Reflecting this ethos, the motto of their clinic echoes a commitment to go the extra mile: “We would walk a million miles for one of your smiles.” Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr Arora passionately advocates holistic well-being and promotes a “Fit and Fab” lifestyle. As a fitness enthusiast and yoga teacher, she embodies vitality and inspires others to prioritize their health and happiness. Let’s Get Inspired Interview with Dr. Sharda Arora – Preeti Juneja Q. Is treating celebrity patients intimidating for you? Do you experience any anxiety while working with high-profile individuals? If you were to choose a brand ambassador for your brand, is there anyone specific you would like to mention? Yes, most definitely, treating high-profile patients can be very intimidating at times, but I have an operative practice in such cases. I communicate my state of being to them as if I am overwhelmed or intimidated. So two things happen in that case… 1. They come to a level where we both are comfortable with each other and doing a procedure after that is not as difficult. 2. As soon as I accept that I am intimidated, somehow that feeling subsides. Acceptance of a situation is a great key to getting successful results. If I were to choose a brand ambassador for my brand, I would opt for Shah Rukh Khan. He has always been and will always be my first choice. It was a little emotional, but yes, that’s it… When I saw he got his smile done from somewhere, I was heartbroken. Q. What motivates you most – career, charity or children? A mix of all of them because I believe in a complete life and am a very greedy human being. I cannot do without a career, children, or charity. At different times, different things motivate me. Q. Oral health is significantly linked to broader health concerns related to pain in the body. Yet, there seems to be insufficient effort to raise awareness about dental care compared to diabetes and hypertension. Do you agree? If you were to spearhead a campaign to enhance oral health, what specific issues would you prioritize discussing? Broadly explaining there are 2 jaws, one upper and one lower jaw, and they are joined to each other by a Joint called as ‘The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)’. There is a fine balance between the upper and lower jaws, the joint, and the musculature around it. But due to any situation, if there is any discrepancy in the alignment of teeth or right and left imbalance of teeth, then many kinds of body pains and chronic diseases can show up in the body. For example, a vehicle or car has four wheels, and we have to get wheel balancing and wheel alignment done for the car every now and then. If we don’t get it done, then the whole engine is at risk of getting damaged. A very niche branch of dentistry called neuro-muscular dentistry is there to treat these misalignments. However, only a few dentists practice it, requiring considerable equipment and a deep knowledge of physics. I want to spearhead a campaign in the area of TMJ health. Q. Was the name “Zental” coined by a patient at your clinic? And if so, have you infused the Zen essence into the ambience and practices of your facility? Yes, absolutely, “Zental Dental “was coined by our delighted patient after his clinic experience. When he went through the treatment and saw the ambience and work ethics and the behaviour of staff and the rest of the things, he Specially coined the term “Your clinic has a ZEN-like feel to it, so it should be called ZENTAL DENTAL.’ We have maintained what we were doing before. Our parent company is still “Swaran Dental Clinic” as it’s after my mother-in-law, SWARAN ARORA. Q. Zental is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and is the epitome of technological advancement in Indian dental clinics. a) How do the machines employed at Zental alleviate patient discomfort, minimize treatment time, and enhance diagnostic accuracy for dental issues? b) Dental treatments are considered expensive. Nevertheless, Zental offers top-notch Cosmetic Dental treatments at affordable rates. Is this affordability a significant factor in setting Zental apart? What philosophy guides this approach? We are proud that we are a “one-stop shop” in dentistry. We have a setup of 5 dental chairs complete with all the required armamentarium for regular dentistry. In addition, we have a CBCT x-ray machine, which acts like a 3rd eye and gives us microscopic relevant information about the teeth, bone and associated nerves and blood vessels. This CT scan is the most essential part of planning implants and RCTs. We have Tscan machines which give information about right and left pressure scans. JVA and JT are jaw movement trackers. Most important for TMJ patients with body pains and TMJ diseases. We are very proud owners of a DENTAL LAB . Which has Cad Cam scanners and milling machines. They provide us with precise and accurate dental crowns and prostheses. Diagnodent – gives information about the early onset of caries. Velscope – this magical instrument can diagnose any oral cancer in advance. We don’t have to wait for it to happen and then treat it surgically. Which can be very debilitating. Apex locators are a boon to root canal

Inspiring Women

World Storytelling Day

/

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Prema Sagar Why is Storytelling important? What Opportunities are there for Storytellers? Meghna Nupur Founder, Meur Feature Q.  What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling is the cornerstone of human communication, weaving narratives that transcend barriers and shape societies. In PR, storytelling isn’t just about conveying messages; it’s about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Through storytelling, we can evoke empathy, inspire action, and foster connections that drive positive change. Stories have the power to shift perceptions, challenge norms, and ignite movements. By harnessing the art of storytelling, PR professionals can influence public opinion, shape cultural discourse, and ultimately contribute to the fabric of society. In today’s fast-paced world inundated with information, stories provide a memorable and impactful way to convey complex ideas and values. As guardians of brands and reputations, PR professionals must recognize the importance of storytelling in shaping narratives that drive meaningful engagement and contribute to a more informed, empathetic, and connected society. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? Professional storytellers today have boundless opportunities across various industries. They can thrive in marketing, advertising, journalism, filmmaking, and beyond. In PR, they play a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, engaging audiences, and building meaningful connections. With the rise of digital platforms, there’s an increased demand for compelling content, offering storytellers avenues to showcase their skills through blogs, social media, podcasts, and videos. Additionally, as businesses recognize the power of storytelling in building authentic relationships with consumers, the need for skilled storytellers in corporate communications continues to grow. Overall, the opportunities for professional storytellers are vast and ever-expanding in today’s dynamic landscape. JYOTI JAIN Chief Executive Officer, Adroit Auto at Shriram Automall India Limited Q. What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling preserves culture, instills moral values, and inspires change, shaping societal identity and fostering empathy and understanding across diverse communities. It serves as a powerful tool for reflection, entertainment, and social critique, influencing perceptions and encouraging collective action for positive transformation. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? I believe nowadays enormous opportunity lies with Professional storytellers in almost everything anybody do. Few opportunities to list are in entertainment, marketing, education, and therapy, leveraging their skills to engage audiences, shape narratives, and drive impact across various industries and platforms. Anusha Subramanian Partner, Bohemian Adventures LLP Q.  What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling is key because it connects all of us through shared experiences, emotions, and values. It has the power to bridge hearts and minds weaving together the tapestry of our shared humanity. It serves as a powerful tool for teaching, entertaining, and safeguarding of our cultural heritage, empowering us to grasp intricate truths, foster empathy, and ignite transformative change. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? Opportunities for Professional Storytellers are many. there are opportunities in diverse fields such as Journalism, entertainment including film, television, and theater; digital content creation for YouTube, podcasts, and social media;   Corporate professionals have the opportunity in brand storytelling and marketing; education and workshops to teach storytelling techniques; and cultural and historical preservation through museums, libraries, and community organizations.   DREAMWEB INDIA WISHES A HAPPY STORYTELLING DAY TO PR PROFESSIONALS, CONTENT CREATORS, AUTHORS, ARTISTS, AND JOURNALISTS.   Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com 20th March 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Important Links https://dreamwebindia.in/2023/09/13/inspiring-women-every-wednesday-6/ 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

World Storytelling Day

/

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Prema Sagar Why is Storytelling important? What Opportunities are there for Storytellers? Meghna Nupur Founder, Meur Feature Q.  What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling is the cornerstone of human communication, weaving narratives that transcend barriers and shape societies. In PR, storytelling isn’t just about conveying messages; it’s about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Through storytelling, we can evoke empathy, inspire action, and foster connections that drive positive change. Stories have the power to shift perceptions, challenge norms, and ignite movements. By harnessing the art of storytelling, PR professionals can influence public opinion, shape cultural discourse, and ultimately contribute to the fabric of society. In today’s fast-paced world inundated with information, stories provide a memorable and impactful way to convey complex ideas and values. As guardians of brands and reputations, PR professionals must recognize the importance of storytelling in shaping narratives that drive meaningful engagement and contribute to a more informed, empathetic, and connected society. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? Professional storytellers today have boundless opportunities across various industries. They can thrive in marketing, advertising, journalism, filmmaking, and beyond. In PR, they play a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, engaging audiences, and building meaningful connections. With the rise of digital platforms, there’s an increased demand for compelling content, offering storytellers avenues to showcase their skills through blogs, social media, podcasts, and videos. Additionally, as businesses recognize the power of storytelling in building authentic relationships with consumers, the need for skilled storytellers in corporate communications continues to grow. Overall, the opportunities for professional storytellers are vast and ever-expanding in today’s dynamic landscape. JYOTI JAIN Chief Executive Officer, Adroit Auto at Shriram Automall India Limited Q. What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling preserves culture, instills moral values, and inspires change, shaping societal identity and fostering empathy and understanding across diverse communities. It serves as a powerful tool for reflection, entertainment, and social critique, influencing perceptions and encouraging collective action for positive transformation. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? I believe nowadays enormous opportunity lies with Professional storytellers in almost everything anybody do. Few opportunities to list are in entertainment, marketing, education, and therapy, leveraging their skills to engage audiences, shape narratives, and drive impact across various industries and platforms. Anusha Subramanian Partner, Bohemian Adventures LLP Q.  What is the importance of storytelling and its role in shaping society? Storytelling is key because it connects all of us through shared experiences, emotions, and values. It has the power to bridge hearts and minds weaving together the tapestry of our shared humanity. It serves as a powerful tool for teaching, entertaining, and safeguarding of our cultural heritage, empowering us to grasp intricate truths, foster empathy, and ignite transformative change. Q.  What are the opportunities for Professional Storytellers? Opportunities for Professional Storytellers are many. there are opportunities in diverse fields such as Journalism, entertainment including film, television, and theater; digital content creation for YouTube, podcasts, and social media;   Corporate professionals have the opportunity in brand storytelling and marketing; education and workshops to teach storytelling techniques; and cultural and historical preservation through museums, libraries, and community organizations.   DREAMWEB INDIA WISHES A HAPPY STORYTELLING DAY TO PR PROFESSIONALS, CONTENT CREATORS, AUTHORS, ARTISTS, AND JOURNALISTS.   Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com 20th March 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Important Links https://dreamwebindia.in/2023/09/13/inspiring-women-every-wednesday-6/ 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: Woman who inspires: Garima Gulati Bhutani

/

She was conferred the “Woman Super Achiever Award” at the 4th World Women Leadership Congress & Awards by the World HRD Congress. Let’s Get Inspired Interview with Garima Gulati Bhutani – Preeti Juneja Q. What roles and responsibilities come with being a “Social Impact Advocate”? Is being a Social Impact Advocate the same as being a philanthropist? Social Impact has become a way of life for me now. Being born into a middle-class family was a lottery of birth for me, and with my parents’ enablement, I have studied to my heart’s content. After having taken a lot from society, I feel giving back is important. We all can do our own bit towards society by getting involved in projects of our interest, giving money, or being involved in voluntary activities. I consider philanthropy slightly different; Impact is being mindful of the goal or outcome you are aiming for. I am a karma yogi, and I think honest input is my dharma. At the same time, I would like to monitor the direction in which it is headed, too. Naturally, we all get a kick when we see some change on the ground, and that motivates us to do more. Q. How do you choose which NGOs to collaborate with? Do you have a favourite campaign or project among the numerous projects you’ve engaged in? I like associating with NGOs that promote self-reliance, inclusion, and environmental causes. A better-connected world with an appreciation for each other and the environment will take humanity far. The inclusion projects I have worked on in my organisation on DEI and Gender in partnerships with NGOs/Government bodies have offered immense learning. Another project that I have enjoyed is the Karm fellowship program. I continue to be associated with them, humbly offering internship experience to girls with drive coming from marginalised communities. Their energy and strength will fill me up with positivity to pursue my purpose in life. Q. How do you leverage your strengths as an HR lead to foster social impact within and beyond the organization? Within your professional capacity, could you elaborate on the aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) that have effectively influenced both the organization and society as a whole? I am a people person, and trust is my default setting with people within both my known and unknown circle; that has helped me look at every new thing in life with an open heart and warm mind. Social cause connects to me naturally because of that. I am lucky to have been given the space and support within my team and home to play on my strengths. After being in the Tech+HR+Communications space for 18+ years, I would have sometimes dictated too when things were to be looked at with a fresh lens. I wish to be on the side of a solution than a problem, and that drives me to go beyond the usual. Hence, DEI, for me, is not a new normal, though I have wondered why these people are not visible, which led me to discover that I have been assuming it to be an inclusive world while it’s not. So, I started working on it actively. I have taken interns and full-time employees and built new verticals by collaborating with people from all backgrounds. I have seen huge success coming from corners where people don’t take entitlements and work for a vision. Q. As a member of esteemed women’s communities such as LWL and FICCI-Flo, how has this shaped your personal brand? What specific message do you promote during such gatherings? I am mesmerized by stories of rigour, aspirations, and perfection whenever I meet my peer group at these forums. In our life shell, either we think we are the hero, or we are the meekest. Only when you interact with an open mind do you learn so much about what is happening around you, and you are only a speck on the canvas of life. That energizes me to continue to learn and contribute in all possible ways. I am a promoter of inclusion, appreciation, and love. I advocate delegation, whether at work or home, for women’s active contribution to all workforces. I don’t tag people to work types, and my family also doesn’t. We encourage open conversations on gender, growing up, hormones, menstruation, etc. We all are different, and accepting this with an open heart will change the colour of dialogue rooms for us. Q. What are the evolving trends in HR functions and among job seekers today? As a female leader, do you believe your policymaking role is crucial for advancing other women employees within the organization? I appreciate the clarity that job seekers today, especially the younger generation, have. They take time to crystallize their interests, and once they do, they will be willing to travel to the moon and back to achieve them. I believe they can work on inculcating patience and focus, which are important life skills when it comes to self-regulation and working with others. Inclusion of all sorts in policymaking will help us advance significantly for women and society at large. I am amazed by the humility and acceptance displayed by PWD candidates and team members I have worked with. Organizations can achieve so much learning and development by focusing on this. Such life lessons can’t be taught in classrooms, on boards, or in templatized workshops. I have been advocating for policies that benefit people, not the system. Policies should enable people, not inhibit them. Q. What soft skills do you seek in candidates during interviews? How can you identify a leader among a group of talented individuals? For me, a leader is one who can enable and let his team shine over him like a proud parent. A bragger is most definitely not the one for me. Of course, one needs to know the subject well to command respect and take ownership. I seek aptitude, attitude, acceptance,

Inspiring Women

International Women’s Day: Empowered Hearts, Inspiring Souls

/

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

/

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

International Women’s Day: Women who inspire: Ashmita Sethi

/

Ashmita Sethi, President & Country Head, Pratt & Whitney Women who inspire, Ashmita Sethi speaks to us on having a seat on the leadership table for communications is very important. She shares very meaningful suggestions on how to build capability and readiness as a woman leader. DREAMWEB INDIA WISHES YOU A VERY HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY! Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Ashmita Sethi ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Ashmita Sethi As Pratt & Whitney’s senior most executive in India, leads strategic direction for the company’s growth and business goals in India, drives new initiatives 1st November 2023 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Important Links https://www.prattwhitney.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

error: Content is protected !!
Scroll to Top