Why Did I Learn To Invest In Stocks And Walk Towards Achieving Financial Empowerment

Posted: March 26, 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown forced Indians, especially women, to juggle their family responsibilities and at the same time to achieve financial independence resulting in the increase participation of women in equity and stock investments.

However, me & my husband are investing in stocks since 2007 as an alternate source of creating money along with our active income sources. We opened a Demat Account with a full-service brokerage firm as there were no discount brokerage services at that time. Simultaneously, we also invested in Gold.

Nevertheless, there is still progress to be made by me when it comes to financial matters. But today I would say I took a vital step forward by embracing investing in stocks.

I am fascinated by long-term investment rather than short-term trading. I am thrilled by the dynamic market study, tracking & monitoring of stocks, the determination to understand different technical terms and charts to unlock the world of benefits.

There are losses too but I am learning to be more patient and evolved from my mistakes. I learnt to be calm and focused even when market is volatile.

Now I understand how money gets compounded and its magic effect – ‘Money makes Money’ provided I balance my greed and fear.

I took help from my mentor, started reading books like Beating the Street by Peter Lynch, many interviews, online resources like moneycontrol.com & screener.in introduced me different methods and strategies like technical analysis, fundamental analysis, reading profit & loss statements and balance sheets of different companies. I also monitor the best buying levels and accordingly plan my exit levels to protect my money.

I find Stock investments have flexible working hours and are hassle free unlike Real estate or other property investments.

On the contrary to the prevailing belief hold by many that investing in the stock market is merely a speculation and unsafe but I firmly believe that investment in stock market require lot of readings and research work and most importantly willingness to put in the time. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was formed as the apex regulator of the capital market. SEBI has made progress to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities.

Now, I understand that with investments, I achieve not only financial independence but also participating indirectly towards growing national economy.

Hereby, I urge every woman to take charge of their finance and walk towards the milestone of achieving financial empowerment.

 

The websites mentioned above are only for reference.

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Aqhila Bakery On Wheels Continues Her Father’s Legacy Of Doing Business With Minimum Investment

A bustling street with school children playing, office workers rushing by, and freshly baked goodies wafting through the air – that’s where you’ll find 48-year-old Aqhila, the mastermind behind the unique and delightful ‘Bakery on Wheels’. Her initially meagre means did deter her passion for making people smile through her baked treats. Armed with determination and a some financial push, Aqhila set out to create a bakery experience unlike any other.

In this WomensWebXMahilaMoney impact series, we bring you entrepreneurs like Aquila who had not just the ambition to grow, but took the steps needed to bring their dreams to fruition. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App on Google Playstore or visiting the website here.

Speaking about her journey, Aqhila says, “My trusty sidekick in this adventure is none other than my scooter. It may not be the fanciest mode of transportation, but it has been my loyal companion, carrying my savouries to every nook and cranny of our neighbourhood. And let me tell you, it has been quite a ride for the last eight years.”

Selling to schools in the locality

Despite not being a baker herself, Aqhila found a way to sell delicious treats to her customers. Every morning, she ventures to a nearby bakery, collecting an array of goodies – readymade cakes, biscuits, buns – you name it. With her inventory carefully stowed away, she zooms through the streets of RT Nagar in Bangalore, seeking the perfect spots to park her mobile shop.

The local schools have become her primary playground. As the recess bell rings, a swarm of excited children flock to her Bakery on Wheels. Their eyes widen with anticipation as they browse the assortment of treats to find their favourites.

“It’s not just kids who find themselves irresistibly drawn to my bakery delights; even adults can’t resist their allure,” shares Aqhila. “Picture tired office workers stepping out for a brief respite, longing for a savoury treat to accompany their afternoon tea. That’s when my Bakery on Wheels comes to their rescue, offering the perfect solution: our signature khara biscuits. Crispy, mildly sweetened, and a real crowd favourite, perfectly blending with their cutting chai.”

A need for a loan

As the business grew, her husband joined her in this endeavour. Together, they cater to the ever-increasing demand. He takes the reins when the orders pour in, and she happily assists him, ensuring that every customer is served promptly and with a smile.

As time passed, the vehicle began to show signs of wear and tear, signalling the need for repairs. Furthermore, Aqhila wanted to purchase larger quantities of cookies, acquire bigger jars to store, and improve packaging. “I was determined to expand my business and keep it thriving, so I began searching for financial aid,” Aqhila stated with a glint of determination.

A stroke of fortune led Aqhila to Mahila Money Loan, a fintech platform providing women entrepreneurs with capital solutions. With all her paperwork in place, she applied for a loan of 15,000 rupees, which got approved without any hassles. “With the loan, I could fix my scooter, which was in dire need of repair,” Aqhila explained. “Additionally, I invested in buying a variety of biscuits, and jars to make my packaging more appealing.”

New look, fresh packaging attracting more customers

With the introduction of fresh and vibrant packaging, Aqhila’s delectable treats, especially the Khara biscuits, have been selling amazingly. “Customers were drawn to the attractive packaging and couldn’t resist trying the savouries,” Aqhila joyfully recounted. “The demand for my products increased significantly. Also, we began selling biscuits in packs of 10 from earlier packs of 5 priced at Rs. 20 per packet.”

With the rise in demand, Aqhila’s income experienced a substantial surge. Previously earning around 30,000 rupees monthly, she now proudly boasts a revenue of approximately 45,000 rupees per month.

“The loan has truly transformed my business,” Aqhila exclaimed, gratitude filling her voice. “I can now support my family better and provide a brighter future for my children.”

Aqhila’s entrepreneurial spirit has inspired and influenced her eldest daughter, a successful sales executive in a reputed company. “My children have been my support pillars,” Aqhila fondly expressed. “They assist me on weekends, helping with packaging, deliveries, and business management.”

Aquila’s inspiration comes from her father

Aqhila also credits her Abbu for inspiring her to start her unique business and says, “As a kid, I accompanied my father on his baked goods selling trips. He would spend his days baking near the firewood, working tirelessly, and selling his goods the following day. This experience instilled a passion for hard work and entrepreneurship, and I am grateful to my father for it.”

With her success, Aqhila has set her sights on a grander vision for her bakery business. She aspires to open a shop and sell her delectable savouries in larger quantities. Furthermore, she dreams of someday honing her baking skills and creating her brand, taking her Abbu’s legacy ahead.

“I want to continue growing my business and bring joy to more people through my delicious bakery items,” Aqhila shared, her eyes gleaming with ambition. “I hope my story can inspire other women to pursue their dreams and realize their entrepreneurial potential.”

With Mahila Money Loan’s assistance, Aqhila improved her income and paved the way for a brighter future, inspiring countless other women to follow in her footsteps and create their own #JiyoApneDumPe success stories.

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Embarking on Elegance: Your Prelude to Paris with Air France

Crafting a detailed and engaging advertorial around a Parisian journey with Air France requires diving deeper into the nuances that make the travel experience unique and memorable. Here\’s a more detailed exploration of what makes flying to Paris with Air France not just a journey, but a passage to an unforgettable adventure in one of the world\’s most enchanting cities.

The Prelude to Paris: Booking with Air France

Embarking on a journey to Paris with Air France starts with a process designed to be as elegant and efficient as the city itself. The booking experience is the first touchpoint in your travel adventure, setting the tone for what\’s to come. Let\’s delve into the nuances of this crucial step, ensuring that your voyage begins on a note of anticipation and excitement.

User-Friendly Website Interface

Navigating with Ease: Air France has meticulously crafted its website to offer intuitive navigation, making the booking process straightforward and pleasant. Whether you\’re a tech-savvy traveler or someone who prefers simplicity, finding flights to Paris, understanding fare options, and accessing travel information is seamless. The website\’s design mirrors the sophistication of Paris itself, inviting you to explore options with just a few clicks.

Personalization at Your Fingertips: As you embark on booking your flight, the website presents you with opportunities to customize your journey. You can select seats based on your preferences—whether you enjoy the view from a window seat or the accessibility of an aisle. For those seeking more legroom or privacy, options to upgrade your seat or choose a preferred area in the cabin are readily available.

Detailed Information and Transparency

Clear Fare Structures: Air France values transparency, offering detailed explanations of fare types and what each includes. Whether you\’re looking for a flexible ticket that allows changes or a more budget-friendly option, all the information is presented clearly, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your travel needs.

Comprehensive Travel Insights: Beyond just booking a flight, Air France\’s website serves as a treasure trove of information about Paris. From weather forecasts to cultural etiquette, the site provides valuable insights to help you prepare for your trip. This attention to detail ensures that you\’re not just booking a flight but also getting acquainted with the city before you even leave home.

Onboard Experience: A Taste of France in the Sky

Cabin Comforts: Air France\’s dedication to passenger comfort is visible in their cabin design. Whether you\’re flying Economy, Premium Economy, or opting for the luxurious La Première or Business Class, each cabin is designed with the traveler\’s comfort in mind. Spacious seating, adjustable lighting, and personal entertainment systems ensure that your journey to Paris starts in comfort and style.

Gourmet Cuisine: The culinary experience onboard Air France is a prelude to the gastronomic delights of Paris. With menus crafted by renowned chefs, passengers can enjoy a taste of French cuisine before even landing. From fine wines to gourmet dishes, the dining experience is an integral part of the Air France journey, reflecting the nation\’s love affair with food.

Seamless Arrival and Beyond

Smooth Transitions: Landing in Paris, Air France passengers can expect smooth transitions from air to ground. With options for early check-in, fast-track services, and efficient baggage handling, the airline ensures that your arrival in Paris is as seamless as the city\’s flowing Seine River. This hassle-free experience allows travelers to start their Parisian exploration with ease and convenience.

Exploring Paris: Paris is a tapestry of artistic, historical, and cultural marvels. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious allure of the Louvre, each corner of the city offers a new discovery. Air France\’s journey doesn’t just end at the airport; it extends to offering travelers insights and tips on experiencing the city to its fullest. Through their in-flight magazines and online platforms, Air France provides valuable recommendations for museums, restaurants, and hidden gems across Paris.

Exclusive Services and Air France\’s Commitment

Personalized Travel: Understanding that each traveler\’s needs are unique, Air France offers a range of personalized services to enhance the journey. From additional luggage options to comfortable lounge access for relaxing before the flight, every detail is taken care of. For those looking for an extra layer of luxury, Air France\’s La Première offers an exclusive experience with private suites, personalized service, and gourmet dining that rivals the finest restaurants.

Sustainability and Innovation: Air France is not only committed to providing a memorable travel experience but also to ensuring that this experience is sustainable. The airline\’s initiatives towards reducing its environmental footprint, such as investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing sustainable in-flight service practices, reflect its dedication to a greener future. Travelers can take pride in choosing an airline that aligns with their values of sustainability and innovation.

Conclusion: The Journey is Just the Beginning

Traveling to Paris with Air France is about more than just reaching a destination; it\’s about embarking on an experience that begins with the first click on their website and extends far beyond landing. It\’s about feeling the spirit of Paris before you even arrive, through the comfort, cuisine, and care provided by Air France. As you disembark in the City of Light, you carry with you not just memories of a flight but the anticipation of an adventure that started in the skies. Choose Air France for your journey to Paris, and let the city\’s magic begin before you even touch the ground

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Do you know about the Vagina Monologue?

The vagina is an integral organ of the woman’s body. It is a very delicate part that needs to be handled with utmost care in terms of hygiene. Apart from being an organ which is quite sensitive, Vagina has also been desecrated by the males. The violation or desecration of the organs has impacted the life of a woman negatively. Violence takes place in the form of rape, genital mutilation, beating, maiming, etc.

The ‘Vagina Monologue’ is an attempt to bring about a change in the mindset of people. Through this monologue, the women belonging to different sections of society have tried to convey their feelings regarding the organ ‘Vagina’.

As I read the monologue, I came across diverse views about Vagina. I found that while some women seem quite interested and enjoyed discussing about their vaginas, some were ignorant of its existence. I also read about a women who was worried about it and she was on a  quest for her vagina. I also came to know about the ‘Vagina Interviews’. Women belonging to different stages of life as well as different societies were interviewed. At first, they felt uncomfortable to talk about their vaginas, but gradually this interview on vaginas made them feel excited. They started sharing their thoughts regarding Vagina. According to some, the word ‘Vagina’ sounded like a medical instrument. They also discussed about the names given to this sexual organ of a woman. While reading the monologue, I wasn’t feeling uncomfortable. I even told my parents about this monologue and they also didn’t have any problem with it. They also feel that discussions on the sexual organ ‘Vagina’ should be encouraged in order to break the stigma associated with this organ. They are quite liberal. But , I have seen some people, mostly the aged people, who are not comfortable discussing about their sexual organs. They feel that discussion on such types of organs is not required as they are the private parts of a woman’s body. Change in mindset is the need of the hour. Discussions on sexual organs such as ‘Vagina’ will help people overcome the misconceptions related to such organs in our society. The most common misconception is that Vaginas are unhygienic or dirty. Vagina is an organ of the human body, it should be treated with respect rather than being ashamed of it.

I feel that the ‘Vagina Monologue’ has highlighted several instances of how women are encouraged to discuss their sexual organ ‘The Vagina’. The Vagina Interviews excited few women as they have never been a part of such interviews, in which they have to share their opinions and views about their Vaginas. Women became aware of the existence of the Vagina through this Monologue and they also got the opportunity to discuss something which is denied by society through this Monologue. They were able to express their views without hesitation and also accepted the existence of the sexual organ without becoming ashamed of it. I learnt a lot of new things (like Vagina Interviews, Discovering the Vagina, etc) from the ‘Vagina Monologue’, which every woman should know.

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Natasha Sharma’s Beneath Divided Skies is a story of sisterhood and courage during Partition

Natasha Sharma’s debut historical fiction, ‘Beneath Divided Skies’ is a heart-wrenching story of partition, told like never before. This is a tale of courage, of resilience, of hope, and the spirit of sisterhood. It focuses on a lesser-known aspect of partition- the Rescue and Restoration Act which involved covert operations spearheaded by women to rescue abducted women from across the border.

The protagonist is Satya, a young woman who loses her family when a violent mob massacres them during partition. She flees to India, joining an organization that carries out rescues in the hope that she will locate her missing sister. Over time, she falls in love with a Pakistani army officer who is her ally. Satya must choose between her heart and her duty while on either side of the Radcliffe line, two nations burn.

The author attempts to give a voice to the silent sufferers of partition; women displaced, those rescued only to face abandonment, those who loved, those who lost, and those who LIVED. She wonders if the survivors had choice or agency, sometimes being disowned by the very families they were abducted from. Why were they treated like property, with different divisions squabbling over their ownership? Why didn’t anyone ask them what they wanted?  We need these female voices to be heard, else history will remain HIS STORY forever.

“Both sides of the Indus River had good men, both sides had radical elements who committed these evil deeds, and each side suffered. At the forefront of this suffering were the women, and it didn’t matter to which God they prayed.”

The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of partition. There are many poignant and powerful instances, like a mother choosing which twin to save, or women choosing honour over life, all narrated in gut-wrenching detail. These are the moments that make you as a reader, question the futility of war and violence.

The author’s research shines through. She captures the tone of the period perfectly; whether it is the food, the dialect, or the clothing including the colourful phulkari dupattas which play an important role in the story. What is remarkable is how the author’s reference to the divisions prevalent among people is relevant even in contemporary times.

“…how a line drawn haphazardly on a map could massacre so many dreams, extinguish so many hopes. And all of this, even before the ink had dried.”

Beneath Divided Skies is story of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Satya, at the forefront, is the embodiment of the resilience of womanhood. There are many lines that stay with you.

It was rooted to a spot, but it sent its emissaries, the sparks, into the world. As if, in some way, it wanted to break free from its confines but was unable to muster the courage to do it. A spark was the only way the fire could experience freedom, could dance unfettered, free to fly with the wind. Just like she wanted.”

“Tears cascaded down her cheeks, leaving behind a trail of anguish and hope, marking her face appear like the partitioned rivers of Punjab.”

However, not all is lost. Hope flourishes in this tale of survival with women uplifting one other and striving to rehabilitate the survivors.

“What matters is that you survived. We survived.”

While the narrative is fictional, the author has a personal connect to this theme; her family was witness to partition. This hauntingly beautiful story is in the league of Pinjar and Raazi (Saving Sehmet), with women at the core of the narration. It is an experience that needs to be savored slowly. Read it to watch history come alive, and appreciate the sacrifices made, in the face of one of history’s most heartbreaking episodes.

Award-winning author and Women’s Web Blogger Dr. Shalini Mullick interviews Natasha Sharma at the book launch of Beneath Divided Skies on the 23rd of March, 2024 at the Partition Museum, Delhi. 

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Ambitious Woman? You are unjust to the family!

Niharika watched with a glow on her face as she saw her daughter, Mihika, being awarded the Gold Medal for her performance in her academics. While she was hugging her tight, she suddenly remembered the time when she was condemned and ridiculed at, not only by her extended family, but her neighbors. The reason – she was ambitious! She was lost in her thoughts…

Her MIL had made her sit on a sofa besides her and said, “I know that you are ambitious, but this is going to affect family. Your daughter is only six-month-old and you are joining back your business! Don’t you think that you’re being selfish?”

She replied calmly, “Your son always knew what I was and what I wanted to do. He supports me. We married since he was ready to be with me in every step that I take. So, please! Let me have my way!”

Those were the days when women mostly at home, doing household chores. They are of no less importance, but her heart’s calling was different. Everyone should have their choice, and she wanted hers.

A week later, while taking a walk, one of her neighbors commented, “Your MIL had come to my house yesterday. She was crying about how her daughter-in-law would be brought up since you will be working! And I think that she’s correct! Shouldn’t you think twice?”

Mihika was susceptible to getting viral attacks as a kid. One of her best friends said, “I think that Mihika is neglected badly in view of your desire to work. That’s why she keeps falling sick every now and then!”

She was suddenly brought back from her reverie when she heard her daughter say, “You know, mom, why I could achieve whatever I did? My starting point was a strong woman like you!”

Finally, Niharika smiled. Being ambitious was her choice. She was grateful to God today that she did exercise it. She felt that as if a gold medal had been bestowed not only to Mihika, but also to her!

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As Grown-Up Professionals, Professors Need To Value Students’ Time And Meet Deadlines

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This post is not about all teachers but about those in the system who tend to repeatedly act in a not-so-punctual manner.

“We may assume that we keep people waiting symbolically because we do not wish to see them and that our anxiety is due not to being late, but to having to see them at all.” – Cyril Connolly

Professors, you need to do better!

It is no secret that, in college, we come across all sorts of professors. While some professors show respect for students’ time and are punctual in their work and job, some have no regard whatsoever for the precious time of students, which is quite sad.

Professors arriving late for class, extending the class beyond the scheduled end-time by more than the acceptable 5 minutes, not returning answer sheets back on time, not informing well in advance when they are going to remain absent are some instances of display of such behavior. A once in a blue moon display of such behavior is a different thing, but repeatedly acting in such a manner means that there is a need to do a lot better.

Students go to college to fulfill dreams and such behavior on the professor’s part can leave a student with lifelong feelings of bitterness and distress. One thing that we need to get straight is that professors are not doing students or anybody a favor of some sort by being in the profession they are in. Everyone is just doing their job.

Students may also have other commitments or stuff to attend to and keeping students beyond the time that they signed up for is neither right nor professional. These are things one shouldn’t have to tell grown-up professionals. Yet, here we are.

How can this state of matters change?

Enough about the problems. Here are some possible solutions to address the issues.

A class can decide beforehand how long they would wait for a professor to show up and then wait for that time (say, 10 to 15 minutes) before leaving. The class can ask a representative or representatives to hold the professors accountable every time they delay the process of handing back the answer booklets to students. This would, hopefully, make professors realize their mistake and make amends.

Students learn a lot from what they see their teachers and elders doing and behaving like. Professionalism in work is very important and well-meaning professors would want their students to learn punctuality from them and apply it in their professional lives and otherwise.

Wherever they go next, students will take with them all the learnings and experiences that they have had thus far. This makes it crucial for professors to lead by example to imbibe punctuality in the students they teach.

Hope this post brings about real, positive changes.

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Holi: A festival or Merely a Ruse For Groping??

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Aeons  ago (so the legends and scriptures say) on  a balmy, fragrant and sunlit spring day  the much loved dark lord (Krishna)  had played  Holi with his consort Radha/Radhika and a bevy of  pretty milkmaids (Gopikas)who  were  her close friends in Brijbhumi.  The ambience must surely have been ecstatic, with the  dark waters of  the Yamuna  cheerfully flowing nearby, and the lush green  trees  exploding into riot of colours…As is only too  well  known, it is to commemorate this  spectacular occasion that  Holi is  observed even today. In fact it has been interpolated into  our  traditions and cultural  ethos.

But  look around you now. Much  water  has flowed down the river since the primeval, euphoric times. The motley of coloured powders with which those ‘celestial’ players played  were culled nature’s bounty  namely   flowers  fruits  leaves and  herbs. They have yielded place  to toxic  chemical liquids and paints in modern days.

By far, the most obnoxious aspect of  the festival is its  rowdy, free-for-all  atmosphere and  spirit. In our country and  more  specifically in the  entire  northern belt  the catch line or   keynote –whatever  you call it–during the festival is “Bura na mano holi hai”  (all is fair during  Holi  so don’t take it  to heart).

Doesn’t this seem to imply :all  sorts  of  unacceptable   behavior, including bawdy humour, and  lechery can have a free run on this particular occasion? Aren’t men managing a leeway for themselves? Let me tell you why: It is sort of mandatory to consume bhang (a cannabis laden drink)  during Holi, and opiated men can’t be penalized for misconduct. During the festival which is considered a great leveler and harbinger of fraternal bonds, fine  lines  of  social norms, and morality get blurred. Even the most tradition-bound,  perpetually veiled (ghunghat wearers) womenfolk  venture out freely and indulge  in  revelry and boisterous sprinkling of colours on any one they  may  bump into.

Naturally a few  among  the men would be tempted to touch and grope them (they are groggy right?) considering the fact that normally they don’t witness such huge  number of females in their  normal daily lives.  It might sound tad embarrassing but thoroughly drenched, silhouetted  feminine figures appear  tantalizing.

So is  it  a case of  “Make hay while the sun shines’’. What?

All  in  whether it is the males  have a time  of their lives or the Fair Sex who would otherwise  flare  up,  don’t seem  to mind  for just  a  day the obscenities in and around Holi are here to stay.

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Four tips on parenting

Posted: March 22, 2024

The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.

-Denis Waitley

 

I strongly believe that what a person becomes as an adult is a result of how he is brought up as a kid. The four most important things include:

 

  1. Upbringing: Children are very sensitive to the surroundings. Their home is their first learning space. They believe in what happens around them. If a child sees his father accepting bribe, he ages to believe that it is the correct thing. If a child finds that his mother is telling lies all the while, he grows up to believe that lying is a way of life. If, in the child’s house, a woman is not respected, the chances of his respecting girls or ladies around him is very less.

 

  1. School: School is obviously a temple of knowledge. It is here that the myths/stories/gut feelings are made or broken. The teachers influence the child a lot. Teachers are often known as second parent. Stories abound that despite the parents stressing that something is wrong, the child will say strongly that, “My teacher has said so”.  Sadly, the respect which children should show towards their teachers is deteriorating. I even see a few parents talking to teachers disgracefully since they are so and so, which in the long way harms your own child.

 

I remember an old saying

 

‘Guru Gobind dou khade, kaake jodu paaye

Balihari guru ki, gobind diyo bataye!

(The teacher and God both are standing, whose feet should I touch first?

Naturally, I should bow down to the teacher first since it was him who made me understand who God is!)

The place of teachers is certainly higher even than Gods even in our mythology and honour is what they deserve and should get.

 

  1. Peer group:

 

‘A man is known by the company he keeps!”

 

You believe it? I am sure you do! After all, we always see that birds of a feather flock together. Intelligentsia loves to speak with the knowledgeable, a poet loves other poets company and a drunkard loves those who drink. If it is so with elders, why not youngsters?

 

Friends matter a lot. Their opinions, their beliefs and their ideas have a long lasting effect on children. Ask any kid from where he learnt his first slang and the answer will be so and so friend. Question a youth who handed him his first cigarette and it will be a friend. When friends matter so much, isn’t it necessary that we keep a tab on the friends of our kids? Not that we can really do much about it for teenagers are always rebellious and if we stop them from meeting someone, they will ensure that they stay with that particular person. Hence, the issue has to be dealt with quite delicately and diplomatically – not saying and yet making the child comprehend.

 

  1. Books, television and movies: Once upon a time, it was said that, “Books are your best friends.” Now it is no longer the same. We hardly inculcate reading habits in kids. My personal opinion is that conscious efforts should be made in development of this particular habit – firstly, because it increases child’s vocabulary and secondly, it opens up the doors of imagination and expression to the kids.

Television shows and Movies are not a strict no-no, but then keeping a check what parents are watching in front of the kids is very important. What we watch, will be watched by them too and they would learn the same. There are very good television shows and movies which should be watched with the kids so that they learn to appreciate good things and also learn in the long way. I don’t say that watching things just for the sake of entertainment is bad. It surely isn’t. a dose of humour or adventure is wonderful for sure. After all, it bonds families and gives a zing to do something better. However, there is a subtle difference between something ‘entertaining’ and something which can affect a child such as very violent films in early childhood.

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Women work participation seems underestimated: Do Statistics Lie?

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Seema is a hard working  school teacher with a tough schedule. She earns for her bread and butter. Back home, she has an equally punishing cooking schedule. She runs a customised pre order based snacks business. This is her way of earning and paying for her fun trips and breaks.

Are women missing from the Indian workforce?

Not really! Atleast, it does not appear so in urban India. There may be few in the corporate board rooms. However, around me are happy, assertive women who are working to run their households and lead better lives.

Most unskilled jobs in the unorganized sector are dominantly held by women. Women are employed in diverse roles , from household help, cooks, vegetable vendors, beauticians, petrol bunk and retail roles, office admin roles, healthcare workers and so on. They form the foundation of support system on which many professionally qualified urban women are being able to continue their jobs, higher in the value chain. The education, retail, facility management, healthcare and tourism industries maybe the biggest employer for women, where they are in various kinds of roles.

How are we measuring how many women are gainfully earning? There are so many enterprising women, not high in value chain , but fulfilling product needs and services in our society. They are self employed, more grassroot players, making impact where it matters.

At the household level, the helps earn well to be able to educate their children and enjoy considerable support from women of the homes they work in. Indian homes are supporting their help with financial aid for their milestone events, health emergencies etc. There is an emotional support system with the lady of the house in advisory role. There is an informal system in place and it works. They own properties in villages and live in cities in homes provided by the government. Their children are studying to move up the value chain. With digital money payments, younger women have control of bank accounts and funds. There is hope and progress.

How are we measuring all these women in the workforce participation? Is it that the Indian women have always been working but never been counted?  American Professor Claudia Goldins research is read worthy and something scholars need to tweak for the Indian context, if they haven’t already.

Statistics needs to be able to capture a lot more beyond the labour and boardroom numbers. Maybe digital payments will present different and new stories.

 

 

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