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Content Writing Lifestyle Woman

The Women of Substance #WomensDay

Breaking the glass ceiling is a phrase I got familiar with quite late in my life. But what it meant was not new to me. I grew up with strong women from all sides.

My first impression of a strong woman in life, My ‘Nana’ ( my maternal granny) was of this rock solid persona draped in all white, standing erect at all times, with her warm brown eyes crinkling with love and affection for the kids. The wrinkles on her lovely yet strong face told many a saga of her trials and tribulations.

One of the first child widows to remarry in Bihar to my maternal grandfather, my ‘Nana’ joined in the freedom struggle with my grandfather with as much fervor as possible at a tender age of 19. Her strength and will was tested again when with five small children in tow, she again became a widow at a young age of 30’s post-independence. But her rock like structure and strong will to look after her children and farm never dwindled. A personality to reckon with, my ‘nana’ got her firstborn daughter, my Mother, Mrs. Usha Kiran Khan educated and empowered to her best abilities.

Mother & Daughter Image


Dr. Usha Kiran Khan with her Mom

Today when I look back into my childhood and recall the strongest women I’ve ever encountered till now , I know for sure, that is what is called ‘breaking the glass ceiling’ or a ‘ path breaker’ that I saw in my maternal grandmother and mother.

My growing up years witnessed an atmosphere of strength, equality and academic excellence with my evolved and empowered mother (Dr. Usha Kiran Khan) leading the way. We received all of this in legacy, it probably was never a surprise for us children to get a holistic approach to life with a beacon of light shining in front of our eyes to lead the way by our gentle and erudite mother.

We knew our calling. We knew what we have to achieve in life. After our freedom fighter and a ferocious home maker grandmother, we walked on the footsteps of our dear, enlightened and literary mother who woke up at 4am to start her writings. With the break of dawn, she had to help us for school, and take care of the home and hearth. She never stopped and gradually took charge of a role as a Professor of Ancient History to mentor students.

A woman Mrs Usha Kiran Khan, donning many hats, yet fitting beautifully into all of them. That is the kind of inspiration I have had and it instilled in me a confidence to make my way. Her persona defined new boundaries for me and made me believe, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”

Today, me, Tanuja Shankar Khan, standing tall at 50 with many stories of struggle & success behind, I don the hat of an empowered and content woman who knows that she has had role models akin to none, revered by all and definitely I have miles to go before I …


Dr. Usha Kiran Khan

Dr. Usha Kiran Khan served as the Head Of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Archeology at a Degree college in Patna. She is an award-winning writer of Hindi and Maithili languages, with nearly 40 published books and story collections to her name. She is the first writer of Mithila Region, a well established as a prolific writer, educator, social worker, and an artistic person. A recipient of an award Padma Shri in 2015 for her distinguished service in the field of literature and education.

Tanuja Shankar Khan, born and brought up in Patna in a very academic and artistic environment, where she along with her three bright siblings was given all opportunities to participate in various forms of performing arts and media like Theater, Music, Drama, Radio, Writing and Television by her erudite parents.
She is now working as a Creative Director, BAG Films & Media Ltd and is busy with writing scripts and short stories for near to two decades.



On the International Women’s Day, varmaila.com
presents her Guest Post on the series “A tribute to the women, by the woman and for the woman”

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Content Writing Lifestyle Woman

Ward Girl not Award Girl #WomensDay

Today, I present a story of a woman Patralekha, whose achievements appealed Richa Mishra working with BusinessLine to jot down paying tribute to Women on the eve of Women’s Day Month.


A guest post series, “A tribute to the women, by the woman and for the woman”

  
**************************************************************                                        

“And the award for best news story goes to Patralekha…”  And a thud!

“Patralekha wake up, its 9 a. m. and you don’t have a story to list,” the mind said. But, the heart said, “It is ok to sleep for another few minutes.”

Reality bites, and who would know it better than Patralekha. It would be second consecutive day when she would not be having a story to list and she could well imagine her bureau chief, an English Bengali Babu, making a wise crack.

Patralekha’s life was no different than any other reporter who aspired to be a top editor one day. But, what was different here was she had more brains than some of her male counterparts, and she was willing to slog her backside off.

And in all this Patrelakha had forgotten that it was a Sunday, her off day. Damn! These dreams can be scary. Promising to make her Monday more exciting she decided to pamper herself with a lazy stretch and a few extra minutes in Bed.

But Alas! Her mobile went –

It’s been a hard day’s night, and I’ve been working like a dog
It’s been a hard day’s night, I should be sleeping like a log…

Yes, Beatles number. “Oh no, who can that be?” cursing she rolled to the other side of the bed where the phone was charging – the screen flashed – “Editor Calling!”


No alarm can work better than the name of the Editor flashing on the screen. “Sunday, Editor calling, what have I missed?”  She muttered to herself and clearing up her throat – to avoid sounding like just got up from sleep – “Yes Vinayak.”

A gentle and firm voice, true Vinayak style, said “Patralekha, India has just signed an LNG (liquefied natural gas) contract with Iran. But, someone has told me Iran doesn’t have liquefaction technology. Check and spin a quick story for Monday…”

“Liquefaction technology arrrrr, yes, fine, ok hmmm, but its Sunday, and I am just a week old in the beat” she fumbled, mumbled but the phone was already disconnected.

Now what? Think, think. Laziness and sleep was the last thing on her mind. And it being a Sunday, half the people whom she knew were not up and about. The people in the government, the Ministry for Petroleum & Natural Gas all were in Iran and were returning Sunday night. So, the timing of the story mattered.

 Left with little option, she called Arun, a former colleague, who covered the oil and gas sector for the paper prior to her. “Dude what is liquefaction technology?”, she got straight to the point.

“Buddy, I am standing upside down. Give me sometime,” Arun the yoga freak was doing headstand and answering Patralekha’s call. Aware that the Patralekha is not so high on patience, Arun called back within a second.  

“The liquefaction process is the critical segment of the LNG value chain. Liquefaction train is the core of the liquefaction process. Call the guys in gas business and you will get your answers,” he snapped back. He cannot be blamed after all he had to stop his yoga in between to talk about GAS!

With this bit of information and some calls, yes a 300 odd word story was ready. Monday morning lead in the paper was “LNG from Iran: Deal depends on access to liquefaction technology.”

“Patralekha, this is Shankar, Information Officer, Petroleum Ministry, the Minister will be holding a press conference at noon,” was message from Shankar ji. Patralekha reached Shastri Bhavan, the place which houses Petroleum Ministry, and the conference room was packed.

“What is the press conference about? Hasn’t the team come back only last night from Tehran?,” Patralekha couldn’t resist asking a fellow reporter. “I think he is going to deny your story,” was the prompt reply.

Suddenly Patralekha felt arrived as a journalist. “Wow! A press conference over my story…” She could feel a Halo around her head.

In trooped the Minister with his entourage, following them was the entire team of officials from the Ministry – Secretary, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary and the concerned Director, Chiefs of public sector giants – ONGC, IndianOil, GAIL (India). 

There was no ‘namaste’, no ‘hello’, no pleasantries shared. Clearly the Minister was upset about something. After all the Iran trip was a much hyped trip – where two deals were signed – who cared about the fate of these deals. A slight nod of his head was his way of acknowledging everyone’s presence.

“Some of you believe that the gas from Iran will never come…Let me tell you we will get it,” so said the Minister a pointed look at Patralekha. But, how was not for anyone to ask.

Rookie, Patralekha, with nothing to lose, decided to ask – “Iran doesn’t have liquefaction technology and companies which have technology have business with the US. And there is American sanctions threat on Iran…”  

“There are ways to deal with it Miss…,” was the reply. Ahem! No more questions were asked, and the press conference headed as abruptly as it started.

But, now that Patralekha had tasted success the appetite was insatiable. There were stories from her which did see government reacting to them or big corporate houses giving subtle threats.

Like a pro she learned to take all in her stride.  

While success has many relatives it also attracts unnecessary baggages. Recognition outside organization was followed by recognition within the organization as well. And Patralekha’s growth up ladders was consistent till the tapering effect – race for the top job.

Happy in her own space and world Patralekha didn’t realize that she was in race to become the bureau chief. She was competing with two male colleagues. The top bosses had their own way of selecting the candidate.

“Hemant, Anand, Patralekha, the three of you will be on rotation to handle the administrative work of the Bureau,” said Sethuraman, who was Sr Associate Editor.

“Oh no!” reacted Patralekha who preferred to be on field rather than do desk job. While Hemant just took it as a fun thing. But, for Anand it seemed like he is being given importance in the organization.

Subsequently, Anand was picked up to come for a management training programme undertaken by the organisation. This, Hemant and Patralekha saw as the final signal that Anand was the chosen one to be Bureau Chief. But, wait. It wasn’t that easy after all.

Patralekha was made the Bureau Chief, Hemant was made in-charge of Opinion pages. What happened to Anand? Well only the top guys know the answer. However, Anand took upon himself that it is only because of Patralekha. She became the easy target.

Personal attacks and nasty snide remarks all were for Patralekha. Some people are just bad losers it took a while for Patralekha to understand this.

The reason being simple – how can a woman succeed and not a man. “Dude you need to be a performer and not a yes man to succeed,” what Patralekha felt like telling Anand.

After all you are not there to please people, but to do a job.  However, Patralekha’s professional life seems to have just the right ingredients of any tele-serial.  

Just when she thought All Is Well! A completely new challenge came her way of dealing with jealous woman colleague who believed in using her feminine assets as path to success. Thus, started a phase of dirty politics! Comments on Patralekha’s dressing to the way she managed her team to making attempts to crack her team all happened. 

Vinayak, who had long hung his boots, remained Patralekha’s mentor and agony uncle. After all she was groomed by him and how to smell news she learned from him. “Boss I think it is time for me to leave the organization,” Patralekha said.

True to his style, Vinayak heard her out and then said “pick your battles and hold your horses.”

Patralekha, who has spent her entire journalistic life, in this organization, heard him right.

Next three year was probably the worst years for Patralekha – where she continued to break stories, but the powers that be were so against her that her bylines were spiked. Her team members were called and asked not to do joint stories with her. When she questioned, the lamest of reasons were given to her.

But, she continued writing and breaking stories. “It keeps me sane and going,” Patralekha told Aruna, her fellow colleague.

When the change of guard happened at the top-level a new Editor took office, he also brought with him a fresh life into the system. Confidence levels were revived. It was back to Perform or peril.

And Patralekha again found her magic touch. News break were acknowledged, hard work was respected.

Patralekha has grown as a journalist, respected professionally, but awards were still far away – in her dreams!

“I am a ward girl – remember a ward boy/girl is the most important person in a hospital – not an award girl,” she would tell herself.

But, that has also changed now. She has an award under her belt.

What next? She hums Steve Wonder

Like a long lonely stream
I keep runnin’ towards a dream
Movin’ on, movin’ on
Like a branch on a tree
I keep reachin’ to be free
Movin’ on, movin’ on

**************************************************************

Richa Mishra: nurtured by and grown with BusinessLine has spent close to two decades of her professionally career tracking energy sector. Heading the Delhi Bureau of BusinessLine, she writes on economic policies, geopolitics, and energy, but for last two years has been writing a column for people@work page – the HR page of the paper – called Babu Beat. Richa is currently Associate Editor.

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Content Writing Health Lifestyle Motherhood

A Mother’s Guide – How to Calm Colicky Baby #MotherSparsh

With the cuddling of a newborn, Moms forget all their worries & nerve-wracking pain that she underwent in either the cases Normal delivery or C-Sec. It is the new birth of a woman.

The baby grows into the womb for nine months silently. As they dawn on the planet, it starts crying due to difference in temperature inside the womb and outside on the earth. An instant response triggers and they start crying. This is the first time in the life of a mother and a child that the mother smiles enjoying the cries of a baby. The erratic journey of the #BabyCare kicks at snail pace. The concern of a new Mom triggers. Most of the time, her inexperience leaves her helpless and either she rushes to her parents for advice, neighbours and well-wishers or Doctors.

I clearly remember my bouts of concern when I was #Parenting my first child, his small bit of discomfort triggered my senses of fear and I ran to my elders with the baby. Some time it was for fraction of seconds and the baby was normal & babbling when he saw lines of concern on my face…those moments, I recalled the words of my Mom & granny, “You won’t realize our concern till you yourself become a Mom” and Haan, it sounded true now.

Symptoms in New Born

Colic, indigestion, gassiness, stomach ache, inconsolable bouts of crying, irritation, constipation, distended belly are common issues in new born babies.

Commonly, these rise during the initial days of birth of new born and infants and can extend up to three to six months in normal case and if not cared, the months can extend.

How to Calm Colicky Baby

  • New born and infants are totally dependent upon Mother’s milk, hence Mom should take care of herself more. Her lifestyle and diet plays a major role in baby’s digestion. She should consume healthy diet; greens, high protein, milk and milk products and avoid rich and deep fried food. Grannies traditional healthy diet is recommended in this phase. Your stomach will be happy and automatically #HappyTummyHappyBaby
  • If baby is inconsolable, tug in and keep close to your skin. Skin contact especially of a Mom soothes them.
  • Generally bouts of discomfort in babies arise in late evenings. Dim the lights of the room, give a warm oil gentle massage so that they feel ease and lull to sleep.
  • Play light soothing music, & whisper in light sounds near the ear of the baby, they love the closeness and soft sound.
  • Grannies “नुस्खा” – Make a potli of Ajwaiin and warm it on tawa and foment the babies distended belly, it will inflate and baby will feel comfort. Check the warmth level before placing on the belly skin of the baby.
  • Swaddle the baby in soft towel, it will reduce the discomfort.
  • If all the tips don’t work, check with your paediatrics to rule out any infection.

My niece was crying inconsolably and we tried all means but still she did not find much comfort. My sis-in-law was too anxious in managing baby’s chore as well as hers. I took her to our family paediatrics and he prescribed #MotherSparsh #TummyRollOnwith an assurance that the baby will be comfortable soon. The doctor dittoed our ways to manage colic and stomach discomfort. He told us that the Mother Sparsh believes in #AyurvedicHomeRemedy. He even insisted to check Mom diet if baby is on Breastfeeding and choice of Formulae Milk matters if baby is been fed in case of low BF production or other reasons.

We used it and really my niece “Pihu” was rocking and smiling…and her smiles consoled all of us who were fighting with insomnia…#HappyTummyHappyBaby

Product Image

#MotherSparshRollOn is #100%Ayurvedicand one of the best solutions for colicky baby.

Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll-On

#MotherSparsh is a brand who sincerely believes in #100%Ayurvedicvalues and their products are launched around Ayurveda. After baby wipes, they have launched #HingRollOn.

In the need of baby’s colic problem, Mother Sparsh has developed 100% #AyurvedicHomeRemedy #TummyRollOn which is made up from the combination of different natural oils such as hing oil and saunf oil to treat colic and indigestion in babies.

The combination of 5 Oils provides relief from stomach discomforts caused due to gas, acidity and indigestion in infants and children.

Hing Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which help to reduce acid reflux and constipation. Its benefit for colic is widely mentioned in Ayurveda.

The presence of fennel oil (Saunf Oil) in this roll on has anti-colic properties which help to reduce stomach bloating, gas and also helps the baby to burp.

 Mother Sparsh Roll-on is #100%Ayurvedic and free from chemicals, preservatives and manufactured in traditional way to provide the benefits to maximum extent.

Ingredients

Hing Oil, Pudina Oil, Sonth Oil, Saunf Oil and Sova Oil

Directions to Use

Apply directly on stomach around the naval area.

Key Features:-

  • Relieves Stomach Discomfort: – Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll On is an Ayurvedic solution for babies suffering from colic, indigestion and constipation.
  • Relieves Gas Pain: – As per our Ancient Ayurveda Hing (Asafoetida) helps to treat abdominal colic, gas, flatulence & indigestion. It also cures abdominal pain, constipation & upset stomach.                              
  • 100% Ayurvedic/Herbal: – All the ingredients present in Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll-On are natural and free from toxins which make them totally safe to use on babies sensitive skin.
  • Skin Friendly: – Ayurvedic Tummy Roll-On is safe to use on delicate skin of babies, devoid of chemicals and alcohol.
  • Chemical Free: – Being chemical free, Mother Sparsh Tummy roll on is safe for baby skin and health.
  • Travel Friendly:- The package is such that it can be easily accomodated in travel bag, Mom’s purse or in Diaper Bag, without the fear of spilling and leakage.

I and my family is happy with the usage of #MotherSparshRollOn, it gives quick relief to babies and my niece cute smiles conveys her comfort.

Mother Sparsh #HingRollOn is available over the counter medicines or you can order online, to buy online, Click here.

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Content Writing Lifestyle Love & Relationship Woman

My Mom- My World #WomensDay

Guest Post Author Image

A Guest Post by Blogger Surbhi Prapanna a qualified homeopathic therapist and mommy of two cute dolls. She has more than 4 years of experience in professional writing. Writing is her passion and she loves to share her parenting Journey and area’s of expertise through her blog.

Happy women’s day (in fact, Happy Women’s Month) to everyone!

I am so glad to be a part of guest series, “A tribute to the women, by the woman and for the woman”, organized by Ila Varma from varmaila.com.

Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers

I believe it is a great series to share the true love and respect for the women who inspire us every day by their hard work, dedication and constant motivation.

When I had thought to share a journey of woman who really inspires me, I become nervously excited, because for me, it is not an easy task. There are lots of inspiring women who dedicate their lives to their kids and to their families in a way that is truly admiring and inspiring for me.

And with this awesome imitative I want to say a big thanks to all women across the globe for serving our society by their hard work, passion and dedication. As I had gotten a chance to share one woman’s journey with this series, I would love to share my Mom’s journey. I did love to tell that how much I love her and how much she inspires me every day with her hard work and dedication.  

with Mom

For me, she has been the calming and loving force in my life. She is my biggest inspiration and greatest sounding board. She is the most important person in my life. So, in honour of this beautiful and awe-inspiring woman, I would love to share the ways that she inspires me every day.

She is the driving force of my life

She is the main reason behind where am I?  And who am I today. Since early childhood, she has taught me “believe in yourself”. She has taught me to stand up for what I believed in and what is right. Ever since I was little, she had been actively involved in everything I do, from music class to drawing lesson, she always been there to help us. Indeed, she is the pillar of strength and driving force of my life.

I had learnt most important life lessons (self-discipline, hard work and passion) from her

Of course, it was hard during childhood, when she has fixed schedule for everything for us, it was quite unacceptable to do everything on time (initially), but when her strict discipline becomes a part of life, I had enjoyed it thoroughly. Now as a grown up and being a mom, I had understood the importance of those tiny things. Yes! It is her discipline that has carved my life so well.

Coming from a teacher family my mom always love to read and to teach, she always put a great emphasis on regular studies since childhood. And just because of her guidance I had followed the same path, and with the passing years, I had realised education is not only an academic thing; it is a way of life. It is the power that shows us a right path in each difficult moment. Yes! It is true she is the best mentor of life. And I would always be grateful to her for giving me that correct direction in my life.

She has taught me that you can do anything you want

She has taught me importance of hard work, dedication, patience in life.  She always works so hard and she has accomplished everything she ever thought of in her life. And the same thing she has taught me, she always say you can do anything you want, it is just a matter of making goals and setting a focus in your life. If you do your task sincerely, you can achieve anything. It is just her faith and trusts in me, that I had crossed so many difficult boundaries in my life and always achieved whatever I want.

I had learnt “how to make a balance in work-family life”

For me, she is the best Mom in the world. But it is just one aspect of her dynamic personality. She has maintained a powerful balance in her professional and personal life. When she teaches her student, she is the best teacher and as soon she entered in house she immediately transform in to a great wife and best mom. She has taught me, it is just about managing the things. Of course, I had learnt a lot multitasking from her.

She always reminds me that “everything will be fine”, whenever I am feeling down

Life is most beautiful and wonderful, when we had our mom close to us. Mothers are like  second god, they resolves our all problem, and we all used to call her in every tiny moment of pain ( and happiness too) , but there are the time when she cannot be with us physically and during those moments it is just the life lessons that she has taught us, become the ultimate guideline in life.  A simple conversation on phone and her words “everything will be fine” are enough to show the most correct path. . I always felt her presence mentally and spiritually, even during those time when she doesn’t presence with me physically.

So, this is the just few ways that she inspires my life every day. She always filled my life with positivity and optimism. And after being a mom, I had realised her sacrifice, love and care in true sense. I had learnt a lot from her but still I have a long way to go.

So, on this women’s day, I want to salute her and want to say a heartfelt thanks for her love, care, and guidance. It is my little tribute to express my gratitude for her.  Thanks a lot to Ila for this excellent opportunity. And hoping this great initiative will inspire others too.

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Content Writing Lifestyle Woman

Salute to Womanhood! #WomensDay

A Guest Post by Pallavi Acharya on the eve of #Women’sDayWeek. She agreed to write a guest post for my blog as I wished to list the women who thought they came out unscathed breaking the barrier and outshone in spite of odds strewn on their path.


Pallavi An educationist, A budding Gardener, A dreamer, A learner and of all a hands-on mother of a teenager dude has taught me better things in life. Teaching has given me the wisdom to deal with the little ones enhanced my creativity and blogging has added new colors to my personality.


Let’s hear her story in her own version. How she fought the inner demon and strengthen herself to achieve by walking on the unusual path…and finally she succeeded. That’s the power of Women.

Who is a woman of substance?

Is she the beautifully tall lady walking in the ramp?

Is she the one flashing around on social media?

Maybe she is the one who uses what she has to get what she wants depending on the circumstance.

Who is a woman of substance?

Before the stages of aprons and kitchen gloves,

We were girls to our parents,

We strive to be something,

Something better and necessary to survive,

This world before we join as homemaker,

We strive to be a women of substance.

To me, a woman of substance is a woman whose life means something, who’s gone through every adversity and even if she didn’t “win” comes out on the other end stronger, smarter; a woman who supports others  — despite the cost. A woman who “uses” her life . . . she isn’t a spectator. She’s part of the solution, albeit only for her own small world of family and friends.

We women have empowering powers within us, though we might not be that strong in terms of physical strength but we are more than superfluous make up with inner strength.

We can give birth to new lives and nurture our own kind and others. We may not be big in size but we sure can be affectionate giving out love. We are just the right size to embrace both man and baby.

My journey being a woman was full of struggles but I chased my dreams and worked hard to attain my goals. I think being positive with determination is key to success. Embrace your individuality and be happy the way you are.

It has been two years now. I had come to live here in Korba, Chhattisgarh. Korba, the name itself is unfamiliar to almost everyone. That it is one of the largest power plants in the country and generating electricity for nearly a quarter of the country. Notwithstanding these trivia, Korba is deep in the remote part of Chhattisgarh, far away from any city centre and nearly a six hour bumpy ride away from the state capital and the nearest airport, Raipur…  There are hardly any better opportunities for work, education or leisure. My husband got transferred to Korba from Delhi, I left behind a lucrative career to support my family. I was taken aback and was indecisive whether to move with him for the sake of my teenage son education or to weather it out solitarily in Delhi. After much discussion and mulling I let go off my reservations and decided to quit my teaching job and move lock, stock and barrel to Korba. That I was prepared for Korba is an understatement. In Delhi, while I was perpetually on my toes, here I was wondering what to do with the sunny afternoons, the large dilapidated bungalow overgrown with grass on its large lawns. I longed for professional satisfaction, to do something worthwhile and of course to earn my own identity.

I hold a degree of Mass communication and journalism & worked for public sector but had to switch career to teaching due to transferable job of my husband and to take care of my son. I had gathered teaching experience in Delhi. I had worked hard to develop my skills. And then suddenly from the hectic life of Delhi to the idyllic abyss of Korba!

Initially for a few months I flustered not knowing what to do and where to begin. Then I decided to begin at the beginning – my home. I worked relentlessly to convert the large overgrown lawn into a garden. I looked up for gardening websites and you tube videos. Employed gardeners who were scarcely available and got saplings, manures and fertilisers from far and wide to populate my lawn. Slowly but surely, my lawn converted into a beautiful garden with roses, petunias, dahlias and marigolds. So much so that, passers-by stop and take selfie of my garden now! In addition to gardening, I also started blogging. My journeys, stories near my heart, recipes and everything else. I poured my heart out in the blog. Gradually I got opportunity to write on several big online platforms. I was honing my writing skills and getting invaluable inputs from my online band of small but loyal readers.  Articles were published in Hitavada newspaper, nai duniya and my favourite magazine, Woman’s Era. Gradually my articles started getting published in newspapers and magazines. I just could not believe my eyes when I saw my name in print! Then, someone else suggested regarding self-publishing. So, I collected all my blog posts and approached Notion Press. And they happily published my book, Heartfulness. I particularly liked the title and the cover design. It reflected my innermost feelings. The book has really given me wings. Meanwhile, my gang of mentors were working overtime. Unknown to me my work, writing and garden were being scrutinised with careful eyes. Suddenly some six months back I was offered the post of Principal in a school .While I had been a teacher for nearly a decade in a variety of schools, the post of Principal seemed a bit daunting. But I accepted it with a hope in my heart and a prayer on my lips. Being a welfare school, it has limited resources and bringing up its standard was a challenge that I am still struggling with. I instil my heart and soul into it and now it has seen membership rising. So much so that this academic year, several well to do people have approached me for the admissions. I am trying to give these kids and my teachers whatever I know, new technologies or teaching style etc. When I came to Korba I felt lonely, I felt deprived but I used the amount of time I had fruitfully. I challenged myself. Today, I can say without regret that I am busier than I ever was in Delhi with my garden, writings, book, blogging and school taking up my energy and time. In return I have got happiness. Yes, Korba is a challenge that I took with both my hands and today I can say I have come out with flying colours!

So, for every woman I would suggest that find your dream in life and pursue it.

Follow your heart…never give up…and you can do anything. We all have the ability to do whatever it is we want to do and fulfil any dream we want to fulfil; we just have to go and do it. When you find your passion in life, it creates a meaning in your life and gives you a purpose in the world: it generates happiness.

Live up to your morals and values- always remain aware of them.

I saw this and fell in Love with it.

So I just had to share it with you guys 🙂

Never Forget your Worth!

A Woman’s Worth

——————————-

A woman’s beauty is not only

In the glow of her skin

But the depth of her eyes

And the warmth of her heart

A woman’s strength is not only

In the bow of her back

But the magnitude of her tears

And the softness of her words

A woman’s wisdom is not only

In the value of her words

But the knowledge of when to hold them

And the journey she takes to learn them

A woman’s courage is not only

In her determination to fight

But her willingness to walk away

And confidence to say no

A woman’s grace is not only

In the way she dances through her day

But in the love notes she leaves

And the wonderful meals she prepares

A woman’s love is not only

In the kisses she gives

But in the sacrifices she makes

And the moments given to you alone

A woman’s worth is not only

In the things she does

But who she truly is

And who she helps you become

~ Mary Costanza -A Woman’s Heart and Soul

Guest Post Series Tagline –
A Tribute to the Woman, By the Woman & For the Woman.

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Content Writing Lifestyle Woman

Kalpana M. – I Took the Road Less Travelled! #OrganicFarmer #WomensDay

Kalpana M. a name in Organic Farming popular in Chennai and she quit her job to take the road less traveled.
I knocked her to share her unusual journey on agriculture and farming on the eve of Women’s Day and her journey is an inspiration for many.


Her passion has rekindled the hope of growing better with efforts and care.

Lets hear her story in her version…

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Looking back a year ago, I was a High school Biology teacher and an Academic Coordinator on the brink of a big step up the career ladder. But things were about to change big time as my dream to grow my own food got stronger by the day. I had always been nurturing a dream of owning a garden and growing my own food but somehow it wasn’t materialising alongside having a full-time job.

So, I decided to step off the beaten path and take up a road less travelled, a path riddled with obstacles and doubts. Many people I interacted with who had taken up organic farming had given up mid-way as it was very difficult to sustain plants against pests without pesticides and the likes and it turned out to be a tedious uphill journey to actually see even a moderate amount of success in this field. There was no fool-proof method to follow and there were a lot of factors that could contribute towards the crops failing.

For a city-bred person, toiling in the sun and physical labour was totally alien and it needed a lot of perseverance to see the end result. Moreover, it wasn’t a regular salaried job with the security and assurance of good returns and a secure fund either. With all these apprehensions, I still decided to take the plunge.

My decision to quit my full-time job to become an organic farmer raised a lot of eyebrows. Advice poured in from well-meaning colleagues, family, and friends that this wasn’t such a wise decision to take at this crucial juncture in my career. I did understand their concerns and could totally see their point of view. Leaving a well-paid job in a respectable institution along with a well-earned track record of exemplary performance to boot and not to mention a great step up waiting right around the corner, was not the ideal thing to do. I am sure many would have judged my sanity for taking this step and I don’t blame them. An urban city-bred woman in organic farming was something that didn’t seem to sit well with many but I just had to listen to my calling.

The passion to grow food was born out of the desire to provide my family with clean, nutritious, toxin-free food.  The disturbing ugly side of the food industry and how we seem to have no choice but to buy whatever is sold to us fuelled my passion even more. The satisfaction of feeding my family chemical free, totally organic, native, seasonal and nutritious produce is immense. I believe in native indigenous crops being the most nutritious and best suited for our bodies. I don’t support hybrid varieties and I am totally against GMO’s.

Building a self-sustainable model for living is something that I am working on. Towards an attempt to achieve that our small farmhouse on our farm is SOLAR powered. Rainwater harvesting is built-in to the design of the house and a biogas plant is something I want to look into in the near future.

Today I am cultivating a small half acre farm on the outskirts of Chennai where I grow all the vegetables for my family organically. I have plans of developing it into a self-sustaining space. My farmhouse is solar powered and I have around 20 fully grown coconut trees and 50 plus fruit trees and flowering tree saplings.

Currently, we are growing more than 50 varieties of seasonal vegetables on our farm. We also have a variety of herbs and fruit trees. I have managed to successfully convert my “Farm to Table” dream into a reality. When I choose to grow my own food, I have full control of what I sow, what I reap, what I cook and what I feed my family. There is absolutely no room for doubt and that gives me immense satisfaction.

Working with your own hands, toiling and caring for the plants adds to that much more satisfaction when it’s time for harvest. I don’t think anything that we get easily can ever give you real satisfaction.  In a world where, in the name of development and advancement we are running farther and farther away from nature, poisoning our own food and destroying the ecosystem we live in, there is a serious need to change our way of life. I am hoping we can slow down just a bit and get back to our roots…

I want to change the narrative about farming in my own minuscule way, if possible. I would like to see the perspective about farming change for better. Somewhere down the line in all the urbanization and technological advancement farming had become the most deplored occupation.  I would really like to see a better outlook about it in our next generation.

In all these years of depending on the grocery store, is it even possible to grow our own food? Is it do-able?  Can we try to be producers rather than mind-less consumers to some extent? These are some of the many questions I am trying to find answers to, through my journey.

As an Aspiring Homesteader, I try my best to prepare things myself at home. I make my own soaps, body butters, detergents and cleaning solutions. I also bake my own bread, prepare my own jams, sauces, pastas and cook everything from scratch. I try to reduce my waste by composting my kitchen waste (which I use on my farm) and reuse and recycle non-biodegradable waste.

Though soap making was something I did just for my family, it has somehow unintentionally and unpredictably reached far beyond its own course. It has made me an “accidental entrepreneur” (using this phrase for the lack of any other appropriate word)

This journey of mine has brought out all the facets of my creative side to the foray, be it farming, blogging, art, cooking or creative entrepreneurship. I am extremely happy that I took the stand when I did and did not let my self-limiting doubts bog me down. This women’s Day I urge all women out there to believe in their dreams and follow them passionately.

Today, as a new-age farmer, homesteader, an environmental & food-safety activist, I am slowly but steadily trying to break the barriers, trying to make inroads into changing the world around me, one step at a time. I hope to inspire many others who aspire for a similar lifestyle to take the leap of faith and make a little difference to this world and leave it a better place than we found it.

I would like to leave you with an inspiring quote by Michelle Obama –

“Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?” ― Michelle Obama, Becoming

Guest Post Series Tagline –
A Tribute to the Woman, By the Woman & For the Woman.

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Content Writing Lifestyle Woman

I will be more…Because Courage is my word #Women’sDay

Story of An Emerging Writer who broke all the barriers and moved forward to mark a niche for herself in the world of writing…Her Name is Anupriya Gupta.

Her Guest Post in her own words…

My story isn’t a tale of struggles and hurdles. But one that of grit and determination. I wouldn’t call myself very intelligent. But ambitious? Yes! I want to reach for the stars despite my humble roots. And have I managed to grab any? A tiny bit of it for sure…

At 26 years of age, I had the world at my feet when I landed in a dream job, with the best people to work with. The person who I’d promised to love till eternity had sealed the promise with a proposal to spend our lives together. I couldn’t have asked for more.

But a change of location could turn my life around? This wasn’t something I was prepared for.  I spent a long time trying to find me a job that would pay me well and give me the satisfaction that I knew felt good.  Despite belonging to a business family, my dedication towards my profession and education kept nagging at me to find one decent job. 

There was a point in time, when I felt looted of everything that ought to have been mine. I was lost, because there wasn’t anything else that I wanted to do. If not that, then nothing – plagued my life for long. But then there was always another fear that resided in the crevices of the bunch of nerves that was me. It would be very hypocritical of me if I said that I was afraid of losing my identity. Because being a home-maker, taking care of a house-hold, nurturing a family does not reduce a woman to being nobody. I know better now that it takes a lot to be the pillar around whom a mini-world of a family revolves. 

Yet, I felt this constant fire in the belly that told me that I had to be more. I needed to be more. I guess, it’s a different kind of wiring that pushes one to be more than one is expected to be. The result was that I completely lost perspective. My mental wellness plummeted to levels where my family (especially my first born) was completely confused and clueless and I was on the verge of falling into the dungeons.

After a long standing struggle to find professional satisfaction, and the resistance towards being sucked into domesticity, I immersed myself into something that helped me deal with my emotions better. Writing it was! I poured my heart out through my words. Slowly and steadily the words found strength and recognition and culminated into a full-fledged story.  Today as I write this post, I sit with My Book ‘Because I Promised’ on my table. I know for those who have known me until a decade back, it comes as a shocker that the ever pragmatic, rational and practical go-getter has turned into this creative lass. But that’s the beauty of life. You never know that you are capable of things that you never believed you could do.  A dream that has come true will be cherished for life with several life lessons for one and many.

Yes with my book on the shelf in front of me, I find the strength to dream further, break the barriers and make true some more dreams that reside within me. ‘Courage’ is my word this Women’s Day. And I am going to make sure that I challenge myself at every step, push myself out of the comfort zone and learn everything that is thrown at me by destiny. I know I will emerge wiser, stronger and a happier person.

Guest Post Series Tagline –
A Tribute to the Woman, By the Woman & For the Woman.

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Content Writing Woman

A Tribute to Women from All Walks of Life #Motivation

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated with great zeal and zest.

I believe that everyday is a Women’s Day and we should give due importance to her for walking by our side as a Mother, Sister, Wife, Daughter, Girl-Friend.

This year, I thought of Featuring Few Women on my Blog who made their space in the world all by themselves and stood apart from the crowd…as a Homemaker, Mommy, Professional, Entrepreneur etc.

I requested writers to share the journey of a women who fought against all odds and did not lose her patience rather came out unscathed and revived with more power.

A tribute to a Woman, By the Woman and For the Woman.

The bloggers and writers will introduce women from all walks of life and share their story.

It will be an inspiration for many and will motivate many more not to be disheartened by the unwilling circumstances and fight with courage with smile on their lips.

God made women and a Mother because he knew her power of endurance.

Guys, do follow my blog to read interesting articles on the eve of International women’s Day week.

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Content Writing Motherhood Parenting

Ways to Limit Screen Time for Your Child

During weekdays, we all women of our block meet for a high tea. The most discussed topic is how to limit screen timings of kids. In the era of internet, mobile apps, high-end gadgets, laptop and TV which is easily available in all household. Once considered luxury is now a common gadget in all household irrespective of varied incomes.

I am a person who is open to frank discussions and I hold the parents responsible for introducing children different gadgets in their formative years. Later on, when the children pick up the habit, they blame the innocent kids and it becomes quite challenging for the Mommies.

Baby playing with Mobile

Many Moms might disagree with my views but I will explain with the examples of how parents are responsible to introduce them to these enticing gadgets and it becomes a tough challenge to wean them out of the habit.

Situation 1

When an infant grows to an age wherein he can enjoy semi-solid or solid food, many Moms sit with their mobile-tuned to video rhymes and the toddlers enjoy the animation and the Moms feed them easily without any hiccups.

The kid is an innocent brat and the colourful animation with music attracts them. In a bid to feed kids without throwing tantrums, Moms feel the task easy but gradually you are instilling a habit of gadgets. Somewhere down the line, an understanding sets in that if he/she cried or throws tantrums, they would be awarded screen timings, eventually, it turns into a habit.

Here the parent is at fault and not the child.

Situation 2

Many parents keep multiple mobile and they give to their baby to play with and the other is used by Mom to talk with well-wishers and friends. Unintentionally, the habit is been instilled in the child by the parents. To avoid facing child tantrums, laptop or TV is tuned and baby is made to sit in front and the Mom gets busy in work or play, inadvertently, these enter into the child habit streams and once they grow, they resist if not provided.

Parents should understand that as you sow, so you reap. Discipline the child from their early days of childhood. The instructions should be laid in formative years and it should be followed.

Situation 3

Once I visited my relative and found their son busy playing games on laptop. I was there for four hours and throughout the boy played. He was mere 4 or 5 years. I could not hold myself and I asked his Mom why she was allowing him to play for such long hours. Her reply was, “Jio internet is free, paisa nahin lag raha hai. Jab chargeable ho jayega to nahin khelne denge.”

I felt pity for the Mom and the child and thought she was making her child habituated of virtual games without realizing how difficult it would be to check his habit. Thereafter, the innocent child will suffer for no reason.

The purpose of citing examples was to make Moms aware how we induce kids to various gadgets and when they become habituated, we abuse, scold or punish them.

In a world of high-end gadgets and open connectivity, we cannot restrain them from using but definitely, we can limit the screen timing of our kids.

Ways to Restrict Screen Timing

My request is not to instill the habit of using gadgets in early age 0-3 years to allure them for feeding or playing. In initial years, kids need time and care of elders. Don’t hook yourself on gadgets when they are awake till there is urgency. Play, sing songs and rhymes, get colourful toys and spend time with them. If you are working, then try to stay with parents or in-laws who can give time to kids. Keep gadgets away from them.

After 3 years, introduce them to TV for cartoons and fix hours of watching. Half an hour to one hour in a day is more than enough.

Once they reach in primary school, introduce them to gadgets for drawing and creativity, but don’t allow them to get hooked for watching movies.
Allot a specific day to watch animation movies or song trailers. This allowance will restrict their screen timing and instil discipline. In a way, they will develop patience and eagerness for the D-day to arrive.

As they grow, increase screen timings with limitations and don’t give them total freedom during holidays. It should be same in school days as well as holidays and bonanza can be announced in holidays for completing homework or behaving sane.

Check your screen timings as well, your overindulgence in gadgets will develop their interest because children imitate their parents and elders of the family more in whom they confide.

To check the children habits, parents and especially Moms should check their screen timings.

Stick to discipline and don’t give up in weak hours getting pissed by their tantrums.

My experience says that the kids are smarter than their parents and once they catch hold of your weakness, they will make you bow every time.

Valid disadvantages of using gadgets for long hours.

  • Creativity and imaginative powers of a
    child diminishes because they get used to readymade solutions
  • Don’t let them use gadgets for studies
    other than online learning program because they don’t develop tactics to solve
    problems

What I did as a Mom to limit Screen timing of My Kids

  • Till 3 years of age, I never used
    gadgets in front of them or for avoiding tantrums
  • I fixed hours of using gadgets according
    to their age requirements and I stuck to my promise
  • I gave myself sufficient time to play as
    they sang rhymes and songs. Instilled habit of drawing and coloring and kept
    engaged in arts and crafts
  • Weekly movies were allowed and I
    accompanied them while watching and now they have outgrown my lap but still we
    watch movies together. Being friendly with kids develops good bonding and trust
    in each other.
  • Invested in interesting offline indoor
    and outdoor games and encouraged them to participate which led them to forget
    virtual games.

Moms, do share your inputs as to how you are managing?

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