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Smriti Irani, Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development rightly said that menstruation is not a handicap. As a response to a question posed by MP Manoj Kumar Jha, Smriti Irani said that menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life journey.
Both these statements are certainly valid. Being on a period doesn’t make a woman sick. A period is normal and the more dialogue there is surrounding the topic, the sooner it will cease to be a taboo in society.
My house-help’s sister works at a construction site. Every month on the first day of her period, she has to toil at the site and at home despite her excruciating menstrual cramps. She barely pulls through and ends up feeling dead tired at the end of it. However, she cannot afford to take the day off since she needs the money. As I write this, Smriti Irani’s words just seem like privileged remarks. Smriti Irani outrightly opposed the idea of paid menstrual leave by stating that women, who in today’s day and age want to get more economic opportunities, shouldn’t be ‘denied’ an equal opportunity by giving them paid menstrual leaves.
Firstly, in my opinion we have misinterpreted the word productivity. It must not be defined as the sum of the number of hours that humans put in, like machines. It should instead, involve a discussion around the quality of the work output.
At times, during exams, when I am on my period, I can barely focus on answering the questions. All I can think of is curling up in bed with a hot pack. A few friends of mine who suffer from PCOS can barely sit through classes when they are on their period. But we get back to it as soon as better.
Keeping this in mind, one should note that period leaves will surely not hamper productivity. Au contraire, they would enable the women of our country to bounce back better after a well- deserved break, if their body seeks it.
Instead of looking at menstruation as a feminism based ideal, if one focused solely on the biological implications of menstruation, it would become clearer as to why this leave is required. With period pain being rampant, countries such as Spain and Japan have made provisions for menstrual leaves. Several gynaecologists have emphasised the need for period leaves.
Oestrogen and Progesterone which are the main female hormones that power women and give them the stamina to work, are at an all-time low during periods. Therefore, the female body’s capacity to work is jeopardised while she is menstruating.
Additionally, pertaining to jobs that are physically demanding, oestrogen influences bone strength and hence women are more likely to face injuries when they are menstruating. This is vital especially for paid daily-wage workers.
Periods are also the time when overall immunity is lowered, therefore increasing susceptibility to other infections. Thus, guaranteeing paid menstrual leave can reduce sick leaves in the long run and result in overall improvement in the health of the masses.
People may argue that being feminist and fighting for period leaves is nothing short of a paradox.
However, it is vital to understand that though all employees must have equal rights, the biological needs of each one are different. Over fifty percent of menstruators experience cramps and hence the need for period leave. With my own mother having suffered from extreme period cramps to the point where she would vomit from pain, I strongly believe that women from all sections of society would benefit a lot from menstrual leaves.
So, let us put Smriti Irani at ease by reinforcing the need for period leaves to ensure better health and productivity at a large scale. Women won’t be ‘denied’ an equal opportunity by enforcing menstrual leaves. Instead, they would be given an opportunity to showcase their full potential.
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I remember one of my mother’s friends, who at the ripe age of fifty-five, had gone ahead and completed not only her graduation in Law but also a Bachelor’s in Education. Even as a kid at that time, I wondered what it was that gave her so much enthusiasm when almost everyone gave up! I could not find an answer at that time, but now I think that I can comprehend it and appreciate it. Kudos to her!
Life is indeed a big journey. We have to pass through many ups and downs on this voyage, especially women. We have so many things to cater to, so many social traditions to follow, so many compromises to be made, and so many people for whom we have to think and adjust.
While caring and considering everyone and their desires, careers, and social responsibilities, women often forget what they wanted, what they yearned and longed for. Their desires frequently get crumpled under the weight of everything else.
Yes, it is true that when children are small, they need a lot of attention, care, and time. Mostly, the careers of ladies are sacrificed because of that. However, when the children get slightly older, there is suddenly so much time available. At that point, I have seen so many of my friends wondering what to do. Most of them feel that it is too late for a career.
And then, most of the time is spent watching television, attending kitty parties, or in dejection and cribbing, which is the worst. I don’t say that watching television or attending kitty parties once in a while is bad. It is indeed a great occasion to mix and exchange views and ideas.
But, certainly, not all the time. Especially when that time could be better utilized.
Wondering what can be done? Well, there are thousands of paths available. Just let your hair down and let your thoughts flow. What was it that always excited you? Did you have a passion that you could not pursue? Did you desire to follow a career? Does the condition of the country upset you, and do you feel that you have ideas for improvement in your way? Does it hurt you when you see someone hungry?
Just think about what you want to do. If there is more than one idea, concentrate on the one which seems to touch you the most.
The winner is obviously the mind, which finds peace.
Was there always a desire or pursue a professional degree that you could not do at that time? Why not do it now? Yes, now is the moment. Do not feel shy to share the classroom space with youngsters. If one wishes to learn, age just does not matter. Quest, hard work, and perseverance do.
Teaching is one of the noblest jobs. With so many other options available, good students hardly enter this field these days, least understanding how much good one can do for society by moulding young brains in a proper direction.
Ask anyone, including yourselves. No one forgets the good teachers who taught you in school. The respect for such teachers always remains, whatever one may become. Teachers not only carve the brains, they carve the entire nation.
Was there a passion such as painting, writing, singing, dancing, candle making, or acting that always made you go crazy? Now is the time to follow it to a rightful end. With time, experience builds up, giving the above forms of art a new dimension.
One of my friends, although an engineer by profession, decided to follow her heart and pursue silver jewellery design. She started in a very small way, but her business is growing by leaps and bounds, simply because she works more for passion than for money.
Another friend restarted painting after a long gap. However, she soon had her exhibition which was well appreciated and is now deep down into it, having carved out her niche in the field. There are so many avenues available – I feel there is no end for someone with desire.
Do you feel that you can contribute a little to make society a better place to live in? Yes, of course, you can! There are ways and ways available. Someone with acute desire can join politics. Or, if you do not like working with politicians, you can start an NGO for issues such as child education, girl children, street children, orphanages, old age homes, etc. And no, even starting an NGO is not a necessity.
One can always work with the already known good NGOs. All NGOs require a variety of people – accountants, marketing people, liaison personnel, good organizers, cooks, and those having computer experience – the list is quite long indeed.
Do you love things such as cooking, stitching, embroidering, knitting, etc. which are normally the high points of all ladies in general?
If you do not wish to go a big way about anything – just start in a small way by coaching small students around for an hour or two. The time demanded for this is quite less and the satisfaction enormous. And it can be done sitting at home.
The rate of illiteracy in our country is so high that wherever you go, you will find so many people eager to learn, but who cannot due to the dearth of time or lack of money. Your maid, your milkman, your child’s rickshaw Walla, your dhobi – so many people around you belong to this category.
Why not teach them simple reading and writing?
I have just listed a few things that can be done to keep oneself occupied and busy, and also earn a little in the process. Of course, in reality, the list is much larger than that listed above.
Following a passion gives a lot of satisfaction to an individual, and a satisfied individual is certainly a better individual, spreading cheerfulness and gaiety all around. It is also a means to streamline the negative thoughts that often occupy the brains like a parasite, destroying everything around them.
An optimistic person is an asset not only to the family but to the entire society, for the individual radiates positivity, making the world a better place to live in.
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In Indian movies, there are amazing women who tell stories that stick in our minds and touch our hearts. Let’s take a closer look at their movies and the powerful things they say and show us.
Mira Nair is a special director who mixes Indian and Western cultures in her movies. Her film “Salaam Bombay!” shows the energy of Mumbai’s streets. There’s a boy named Krishna who says, “I’ll take care of myself, no one else will.” She also made “Monsoon Wedding,” a film about a big Indian wedding that’s full of joy and craziness.
Zoya Akhtar is really good at telling stories about modern life. In “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” three friends go on an adventure in Spain. One friend says, “Live life to the fullest.” She also made “Dil Dhadakne Do,” a movie about family and money. Zoya’s movies have characters we can relate to easily.
Gauri Shinde is great at showing feelings on screen. Her first movie “English Vinglish” was about a woman finding her own worth. In a sweet moment, her daughter says, “Mom, you’re the best.” Gauri’s movies are simple but make us feel a lot.
Nandita Das makes movies that talk about big issues. “Firaaq” is about a riot’s effects on people. In the movie, a woman says, “I used to think people are scarier than animals.” Nandita makes us think deeply about society’s problems.
Meghna Gulzar pays a lot of attention to details in her movies. “Raazi” tells a true story about a spy. The spy says, “My country comes first, even before me.” Meghna’s movies are gripping and real.
In “Monsoon Wedding,” there’s a touching talk between a dad and his daughter. They talk about where marriages come from.
In “Gully Boy,” a rapper finds his own voice and connects with everyone.
In “Dear Zindagi,” there’s a lesson about not letting the past ruin the future.
“Manto” shows a writer fighting for the truth.
“Talvar” digs into a real-life case in court.
These scenes and dialogues aren’t just entertainment. They teach us, make us feel things, and make us think about life.
Mira Nair, Zoya Akhtar, Gauri Shinde, Nandita Das, and Meghna Gulzar are special because they tell stories in their own way. They’ve changed Indian cinema with their different styles. Their movies are for everyone, and they show us that storytelling has endless possibilities. They’re not just great women directors; they’re great directors, period.
In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, where tales of success often echo through the corridors of corporate giants, there emerges a unique and relatively unknown figure: Radha Vembu.
The unassuming co-founder of Zoho Corp has silently climbed the ladder of success, emerging as the richest self-made Indian woman, leaving a trail of inspiration and awe in her wake.
Radha Vembu’s journey commenced at the National Higher Secondary School in Chennai, a precursor to the groundbreaking chapters that awaited her. Her academic sojourn led her to the distinguished Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, setting the stage for a trajectory marked by determination and business acumen.
Fast-forward to the present, and Radha Vembu, as the co-founder of Zoho Corporation, has emerged as the richest self-made woman in India, a testament to her strategic prowess and commitment to reshaping the future of business. Let’s delve into the pages of her journey, where each step signifies not a note in musical composition but a strategic move in the grand orchestra of entrepreneurship.
Born in 1972 in the vibrant city of Chennai, Radha Vembu’s journey began in a modest setting. Her father, Sambamurthy Vembu, worked as a stenographer in the Madras High Court, setting the stage for a narrative that would challenge norms and redefine success. Radha completed her primary education at the National Higher Secondary School in Chennai before setting out on an academic journey that would lay the foundation for her future triumphs.
Armed with a degree in industrial management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Radha stepped into the world of business with a vision fuelled by innovation and determination. Little did she know that her endeavours would lead to the creation of Zoho Corp, a company that would revolutionize the business software landscape.
The Zoho story, initially penned by her older brother Sridhar Vembu in 1996 under the name Advent Net, evolved into a saga of success and resilience. Radha Vembu, with her background in industrial management, assumed the role of a product manager for the company’s email service, Zoho Mail. As the company flourished, so did Radha’s influence and stake in its success.
In 2020, Zoho Corp took a pivotal step in adapting to the changing work landscape by launching Zoho Remotely, a remote work toolkit designed to facilitate businesses transitioning to a work-from-home model. This strategic move showcased Zoho Corp’s ability to stay ahead of the curve, a testament to Radha Vembu’s visionary leadership within the organization.
At the heart of her financial success lies Radha Vembu’s majority stake in Zoho, a staggering 47.8 percent, showcasing not only her influence but also her commitment to the company’s growth. In comparison, her brother Sridhar Vembu owns just 5 percent of the company, emphasizing Radha’s pivotal role in shaping Zoho’s destiny. Another brother, Sekar, also holds a stake but prefers to remain away from the limelight.
Zoho Corp competes in a fierce arena, facing off against industry giants like Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and others. Despite this, Radha Vembu’s strategic acumen has enabled Zoho to hold its own, carving a niche in the market with a range of services, including an All-in-One Suite, Unified Customer Experience Platform, Unified Finance Platform, Unified HR Platform, Integrated Collaboration Platform, Help Desk Management, and Unified Marketing Platform.
The company’s subsidiaries, including ManageEngine, Qntrl, Trainer Central, Gofrugal, and Zakya, further diversify its offerings.
Radha Vembu’s ascent to becoming the richest self-made Indian woman reflects not just financial success but a testament to her strategic prowess and commitment to Zoho Corp’s growth. With a net worth of Rs 34,900 Crore, she secured the 40th position among the top 100 richest Indians and the second position among self-made women in the software and services industry, according to the M3M Hurun Global Rich List of 2023.
Despite her substantial achievements, Radha Vembu maintains a low profile, choosing to stay away from the limelight. The scarcity of information about her awards and accolades adds an air of mystery to her persona.
However, her recent feat of surpassing Falguni Nayar in wealth rankings thrust her into the spotlight, offering a rare glimpse into the woman behind Zoho Corp’s success. Radha Vembu’s journey serves as an inspiration, especially for women in entrepreneurship, showcasing the potential to break barriers and redefine success in an industry dominated by giants. As she continues to navigate the competitive landscape, Radha Vembu stands tall as a symbol of innovation, determination, and the limitless possibilities that await those with a vision to reshape the future of business.
While Radha Vembu’s professional achievements are undoubtedly impressive, she can stay out of the limelight which adds an air of mystery to her persona. Information about her awards and accolades is scarce, highlighting her preference for a low-profile existence. However, her recent feat of surpassing Falguni Nayar in the wealth rankings has thrust her into the spotlight, offering a rare glimpse into the woman behind the success.
Radha Vembu’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women aiming to break barriers in the business world. Her story underscores the power of determination, innovation, and the limitless potential for women to achieve financial success.
As she continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the software and services industry, Radha Vembu stands as a testament to the fact that success knows no gender and that the future of entrepreneurship is one where diversity and brilliance go hand in hand.
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A middle-aged couple recently moved to a new town. The landlady left after providing them with a tour of the place and instructions on how things worked in the 2-bedroom flat. She promised to return the next day with spare keys. Mr. SK closed the door sharply.
Missus SK hurried to the bathroom to relieve herself. The couple had driven for 13 hours to reach the town during the daytime and take possession of the newly rented flat. SK lugged all the luggage from the car by himself to the first-floor flat. Missus SK quickly scanned the place for cleanliness. She planned to sort things out but ran out of energy.
“I am tired… cannot lift a finger!” said SK as he exhaled.
It was the first time in 13 years of marriage that the couple had moved to another place from the one they had settled in for good. It was not an easy decision, disrupting a well-settled life for a life of the unknown and uncertainty.
SK must join back at work in a couple of days. Missus SK is hoping that she will get a job after a decade of doing voluntary work. Their new life in a new place will cost them money, and she hopes she can contribute.
They had a quick dinner and fell asleep within no time. In the wee hours, Missus SK woke up from deep sleep to some noise. It took her some time to figure out what woke her up. That noise again, stomp, stomp it goes! She was about to shout, “Who is it?” but realized it was not from her flat; it was coming from the ceiling. Then she paused to pay more attention. It came again in waves. Suddenly, a lot of noise, and then everything fell silent.
This was her first night in the flat. Her head was hurting with all the tiredness and dehydration from the 13-hour drive. She couldn’t make sense of the noise. She went to the bathroom, washed her face, and again heard the noise.
Not only that, but she realized there were people on the upper floor, stomping their legs as if they were dancing or running. Then there was the noise of furniture being dragged. Female voices were shrieking and giggling. Then she concluded they were having some dance class. She looked at her phone; it was 1:00 am. Odd hours for someone to make so much noise, she thought. She lay down, hoping it would die down, but the noise seemed to only increase.
She looked at her husband next to her, in deep sleep. She took matters into her own hands after he passed out due to sheer exhaustion and decided not to wake him up. Likewise, she put on a shawl to cover herself and stepped out.
There was no lift, but a hole instead.
She took the stairs; the noises continued. She followed the noise. In her mind, she tried to put together a request and prayed that they take pity on her and stop the noise. As of now, she has no energy to get angry or upset. She believed the path of least resistance was the shortcut to a peaceful night.
Just as Missus SK landed on the higher floor, she spotted the door where the noise was coming from. She rang the bell. The door opened quite promptly, and a young lady appeared with a smile. It seemed as though she knew that she would have a visitor at this hour or might be she is just drunk, thought Missus SK. The young woman seemed shorter than average. Missus SK at this point tried to smile and requested her not to make noise. The woman acknowledged and assured her that they would maintain silence.
Missus SK was relieved with the conversation. Then she came back to her flat and passed out until the next day morning.
The next day morning seemed fresh and nice. They loved the morning sun in the flat as they made arrangements for breakfast. The doorbell rang. It was the landlady. She had come to check on them and give spare keys to the flat. She casually asked them how they slept. Missus SK narrated the incident from the last night.
The landlady was shocked to hear and claimed, “But there is no upper floor. I mean, nobody lives above this. The builder left the construction incomplete; this is the only floor!”
She took them to show incomplete stairs an incomplete lift cavity, and an incomplete shell of the upper floor.
No more floors!
In the colourful world of Indian films, there are some amazing women who write the stories we love watching on screen. These storytellers paint pictures with words, making movies that touch our hearts and challenge our thoughts.
Think about Juhi Chaturvedi. She’s like a magician with words.
Her movies like “Vicky Donor,” “Piku,” and “October” feel real because she understands how people feel and relate to each other.
She mixes funny moments with touching ones, making us laugh and cry along with her characters.
Then there’s Zoya Akhtar.
Her movies like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” “Dil Dhadakne Do,” and “Gully Boy” talk about things that happen around us every day. She’s like a mirror, showing us what life is like, with all its ups and downs.
Gauri Shinde is another star writer.
Her movies “English Vinglish” and “Dear Zindagi” tell stories that feel like our own lives. She talks about finding ourselves and growing, which makes her stories relatable and deep.
Kanika Dhillon is different.
She writes stories that challenge the rules. Her movies like “Manmarziyaan,” “Kedarnath,” and “Judgementall Hai Kya” talk about love, mental health, and things society doesn’t always talk about openly. She makes us think about things differently.
Anjum Rajabali is great at weaving stories with a mix of society and politics.
Her movies like “Ghulam,” “The Legend of Bhagat Singh,” and “Raajneeti” are like puzzles with lots of interesting pieces that fit together to show us bigger pictures.
Nandita Das is not just an actor but also writes and directs. Her movie “Firaaq” tells different stories after a tough time in India. It’s deep and shows us how people deal with hard times.
Hansa Wadkar was one of the first women to write scripts for movies in India. She was a trailblazer, showing that women can tell great stories too, especially in Marathi movies.
Together, these women make Indian movies special. They bring stories to life, making us think, laugh, and sometimes even cry. They make movies that stick with us long after the credits roll. Their stories make Indian cinema richer and more colorful, leaving a mark that’ll last for a long, long time.
Trigger Warning: This deals with domestic abuse and may be triggering for survivors.
Rani believed she was an old soul; an earth that melts when it rains. She was natural, boundless, and desired to savour attention like wine. Likewise, she eternally loved everything around her. She was a hopeless romantic, not that she fancied a never-ending duet, but the kind of love that would make her seek the moon for him.
Her deserted mind would be filled by anyone who would bother to give some attention. She held out her heart with an intense desire to be desired. She romanticized the idea of a happy ending, like in the Malika episode of Modern Love Chennai.
But you know reality cannot bless her up to her expected fantasy
She loved someone who wounded her heart many a million times until it shattered, the way it can never be fixed. She can no longer differentiate herself from pain, numb, and wounded in depth. This gradually led her to hate any talks about herself.
She could not even take in any compliments.
Pain changes people diversely. She felt safe within her world, and a massive world out there was totally out of view for her. The dominance of the power of love, maybe the idea of love from our loved ones, can influence us.
Those piercing words and mocking looks are still etched in her memory; she vividly remembers a corny scrutinizing stare from head to toe, questioning her choice of a red body-con dress. Why did she colour her hair without his permission? Or mock her about a few strands of barely visible facial hair. At that moment, she did everything she could to look good for him like Cassie from Euphoria.
She used to cry her eyes out for happy days with him when he stopped talking to her suddenly without any explanation, whenever he was upset about something. Or just because he didn’t have the mood. His mindset was all about his dominance, and she was defenceless.
One day, he raised his bulky arms but stopped before he could hit her and said, “I don’t hit women. If you were a man, you would be bruised badly by now!” He verbally abused her by swearing.
Just like the usual sunny days, these became a casual routine. The point where she thought to normalize this as her life forever. It was as though he attracted drama everywhere he went. In the name of love, which she never felt, she did everything to cling on and exist.
Despite all these, she was delusional. He believed he saw through her the most and understood her feelings even when she failed to understand herself. She placed him on a pedestal like he would do no wrong. She apologized for every fight they had. But not all days, you know we are humans.
Even amidst the delusions, we can be confused for a good reason to bounce back to reality.
Rani did speak up for herself sometimes, but all she got back was more torture. By the end of the day, she crawled back to his legs for forgiveness. She was with him despite several people warning her. He was narcissistic, and she was a people pleaser. Never a match made in heaven, as she wished it would be.
However, with time, she gradually learned her lesson.
But by then, she also realized she had already been gravely damaged. She can never be the same again. She was audacious enough to put herself through therapy and grow, but something inside her will always be missing.
Aren’t we all a little like Rani at times? Caught in the web of others’ expectations and desires in life’s tapestry?
The struggle for women’s rights and gender equality has been an enduring and transformative movement that has shaped societies worldwide. From the suffragettes fighting for the right to vote to contemporary activists advocating for equal pay and an end to gender-based violence, women’s rights activism has come a long way.
This article traces the evolution of the women’s rights movement, highlighting key figures and pivotal moments, while addressing ongoing issues and the work that still needs to be done to achieve full gender equality.
The roots of the women’s rights movement can be traced back to the 19th century, when women began questioning their societal roles and demanding equal treatment. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 is often regarded as the birth of the women’s rights movement in the United States.
Organized by pioneering activists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the convention focused on women’s suffrage and the need to address legal inequalities.
The fight for women’s suffrage became a defining feature of the women’s rights movement. In the early 20th century, suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, and Emmeline Pankhurst rallied women around the world to demand their right to vote.
After decades of struggle, the 19th Amendment was ratified in the United States in 1920, granting women the right to vote. However, the suffrage movement was just the beginning of a more extensive battle for gender equality.
Read more: The Racist History Of The US Suffragist Movement & Why Black Women’s Vote Is More Significant
The 1960s and 1970s marked the emergence of second-wave feminism, a movement that aimed to address a broader range of issues, including reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and gender roles. Key figures during this era included Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Audre Lorde.
Second-wave feminists fought for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States, seeking constitutional equality for women. Although the ERA was not ultimately ratified, it sparked discussions on gender equality that led to significant legal and social changes.
Read more: An Indian Take On Gloria Steinem’s Famous Essay ‘If Men Could Menstruate’
As feminism progressed, activists began to recognize the importance of intersectionality – the interconnected nature of social identities like race, class, and sexuality – in understanding women’s experiences and addressing inequality.
Figures like bell hooks and Kimberlé Crenshaw highlighted how women from marginalized communities face unique challenges and advocated for a more inclusive feminist movement.
Read more: Dr. Anandita Pan Is Mapping Dalit Feminism And History!
Despite considerable progress, the fight for gender equality faces ongoing challenges. One of the persistent issues is the gender pay gap, where women still earn less than their male counterparts for equal work.
Women also continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, politics, and certain industries, contributing to a lack of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
Violence against women remains a critical concern, with sexual harassment, domestic violence, and human trafficking being prevalent issues. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, shed light on the pervasiveness of sexual misconduct and the need for cultural shifts in attitudes towards women.
Read more: Who Is Responsible For Curtailing Women’s Right To Freedom?
Looking ahead, the women’s rights movement must address both existing challenges and emerging issues. Advocates will continue to push for greater representation of women in all spheres of society, from corporate boardrooms to political offices. Efforts to close the gender pay gap and promote work-life balance will remain crucial to achieving economic equality.
Women’s rights activism will also embrace technology and social media to mobilize and amplify voices. Online platforms have proven instrumental in raising awareness about women’s rights issues and organizing protests and campaigns.
Furthermore, global solidarity among women’s rights activists will be pivotal in addressing gender inequalities on an international scale. Recognizing and learning from the experiences of women in different countries and cultures will foster a more inclusive and effective movement.
The women’s rights movement has come a long way since its inception, achieving significant victories in the fight for gender equality. From securing the right to vote to challenging social norms and demanding recognition of intersectionality, women’s rights activists have been instrumental in driving social change.
Read more: What Feminism? I Have Zero Income… My Family Humiliates Me For Every Mouthful
However, the work is far from over. The women’s rights movement must remain vigilant and adaptive, tackling ongoing issues such as the gender pay gap, violence against women, and under-representation in leadership roles.
By embracing inclusivity, harnessing technology, and fostering global solidarity, the women’s rights movement can pave the way for a more equitable and just future for all. Achieving true gender equality will require continued activism and determination, ensuring that the voices and rights of women are upheld and celebrated in all aspects of society.
Suddenly this song “In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke” from “Umrao Jaan” popped into my head, and I’ve been humming it all evening. It’s just one of those melodies that stay with you, you know? And then, thinking about it, I realized how beautifully it encapsulates the essence of femininity.
The way it talks about a woman’s eyes is just mesmerizing. It’s like these eyes hold this incredible power to captivate and enchant everyone who looks at them. There’s something so mysterious and alluring about the way they’re described in the song.
It’s more than just praising physical beauty; it’s about the depth and the stories those eyes seem to hide. They’re like windows to the soul, conveying emotions, desires, and complexities without saying a word.
She embodies so much of what it means to be a woman—strength, resilience, grace. Despite the challenges she faces, she retains this sense of dignity and poise that’s incredibly admirable.
But what struck me most is how the song subtly hints at society’s gaze towards women, you know? It’s like this subtle commentary on how women are both admired and objectified. It’s fascinating how it manages to touch on these deeper societal perceptions without losing its romantic essence.
“In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke” isn’t just a song that sounds nice. It’s this profound tribute to the layers and nuances of femininity—the beauty, the strength, and the emotions that women carry within them. It’s been on my mind all day, just appreciating the depth it holds.
As a child, I had seen a gorgeous painting of Lord Krishna with intricate detailing, gold work and precious stones in the pooja room of a friend’s home. I remember how her family proudly mentioned it was a family legacy and probably more than a 100 years old. Amidst the wall of photographs, idols and modern era elements of a traditional pooja room, this one painting stood out with great glory and the mesmerizing art etched a memory in my mind. Years later, I realized what I saw was an original Tanjore painting which is a classical South Indian Painting style with origins in the 16th century. That childhood memory in my mind left me wanting to create a legacy of my own in a truly traditional artform.
In the olden eras, these paintings were commissioned by rulers, courtiers and affluent members of the society to adorn the walls of their palaces and temples. The usage of pure gold, pearls, precious stones, natural dyes and the truly talented artist community made this traditional artform stand the test of time. Today these Tanjore paintings have a broader appeal and are accessible to everyone with the advent of ecommerce. But the essence of the original artform still remains intact with very few artists who have carried forward the heritage.
For a couple of years, I was looking for a teacher to learn this traditional artform in Mumbai. Given the intricate nature and detailing, I genuinely believed that it was possible only through a physical classroom model. But I was pleasantly surprised when I saw an Instagram post of an artist painting the eyes of a goddess Lakshmi on Instagram by Tanjore Collective. What I thought would be another website selling paintings resulted in a stunning learning experience!
Introducing Tanjore Collective
Tanjore Collective is run by a mother- daughter duo, based in Bengaluru who have been passionately teaching this beautiful art form for over 3 decades. Vani Bhaskar has taught over 2000 students and her work has graced the houses of eminent personalities and largest temples in the country. Today, her daughter Vibha has taken the journey forward by launching online classes which she manages with meticulous detailing and great patience.
I signed up for the 6 week program for a gorgeous Goddess Lakshmi painting. Few weeks later, a box with the entire kit of the sketch on board, arabic gum crystals, gold foil, stones and brushes arrived. Despite the excitement, there was an equal degree of nervousness for I had never picked up the painting brush after I left school, which was almost 2 decades back! In the first class, I realized everyone had the same doubt in their mind. But Vibha was an excellent teacher who handled these mighty bouts of fear with exceptional calm and grace. She made it clear that her focus was to ensure we learn the artform and techniques involved while we enjoy the process.
Experience of creating something special to heart – No age barriers
Tanjore Paintings clearly holds a special place in the heart for anyone who has seen them in their glory! It was quite a dream come true moment for each person in the class to create a beautiful Tanjore painting with their own hands. I was amazed to see women from different age groups and backgrounds in the course. From young college girls, working women, expectant mothers, empty nesters to a 70 years plus grandma, all of them were eagerly waiting to learn. And their stories were fascinating! A newly married student wanted to surprise her husband, another young woman who was relocating to a different country wanted this painting to be in the pooja room of her new home and an expectant mother was working on her own sketch by the side. For each one, learning this artform meant something unique and extremely special.
Focus on technique while encourages creativity & exploration
Vibha Raj’s teaching style is key to the whole learning experience. While she focuses on the technique, she encourages creativity and exploration in each stage of the course. Be it embossing, gold foiling, brush strokes or finishing touches- she paces it in such a manner that every student learns the technique rather than racing to finish the painting. She patiently answers questions, clears doubts and double checks that everyone is on board before moving to the next stage. It’s this passion which makes it possible to teach this traditional artwork on an online platform.
Though the artform demands symmetry and perfection, the approach to learning is honestly therapeutic! I would sit down to paint at 9PM after a long day at work and would just not realize that it was way past midnight when I finished. At the end of 6 weeks, like every student in the batch, I was tremendously proud of the beautiful painting ready to be framed.
Tanjore Collective has taken the century old traditional artwork online and is enabling many to have their own Tanjore Painting to decorate their homes!!
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