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India is the most populous country in the world, with more than 70% of the population being employed. With the growing population and workforce, it is very likely that every person in the employment sector (irrespective of their gender) has faced some form of harassment or the other, which could be in the form of biases, rude behaviour, or even sexual harassment. Our lawmakers never thought it was necessary to bring in a law to curb harassment at workplaces.
The nonchalant attitude of the government, in the first instance, forced a group of NGOs fighting for women’s rights to approach the Supreme Court in Vishaka v State of Rajasthan seeking directions to introduce a law to protect women from sexual harassment in the workplace.
Since the court could not have gone beyond the relief sought under the petition, the Supreme Court not only laid down the guidelines to protect women from being harassed at workplaces but also directed the Government to follow these guidelines until a law came into force.
In pursuance of the above guidelines, and also considering that women who form just 23% of the workforce faced discrimination in society as well as in workplaces, the Government finally enacted a law that prohibited, aimed towards the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment of women at workplaces in 2013 in the form of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (the “POSH Act”).
However, until today, several organizations remain non-compliant under the POSH Act. Some entities, especially SMEs, have not set up a committee and do not even have a policy in place. Some other companies, for the mere sake of complying with the POSH Act, have set up a policy and the Internal Committee (IC) as a compliance that is forgotten thereafter.
Very few companies are interested in actually changing the behaviour of their employees to ensure that the law is complied with not only in letter but also in spirit. Considering that those born in the 60s and 70s will soon be paving the way for those born in the 80s, 90s, and even 2000s, we need to understand that regular awareness programs on sexual harassment and its prevention need to be provided to employees.
These programs not only educate employees on the system being followed in the organization but also help the organization cope with the attitudes that different generations carry and understand.
It is the duty of every employer to provide a safe working environment to their female employees, and in doing so, it is essential that every organization has an IC formed to handle cases of sexual harassment. An IC is a body that receives complaints about acts of sexual harassment, inquires into the complaint in detail, and recommends to the employer the punishments to be given pursuant to the inquiry.
Forming an Internal Committee and sensitizing the employees on the POSH Act will definitely prove effective in avoiding unwanted and unaccepted behaviour in an organization and will also help in the effective punishment of the guilty.
Most sexual harassment cases go unreported due to either the fear of repercussions, or stigma or because the IC has not been set up to take the complaints. Section 26 of the POSH Act prescribes the following penalty for the employer for not setting up an Internal Committee:
The recent judgments of the courts in India certainly shed light on what will happen to the companies that do not comply with the POSH Act.
As recently as on 16.09.2019, in the case of Mrs. Aravinder Bagga vs. Local Complaints Committee, District Indore (Writ Petition No. 22314 of 2017), the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Bench at Indore, passed a judgment relevant to the above. In this case, Ms. Anjali Singh Thakur, an employee at Medanta Super Specialty Hospital, was sexually harassed by Dr Gowrinath Mandiga, Medical Superintendent/ Manager of the hospital, and at that time, the hospital had not constituted an IC. Therefore, she went to the District Local Committee to make a complaint.
The District Local Committee of Indore found Dr. Gowrinath Mandiga guilty and in its Inquiry report asked for disciplinary proceedings to be carried out on him along with a penalty of INR 50,000 to be paid by the hospital for not constituting the IC. This order of the Local Committee was challenged by the hospital.
After the submission of evidence and arguments from both parties, the Hon’ble Judge of the High Court found that Ms. Anjali Singh Thakur was subjected to sexual harassment and that there was no IC set up by the hospital.
Ms. Anjali Singh Thakur was asked to be paid compensation to the tune of Rs. 25,00,000 for the pain, suffering, loss of reputation, emotional distress, and loss of salary, resulting in the deprivation of the right to live with dignity by the hospital, within eight weeks.
The hospital was further directed to pay a penalty of Rs. 50,000 due to the failure to set up the internal complaint’s committee within a period of four weeks.
In Original Petition No. 463 of 2012 before the Madras High Court, between Ms. G vs. Isg Novasoft Technologies Ltd., Ms. G was sexually harassed by a colleague, and at that point in time, the company had not set up an IC.
In his judgment, the Hon’ble judge of the Madras High Court held that the damage suffered by Ms. G due to the non-constitution of the committee was unquantifiable, and considering the status occupied by her, the position in which she was employed, and the opportunities that she had lost on account of non-constitution of the IC, she was to be given compensation of INR 1,68,00,000 by the company.
The courts have made it very clear that the compensation for non-compliance with the POSH Act will be severe. In the future, if organizations have to grapple with one serious behavioural situation at work, it will be instances of harassment. Employees are becoming aware of their rights, and women are no longer willing to be silent on issues of harassment, in such cases, it becomes the duty of the organization to support them.
Many companies, especially MSMEs, fear that educating employees on sexual harassment may cause awareness and that women may misuse it to their advantage. They also feel that their priorities are different, and they cannot be spending money on conducting awareness sessions for the employees. What the organizations fail to understand is that compliance under any law has to be given the same importance as the other.
These organizations, for the fear of penalty and reputation, when it comes to compliance under Income tax, GST, Companies Act, Provident Fund, etc., aim to be completely in compliance with such legislations because systems are in place and any violations under these legislations are easily tracked, and the errant entity is punished.
This should be the case with the POSH Act as well, in which the penalties are severe. Is it then advisable to be “pennywise and pound foolish”?
For reasons best known, 6 years after this Act came into effect, there is no one to track if organizations are complying with the provisions of this Act. Is the government waiting for more disasters to happen to ensure that the provisions of this law are complied with?
Recommended read:
Image source: CanvaPro
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The Art of Speaking
Speaking is the vital manifestation of everyone’s life. It’s indeed an art where one’s heart too gets an avenue to express and share the varied emotions of day to day existence. It’s the act of giving life to one ‘s feelings, passions and sensations through the world of words. It is capable of creating wordly/ worldly wisdom too. It occurs even faster than the fraction of a second. Though language is a pivotal tool for communication, gestures and eye contacts do convey the ideas effectively at times. We speak through the medium of words, eyes, hand movements, gestures and what not. The ultimate aim is to convey the expressions to the other person/ receiver. The art of speaking is a multifarious process. Everyone craves to speak in the midst of the sick hurry and palsied hearts of divided aims.
In the hustle busy of the daily life, everyone is engrossed in their own world. People are curious to share and update the status to make the world know they are active in their real and virtual life. It’s almost like a competition to declare to the world that one is chilling and enjoying in one’s private sphere of life. The profile updates, status and stories are also trying to speak to the known and unknown faces, real and virtual faces through the book of faces . The discourse of speaking is mastered by the social media, emoticons and GIFs too. Life is suffused and brimming with the art of speaking in all ways. To learn the art of speaking to captivate the hearts is a prowess. The Kaleidoscopic charm of speaking can enthrall hearts. Language is not a bar for speaking. Speaking embraces both verbal and non-verbal faculties. It thrives in everyone’s life. Everybody wishes to speak and let their expressions get life. Having someone to talk to and share the daily occurrences of the day is a great feeling. Sadly, all are in a hurry to speak and nobody wishes to listen. The art of speaking is kept in a high pedestal in comparison with the art of listening. To become a successful speaker, one needs to be a good listener. The perspectives of life from other angles, other view points will add beauty and life to the art of speaking.
Speaking is infact a milestone in a baby’s life. The babbling and prattling acts are moulding him to make a mega entry into the realm of effective speaking. The peals and squeals of laughter bestowed by a baby are of great delight to all. This motivates and prompts him to learn, try and speak more in his own syllables and words. Speaking as an art is nurtured right from the stage of infancy to the ongoing safari of life. One lives to speak and one can’t resist oneself from speaking. Just like a child or new born trying inquisitively to give rhymes to his feelings, all are curious to share their feelings and happiness to others. Speaking grows with one as time passes. It also attains maturity with the events one encounters in one’s life cycle. Looking at my two year old baby trying hard to speak with his own limited, invented dictionary and vocabulary, I feel his impressions of speaking will also ripen along with his age. I earnestly wish to see him ripening as a good speaker mastering the art of listening as well. Yes, speaking is the art attuned with the symphony of the syllabic heart…
The incident took place ten years ago.
Smita could visit her mother only in summers when her daughter had school holidays. Her daughter also enjoyed meeting her Nani, and both of them had done their reservations for a week. A month before their visit, her husband told her, “My mom is coming for 4-5 months!”
Smita shuddered. She knew the repercussions. She would have to hear sarcastic comments from her mother-in-law for visiting her mother. She may make these comments directly only a bit, but her servants would be flooded with the words, “How horrible she is! She leaves me and goes!”
Smita used to get affected by this. Her husband would say it doesn’t matter, but it did.
One day, after her mother-in-law had come, when Smita went for a walk, she met one of her friends, who said, “Your mother-in-law seems to be quite a character. When I asked her today where you were, she replied that she is getting ready for visiting her mother. She further added that my daughter-in-law always does it whenever I come. The words were uttered in a very rude manner and I didn’t quite like it!”
Smita was flabbergasted. She knew that her MIL always went for a month to her own mother’s house after her marriage till her mother was alive. Moreover, she was going to be with them for 4-5 months. Talking about her like this in front of her friends hurt her. Was she slipping into some kind of mental trauma due to continuous comments like this?
The mental tortures by her MIL had finally made her quite strong, especially after the hurt had reached a certain point. She learnt to ignore her. Her words didn’t affect Smita anymore. After all, she was never there for her when she needed someone! Nobody in her extended family was. During her major surgery, no one bothered about her. “Was it really a family?” she wondered and learnt to disregard everything they did or said.
In the moment when she had felt that her need was the most, it was her own parental family that had stood with her.
Her MIL is old now. She hasn’t still stopped making those nasty comments. She can’t connect to her at all.
One day, she was sitting and wondering, “Whose loss it really was? Had she been accepted as she was and a little affection showered up on her, would the condition be still the same? Wouldn’t she have loved to sit and chat with her, listen to her everyday woes and care for her?” After all, caring for everyone around was her forte!
Image source: a still from the film Badhai Ho
Alexander Suvorov aptly stated, “There is nobody more terrible than the desperate.”
We’ve all undoubtedly experienced and perhaps even overcome desperation at some point in our lives. However, this intense emotion at times becomes so overwhelming that it unveils our animalistic tendencies and compels us to act in shocking ways. When one becomes engulfed by desperation, it manipulates the individual to seek alternative choices – and these ‘alternative answers’ tend to be hazardous, impulsive, and perilous. Desperate people typically think they have nothing to lose because they lack hope and are ready to do virtually anything in order to survive, which ultimately leads to them making reckless judgements such as engaging in illegal activities, making poor financial decisions, and at times even abusing and exploiting others. Thus, desperation, like every other emotion, transforms and manifests in several ways – it often starts with deprivation, which leads to dissatisfaction in an individual, this pushes them to seek different possibilities, with no regard for whether or not those alternatives are ‘ethical’. Considering this, it is simply logical to suggest that desperate times call for predatory measures.
Ismat Chughtai’s “Lihaaf” accurately illustrates desperation’s destiny, that is, how desperation manifests itself, progressing from helplessness to exploitation. From the very beginning of the text, it is understood that the Nawab’s (Begum Jaan’s husband) image in society is that of a noble and pious individual who carries out his religious responsibilities with devotion and assists others to fulfil the same. Only after this introduction is his ‘strange hobby’ of conducting open houses for slender-waisted, young males disclosed. It shows that his social context barred him from exploring his sexuality and that he was obligated to “maintain his image” in society. As a result of this restriction and deprivation of self-exploration, he began looking for different ways to satisfy his desire. This is most likely why he held open houses for young boys, even though this sort of conduct has undertones of grooming and exploitation. The fact that Rabbu’s son had an aversion towards the Nawab despite the economic provisions the Nawab provided to him proves that the Nawab’s acts were abusive. And as time went on, the time he spent at the open house and the number of boys only grew, indicating his mounting desperation.
Begum Jaan’s relationship with Rabbu further exemplifies how desperation can fuel predatory behaviour. While the Nawab was out seeking gossamer shirt boys, Begum Jaan was confined to her house’s oppressive walls, where she spent her days coping with the abyss of loneliness. She tried all she could, from amulets to black magic to reading scriptures all night long, to keep the Nawab’s love for her, but he wouldn’t budge. She even turned to romantic novels, but they only caused her anguish to deepen. However, she comes out of this darkness when an unpredictable bond is formed between her and Rabbu, the maid. Begum Jaan almost immediately finds pleasure in Rabbu’s massages, and their relationship evolves into a sexually intimate one. Albeit this relationship helped ease Begum Jaan’s itch, it was both predatory and exploitative on multiple levels. Firstly, Begum Jaan demanded undivided attention from Rabbu and needed multiple massages every day to sustain herself. Secondly, there was a huge power imbalance between the two individuals—while Begum Jaan was affluent and well-off, Rabbu was impoverished and poverty-stricken. This difference in their socio-economic standing blurs the lines between desire and exploitation.
Furthermore, this tale demonstrates, through Begum Jaan’s actions towards the narrator in the absence of Rabbu, how the oppressed becomes the oppressor at the pinnacle of despair. There was already a power imbalance between Begum Jaan, the carer, and the narrator, a little girl. Despite this power dynamic, Begum Jaan did not initially wield undue authority over the narrator, and the two had an affectionate relationship. This relationship, however, takes an unexpected turn when Rabbu travels to visit her son and doesn’t return for two days – Begum Jaan becomes frustrated since she is unable to satisfy her cravings. This pushes her to seek pleasure from the narrator through sexual assault. Though the narrator doesn’t completely understand the event, she feels violated, miserable, and frightened, suggesting that she no longer possesses agency over her own body. Begum Jaan’s character thus transforms from a helpless, unloved wife to a sexual predator as she mirrors the very behaviour that suffocated and shackled her, by exploiting the narrator. This incident thus elucidates how a complex interplay between desire, deprivation, desperation and societal norms can result in a victim perpetuating the cycle of abuse and victimhood. And, though there isn’t enough information provided to substantiate this conclusion, there is a high possibility that the narrator was initially pleased by the fact that Begum Jaan enjoyed her company and massages because of her desperation. This could’ve resulted from her desperation transforming because of being constantly reminded by her mother that other girls her age were busy drawing admirers while she would pick fights with everyone.
Thus, Ismat Chughtai’s “Lihaaf” provides incredible insight about the human mind and what it can do in order to survive. Through the characters of the Nawab and Begum Jaan, she showcases how the weight of societal norms, curtailing expression and deprivation make an individual helpless and vulnerable. However, unlike many others, she goes beyond conveying only this helplessness and presents how this feeling mutates over time and she does not shy away from portraying the ugliness of desperation. “Lihaaf” exposes us to the complex realities of life as they are and enables readers not only look at the characters and their actions from an individualistic viewpoint, but it also helps us view the effect of their environment and experiences that drive them to desperate measures. In light of these evidences, it can be concluded that in times of despair, individuals take grave decisions, and they usually end up wounding other individual(s) in the process because exploitation is the quickest route out of desperation. (more…)
India offers diverse adventure opportunities for solo female travellers. Be it trekking in the Himalayas or exploring the ocean. Many adventure destinations in India offer various adventure activities for the intrepid female explorers. Whether you’re a solo traveller or an avid explorer, our guide has adventure blogs for women of all levels. Get ready for an unlimited journey where every activity creates unforgettable memories. Let the adventure begin – every woman deserves a solo vacation filled with adventure and fun! We have provided the 8 best adventure activities for women through this blog. These adventure activities will help them discover the best adventure experience in India.
Let the adventure begin – because every woman deserves a solo vacation filled with adventure and unlimited fun!
River rafting in Rishikesh is an excellent adventure for adventurous women. Get ready for an exciting solo journey sailing on the swift waves of the Ganga. Feel the river’s pulse with rafting, and conquer each rapidly with determination. Additionally, enjoy the breathtaking views included in this thrilling experience. From the thrill of the initial splash to the triumphant ride through the rapids, every moment becomes a testament to the strength and resilience of the courageous women. Try rafting for 16 kilometres from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. This rafting ride is one of the most popular rafting rides in Rishikesh.
Kedarkantha Trek, located in Uttarakhand, is India’s most popular winter trek. Being a woman, you must do this trek. This can be a united campaign for women, instilling courage in every woman. Discover the timeless charm of snow-covered trails, pine forests and Himalayan villages in Kedarkantha. With each step, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty and connect with nature. The journey becomes longer than walking. It evolves into a personal exploration, where challenges are faced. The possibilities that are conquered are a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
Every woman fears heights, but this fear will disappear because Manali has brought you to touch the heights. Paragliding is the most famous sport in Manali, which is only for experienced beginners. View snow-clad peaks and lush green landscapes. Capture the memories that lift your spirit and the breathtaking views. From the rush of takeoff to the calm flight back to earth, every moment becomes a celebration of freedom. It becomes a testament to the courage of single women who touch the sky.
If you are interested in exploring marine life, Goa Grand Island scuba diving is for you. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colours and aquatic wonders. Create memories that last long after reliving. As a lone female explorer, uncover the secrets of the underwater realm. Marvel at the vibrant marine life, intricate coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Grand Island is the best place for scuba diving in Goa.
Jim Corbett is a wildlife sanctuary in Nainital, Uttarakhand, an excellent location for photographs. There can be no better place than this in India for every wildlife-loving woman. It is home to more than 500 tigers. Embark on a solo adventure with Jim Corbett Wildlife Safari, specially designed for solo female explorers. This thrilling wildlife experience is perfect for those looking for an intense thrill. Each safari is a short but intense journey, allowing you to discover, appreciate and build a deeper connection with the captivating beauty of the wilderness.
Experience the thrill of Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in India. Perched on the edge of the iconic Jumpin Heights platform, take a deep breath as the Ganges River flows below. Feel your heart race as you plunge into the abyss, the wind rushing past. The adrenaline surge is unmatched as you free-fall and then bounce back skyward. Amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape, this adventure offers a unique blend of excitement and natural beauty. Certified instructors ensure safety, making it an exhilarating yet secure escapade. Capture the moment with breathtaking views as you conquer your fears. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is not just an activity; it’s an unforgettable journey into the realm of daring exploits.
There is no better experience than riverside camping in Revival, which is even better than adventure. Set up camp on the tranquil banks of the river Ganga for a soul-rejuvenating solo retreat. As a solo female camper, immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature and the harmony of the campfire crackling. Riverside camping in Rishikesh offers a night under the stars and a tranquil escape. It fosters a deeper connection with the outside environment and the simplicity of solo exploration. From the warmth of campfire stories to a peaceful night’s sleep under the vast canvas of the sky, every moment becomes part of a personal journey into the peace of nature.
Explore the thrill of motorbiking in Leh Ladakh, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. The rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes make it a bikers’ haven. Feel the wind on your face as you cruise through the winding roads of the Himalayas. Like Khardung La, the high-altitude passes add an extra adrenaline rush to your journey. Take in the serene beauty of Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, making each ride a memorable experience. The simplicity of local life and the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality make the journey more than just a bike ride; it explores culture and nature. Challenge yourself on the highest motorable roads and create lasting memories in this unique, awe-inspiring destination. Leh Ladakh welcomes bikers to embrace the road’s simplicity and the mountains’ grandeur.
I have no intention of watching Animal. I have heard it’s acting like a small baby screaming and yelling for attention. However, I read some interesting reviews which gave away the original, brilliant and awe-inspiring plot (was that sarcastic enough?), and I don’t really need to go watch it to have an informed opinion.
A little boy craves for his father’s love but doesn’t get it so uses it as an excuse to kill a whole bunch of people when he grows up. Poor paapa (baby) what else could he do?
I was wondering; if any woman director gets inspired by this movie and replicates this with a female protagonist, what would happen?. Oh wait, that’s the story of so many women in this world. Forget about not giving them love, you have fathers who try to kill their daughters or sell them off or do other equally despicable things.
So by using the film’s logic all these women should grow up and kill half the people on the planet. However, in this masterful director’s world all women grow up to be like the love interest of our “paapa” – submissive, pliable and totally at the mercy of her man. Isn’t that shocking? The masterful director strikes again!
I always admired Ranbir Kapoor as he seemed to deliver the goods when it comes to acting and you could see glimpses of his grandfather and his granduncles. With this movie all of them will be turning in their graves.
Maybe this movie is going to make him the superstar he yearns to be but he will never get the respect that was accorded to his family right from his great grandfather. I hope this movie was worth it. Leaving behind this film as your legacy is really not a good idea.
Coming back to the movie, I would like to ask the masterful director what his thoughts are on the Nirbhaya case, as there were animals involved there too. That was repulsive as well, so was he going for the same reaction with this movie? Anyways, I am too bored to find out and I hope Elon Musk gets to Mars quickly as that would be exactly the distance I would want to put between myself and the people who were involved in this movie and their ilk.
Also, two minutes of silence to the entire Bollywood fraternity – with all of them shouting from the rooftops on how they are pushing India to the forefront with ‘soft’ power, one can safely say that India will never shine with this kind of idiocy. I never thought I would say this but I miss the good old days when films had people running around trees with the jhatkas and matkas, at least then actors behaved like happy kids not bawling and kicking babies like now.
Everytime I walk into a conversation with young ambitious women navigating the corporate corridors, one topic that is always ripe for discussion is ‘Career after marriage’. Some of them are planning to marry at x time, others have just gotten married and are stepping onto the trapeze for the balancing act. Most of them begin with the question, “How can I create a balance?” In response, I ask another question, “What is not in balance NOW?”
I’m greeted with long pauses after this question with generous interruptions of “Maam, are you married?”
“Yes I am”.
“You know how it is after marriage?”
This is an interesting phase for I love to bring up this question here, “Tell me, HOW it is after Marriage?”
Long pauses ensue. By now the ice has broken and it isn’t long before they feel comfortable to pour out.
The first statement in most cases is, “I’m expected to be available all the time.”
“My job and career isnt taken seriously by anyone at home.”
Now it is my turn to pause as numerous years flash across the façade of my memory. It hasn’t been easy for any of us as we have continued despite all pressures and expectations. Each of us is forged by the intensity of experiences.
What did I do differently to match the rising gamut of expectations? Here is what helped me.
Acceptance –
I added my twist to the proverb, ‘If you can’t defeat them, join them. Well, I accepted the fact that I wasn’t in a position to challenge societal expectations. So instead of joining them, I looked inward to connect to my strengths. This took me a step closer to accepting that I wasn’t born with superpowers to change anything. All I could change was my attitude and perspective on every dilemma and problem. From reminding myself of how others were reacting to my current situation I shifted to accepting the situation the way it is and began focussing on my reactions and responses.
Benefit : it is an energy saver. I deflected the energy into drafting my goals for the next few years.
I too am Human –
‘There aren’t any medals to for trying to prove my super strength’, is another realization that has opened doors to discover new strengths. I learned that help would come only if I asked. My intuitive powers do not rub over others, thus giving insights into my needs. It meant that for a long time I was balancing the tight rope taking on all chores and tasks in sight in an attempt to oblige everyone around. It took a toll on my health in a way that I’m paying for it even today. So this became an important learning. It is ok to not be able to cook on some days. It is ok to delay laundry to the weekend. It is ok to ask for support from family and friends. Delegation, the familiar word. Well, it applies to our personal lives too. Thankfully the world we are in today, there are experts for each area. So why not give them an opportunity to showcase their expertise while you spend the saved time to hone up yours.
Benefits – It is a tool to implement delegation, leading to time-saving. Time for most of us is a scarce resource so whatever can be saved is a bonus.
The Inner Circle
Nothing matches the energy of your inner circle of friends. Choose and nurture this relationship selectively. Thankfully I discovered this early in my career. For me, this circle was a non-judgmental bouncing board, a haven, and most importantly women cruising along in a similar ship as mine. I made it a point to not let go of this circle ever. Even today when I presume to have surfed through the high tide, we continue to meet and inspire. There is always some lifting up we can do for each other. At least once a month, it is a mandated catch-up. It is the ‘chin-up’ moment for all of us. We discuss everything from fashion to family unpretentiously. The inner circle served me best when I was going through a phase of career transition. This involved a major decision of giving up my ongoing successful career in Human Resources and figuring out what I was going to do next. They did not tell me what to do or how wrong I was. The words used instead were “Go with your gut feeling. We trust your decision.” The confidence it instilled in me saw me through a career transition and helped me unveil a passion for writing.
Benefit- I never lose my way with them around. Each time I bring up a dilemma, the discussion lifts the haze and the path becomes clear.
Powerful You
This is the best version of myself and I always want to be aligned with it. It didn’t happen in the blink of an eye. It took a million moments of questioning, doubting, regret, tears, and resolve. It still is an imperfect version but yet a lot more powerful than ten years ago.
How do I do it? It means consciously sitting down with a pen and paper or the laptop on a decided frequency. Writing down achievements/failures follows next. Against each of these, I mention what values I displayed and the strengths that emerged. Yes, it works. the definition of the best version is evolving as am I. I practice this as a form of self-development. It is a great reflection tool that brings awareness about where a course correction may be the need of the hour.
Benefits – I have moved from a state of constant self-doubt to acceptance. I am happy to be laid back and immerse myself in the flow of time.
Have you ever thought about how some brands are consistently successful with their posts? Here’s a little secret, they know how to adapt competitor content for their social channels.
It’s about finding what works for social media and giving it your personal touch. In this discussion, we’ll find a simple but effective way of adapting competitor content.
Get ready to discover practical tips that can transform your social media presence and keep your audience interested. Let’s make your content shine on your social media!
Content adapting involves taking inspiration from existing content, often created by competitors. Then changing it to fit your brand’s unique style. It’s not about copying, but rather using successful ideas and structures to create something new and modified for your audience.
For example, a competitor posts an engaging infographic explaining a complex industry trend. Instead of copying exactly, you could adapt this content by creating a video or a series of visually attractive slides. This way, you can maintain the nature of the information while presenting it in a fresh and unique manner.
Adapting content allows you to expand your content library. By building upon existing ideas, you can serve a wider audience and keep your social channels active and relevant.
There is no doubt that creating original content is time-consuming. So, content adaptation provides a shortcut without compromising quality. It enables you to benefit from proven concepts. It saves time while maintaining a consistent posting schedule.
However, adapting content from competitors also provides valuable insights into what attracts your target audience.
By observing the performance of similar content in your industry, you can gather useful information. This information will help you decide what kind of content will likely get your audience interested.
Ensure that the adapted content is a unique creation that adds value to your audience. Plagiarism not only damages your reputation but also causes legal problems.
If possible, make sure to give credit to the original creator when you are adapting the content. This shows you do business in an honest, ethical way. It can also help you work together with others in your field and have good relationships.
Take the main idea from the competitor’s content and rephrase it with your brand’s unique personality. Also, being consistent with your brand style is important, so people recognize you. Make sure the content you adapt matches your brand’s tone. This helps show your brand is real and helps your audience feel more connected.
If your competitor has published a detailed blog post, consider creating a brief version that highlights the key points.
If you find some important lines from that content, you can reword them and use them in your content. For this practice, you can use an online rewording tool. This allows your audience to get the important information without reading a long text.
Hence, pulling out exciting quotes from a competitor’s blog and incorporating them into your content can be an effective adaptation strategy. It not only adds value but also acknowledges the source.
If your industry is discussing a hot topic, adapt a competitor’s blog by presenting a different viewpoint. Engage your audience by highlighting confused viewpoints and promoting good discussions.
Although, it is always the best way to provide a link to the original post when adapting blog content. This gives credit to the creator.
Different social media platforms have specific content choices. So, you can modify your adapted content to fit the format of each platform. As it’s a carousel on Instagram, a thread on Twitter, or a video on YouTube.
Don’t limit yourself to a single format. Experiment with multimedia adaptations and turn a blog into an infographic, a podcast, or a series of social media posts. Expanding your content types enhances engagement.
Keep a close eye on the performance of your adapted content. Analyse metrics such as likes, shares, and comments to understand what attracts your audience. Use this information to improve how you adapt content and make it more focused.
Content adaptation is a powerful thing in social media strategy. It helps your online presence stay strong and make your content stand out on social media.
Remember, it’s not about copying exactly, it’s about changing things up in a creative way and adding your special touch. This helps in gaining valuable insights into your audience.
As you start doing this, make sure the content you change is something new and valuable. Don’t copy without giving credit, and be fair in how you do business. It makes your brand real and builds a strong link with your audience.
Whether you are changing blog content or making it fit different social media sites, trying new things is important. Watch how well your changed content does, and use that info to do even better next time.
‘I suppose you will work after marriage?’ My (then) prospective mother-in-law asked a few minutes after we had met.
I was in the penultimate semester of my two-year MBA at IIM Indore. Amid lectures, libraries, badminton, extracurriculars, and placements, I somehow managed to discover my future life partner there. His parents had arrived in Indore from Lucknow to meet his choice and deliberate about blessing the marriage.
‘Yes, of course,’ I replied without blinking, trying to gauge her reaction.
‘No woman in our family works.’ She mentioned a fact I was well aware of – thanks to my beau – before breaking into a smile. ‘It is about time to have a working woman in our family.’ And with that statement, I fell in love again. This time with my to-be-husband’s family.
There would be a lot of learning, unlearning, adjustments, and compromises from both sides. But the first conversation with my then-to-be family seventeen years ago told me I would be fine.
I was a simple girl from a middle-class background, and my ambitions dwarfed my tall height. Unlike most Indian girls, I was raised with the belief that you need a good career for a good life drilled into me. My parents paid a lot of attention to my studies. My father, especially, was unruffled by the fact that I spent more time with books than in the kitchen.
The encouraging atmosphere meant that I excelled in my studies, graduating from the best college of commerce in the country and cracking the CAT exam on my first attempt. My plan for MBA was clear – study well, score good, and crack the placement to secure at least a six-figure salary job at a reputed organisation.
But life happens to you when you are busy making other plans. Cupid struck, and I found a person in my batchmate with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
That didn’t mean toning down my career ambitions, though. We didn’t even discuss whether I would be working after marriage – it was a given in our minds.
‘Will your parents understand?’ I asked him. He had informed his parents about me, and a few days later, they announced their intention to arrive at our campus.
‘I don’t know,’ he confessed. ‘We will soon find out.’ If he was as nervous as me, he certainly didn’t show it.
Fortunately for me, they did understand.
‘Do you know how to cook?’ My to-be mother-in-law asked in the closing minutes of our first encounter.
‘I haven’t been to the kitchen all my life,’ I replied candidly.
‘No worries. Once you come to our family, I will teach you to cook everything,’ she said gently. I was floored. It’s a different matter that I can’t cook to save my life to this day!
I was hired on the IIM campus as ‘Smita Das.’ I married in the two months between the offer and the joining date. By the time I started the first day at my first job, I had become ‘Smita Das Jain.’ One of the positive side-effects of the timing of my marriage was I didn’t have to spend my valuable time changing my name on the PAN Card, Bank Accounts, and other official documents – my career commenced with this new identity.
My joining date was a week earlier than my husband’s. We arrived in the new city of Gurgaon five days before I commenced my work. My husband’s brother and sister-in-law, who had been staying in the Millennium City for half a decade, had secured a rented accommodation for us. My mother-in-law came to help me arrange the house.
Apart from the furnishings, durables and appliances, we also had to find suitable part-time house help.
‘I am thinking of hiring a cook only for evenings every day. I can make some quick breakfast and try my hand at lunch on the weekends,’ I suggested to my husband.
‘Don’t even think of it,’ my mother-in-law interjected before my husband spoke. ‘You don’t know yet how tiring your job could be. And some days you may have to rush to the office. It is better to relax on the weekend after a long week. You can give the cook leaves on the day you want to cook yourself rather than not having someone for all meals.’
I was pleasantly surprised at the sage advice from a woman who loved cooking for her household, with no work experience to show in her CV.
As an inexperienced wife, I heeded the words of an experienced counterpart. And thanked my stars for it.
Not only was my job more hectic than my husband’s, consuming late evenings and several weekends, but it also entailed a lot of out-of-station travel. I got out of practice with whatever little I had learned to cook after staying for two months at my in-law’s place. It would have been a real struggle to manage the meals had I not hired a cook for all three times of the day.
That has been the story of my career during my married life – a tenure of same duration characterised by support and understanding.
From the outset, my better half has treated me as his equal in need, deed and spirit. Managing our household is a joint responsibility. Our roles & responsibilities have become clearly defined over a period of time, sometimes by default but mostly by mutual agreement. He has taken the onus of paying the house maintenance and property taxes while I take care of our daughter’s school & other expenses. We go grocery shopping together. To date, we have been contributing evenly to our family vacations. We take turns in paying the bills when eating out together.
I value my financial independence, and he respects it. And no major decision concerning the family– financial or non-financial– is taken without one of us consulting the other.
I have observed him make compromises in his career to accommodate the demands of mine. He left a lucrative overseas assignment early to be on my side during the advanced stages of my pregnancy. He has been there when I have been overwhelmed with managing work pressures & family life.
I have overheard him convincing his mother and mine about the importance of my career for my happiness when every medical specialist was advising me to quit my job to accommodate my daughter’s special needs.
He has gone to many family weddings and gatherings alone because I could not manage leaves of absence from my work. And our family members accepted the same.
Our marriage has given me a partner who has been a sounding board and a pillar of support throughout my career.
My phone rang as I sat in the back seat of my car. It was my mother-in-law. ‘I learned that you have quit your job without another one? What will you do sitting at home?’ She was worried.
This was two and a half years ago. I had quit my salaried job a few days earlier to pursue a new career innings as a writer and an entrepreneur. My husband had just informed my mother-in-law. Concerned, she immediately called me.
‘I don’t plan to sit at home, Mummyji,’ I assured her and apprised her of my tentative plans.
‘I am happy you don’t plan to quit working,’ she remarked after I finished. ‘I wouldn’t have liked seeing you sit at home.’ For the umpteenth time, I thanked my good fortune.
My family has been the biggest cheerleader in my career pivot.
Women making compromises for the sake of their families is real; I have seen, heard and read about them. It is equally true that some families encourage women to follow their dreams. I have been fortunate to be first born and then marry into one of these.
Every choice that we make in our lives is a half-chance. I am grateful that choosing my life partner is one of those chances that paid off for me –personally and professionally.
Images source: Smita Das Jain
This trend is visible everywhere. For most part of the year, excepting the winter months. Females of all age groups – trendy teens, young married ones, middle aged and what have you – wear the whackiest of blouses and tops,( often designer ones as well) BUT forget to clean –yes you have guessed it right – their hairy armpits.
Let me tell you, it is an ugly sight. I personally find it nauseating. A large number of women don semi- transparent upper garments the material being net, lace or a blend of both. Like it or not it is uncouth to notice dark patches in their armpits which detract from the beauty of the garments.
Let me narrate horrific experience, during a metro ride. I was blissfully sitting on an end seat, lost in thought, when suddenly stench entered my nostrils; I looked up and saw a ‘youngish’ woman clad in a sleeveless blouse (dirty armpit to boot) holding onto the handrail above my head. And, as if is this was not enough a few drops of (her) sweat dribbled onto my kurta. Aghast, I clutched my nose with the dupatta. She noticed my impulsive action, glanced at her armpit, discovered the ‘flaw’ lowered her arm and then (thankfully) moved away!
Now let us do some plain talking. Hair on human body is perfectly normal and natural. You and I and everyone else have it. One is absolutely free to do what he or she likes with it : cut, trim, shave or shape and blah blah…But most of us I guess do not ponder that people around you might find a ‘free show’ of this kind a trifle awkward. Secondly, the blistering heat coupled with profuse sweating make things worse. I am sure some of you will agree with me on this point.
Women, do you feel lethargic to undertake this ‘cleansing’ task? Afraid of nicks and cuts? Well, there are freely available, over- the- counter hair removing creams galore; or else head to the nearest beauty parlour for a smooth, professional waxing job. For a price of course.
Having said this, I am afraid some fanatic feminists might vehemently accuse me of infringing their natural freedom. However I am going to stick to my guns: clean underarms are a sine qua non for skimpy (read revealing) apparels. Or else, you may sport as much body hair as you please, but for Heavens’ sake remember to keep it under wraps!
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