Like many dichotomies, the world is divided into beautiful and not-so-beautiful people. Beautiful people are assumed to have trouble-free, smooth life. The world isn’t kind to beautiful women either. Catcalling, low self-esteem, judgement, discrimination, they face it all. We take a peek into their challenges.

1. Her identity is restrained to a chiselled sculpture.

Beneath a beautiful face lies a kind heart, an ambitious spirit, a listening ear and a compassionate voice. Does anyone notice? No, people observe the clear complexion, glistening eyes, sparkling smile and nothing beyond.

Does anyone know who Mona Lisa was? People appreciate her elegance, beauty, and smile in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting. But no one knows about her life, her liking or her struggles.

A pretty woman may want to be known for her talent, intelligence, personality or goodwill. Instead, her looks or physique become her identity. It feels incomplete if your worth is pinned down to your appearance and other traits are ignored.

2. She is always met with unpleasant stares.

In the movie Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Roopa kept the scarred side of her face hidden from the world. It’s not any different for a gorgeous woman. Rather than being bullied, ogled, objectified, harassed, or teased, it’s safer and comforting to hide your beauty.

Delighting, confidence-boosting, and pleasure-giving attractiveness can become a sore. Subjected to gawking, pretty women become self-conscious and lose their confidence.

3. The world thinks pretty women are ignorant. Their only achievement
is their looks.

A leading business magazine, Entrepreneur, has lauded the drop-dead gorgeous actress, Shraddha Kapoor, as a successful investor. The goddess of beauty, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, adorns many hats, one being the global ambassador for UNAIDS. Beyoncé, whose beauty makes many hearts throb, is defined by her music.

Like these women, many pretty women have achieved heights in business, finance, Hollywood, politics, social work, and much more. They are not limited to their beauty. It is rather people’s perception about them that is limited.

4. What is a man’s intention when he says I love you?

Men swarm around beautiful girls like bees. They are smitten by the beauty and want to wake up looking at it every day. A stunning girlfriend or wife is their trophy. Does he love her or her body? It’s a difficult question to answer.

Prince charming is every girl’s dream. She wishes to be adored by her lover. Pretty women wonder if a man adores her only for her appearance. It is tough to find true love. She has proposals raining from the sky but craves genuine liking.

5. A major misconception is that pretty women have it easy.

Does beauty make her immune to grief, struggles, or difficulties? Who doesn’t experience death, heartbreak, business loss, or disease? Life is not a straight line but a meandering path. It is the same for all.

A flawless beauty, Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn suffered during World War II to the level of starvation. Beautiful Deepika Padukone has openly talked about her struggle with depression. The gorgeous fashion model, Katie Piper, had her face destroyed in an acid attack and still returned to the industry in full glory.

It’s senseless to judge a book by its cover. The presumption that pretty women don’t have problems should be sealed in a box and thrown in the ocean.

Appearance doesn’t define a person. There are many facets to a person. Neither is beauty only superficial, but skin deep too. Unfortunately, people forget to look beyond a beautiful woman’s charming features. Shed your judgements and see her for who she truly is.

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

Still, there is a promise of change.

Society, family, and men can rewrite the narrative. The unsettling changes associated with marriage can become happy moments if families are compassionate. Women will not lose their sense of self and confidence or suffer low moods if their families hold them through the changing winds of marriage.

Dear society, please don’t fence the married woman

Imagine a world where you’re accepted without biases. You’re worthy by being just yourself and don’t require to fit in a box. When your brother, uncle, friend, or teacher doesn’t dictate your personality. It is the need of the hour.

We have to stop treating men and women differently. Parents need to stop saying Tum ladki ho
(You’re a woman), Log kya kahege (what will people say?). E.R. Omana, retired Chief Manager,

• Syndicate Bank, rightly comments, “Men are never asked to adjust, to treat women as equals. We must, as a society, stop thinking of girls as a burden and bring up our boys as sensitive human beings for things to change.”
• The girl doesn’t need to be taught that the road of life leads to marriage and sacrificing her needs for the family’s sake. Her behaviours, wishes, and thoughts needn’t be restricted to being suitable for the traditional role of a housewife. Parents need to stop saying Abhi theek hai Shaadi ke baad yeh nahi chalega (Right now, it’s ok, but it will not work after marriage).
• We prep for every exam before reaching the examination hall, but there is no prep before marriage. Society needs to open up and educate boys and girls about the compromises, adjustments, values, and variations of the institution of marriage. Men and women face mental, psychological, physical, and emotional challenges because they lack comprehension of marriage.

In-laws can help ease the problems of the married woman

“You’re just like our daughter.”

“Think of me as your mother.”

A newly married bride hears these phrases commonly from her in-laws. Everything seems hunky dory in her new paradise. Soon, the accommodating and loving in-laws start having unreasonable expectations.

“You’re our daughter-in-law. What will people think if you dress like this?”

“You’re married now. You should speak slowly, control your excitement, and talk respectfully with your husband.”

• The married woman will settle well if only the new family compassionately understands the multiple changes a bride faces. She misses her parents, siblings, friends, relatives and her home. She finds the new environment strange. The burden of the traditional housewife role makes her doubtful and hesitant. A simple assurance from the in-laws that – everything is ok – is enough. She becomes the befitting piece of the family puzzle when they give her space and time to blend.

• Yes, the married woman has to make changes. But the constant and unnecessary nit-picking by the in-laws needs to stop. The girl will never feel at home if she is not free to be herself. They need to understand that the girl sees life in a way that is different from theirs. The only thing they can do is be empathetic to that difference. It will empower her to live life on her terms.

• My friend, Tisha, was married into a family belonging to a small village in UP. She and her husband live in Delhi. You may say that since her in-laws stay away, there can be no problem in their paradise. You’re mistaken. The family can affect the marital accord nonetheless. Tisha feels her mother-in-law belongs to a conservative society but is more modern than her mother. Tisha has complete freedom of expression and shares a relationship of equals with her husband.

“I will fight the whole world with you by my side,” said the married
woman

Its commonly said in India that Shaadi do parivaro ki hoti hai (marriage is about two families).

Nope!

• A girl leaves her entire life of 30 years for her husband will understand her. He will be her Rock of Gibraltar. The groom needs to balance relationships with his wife and parents. Besides respecting his parents, he should also acknowledge his wife’s feelings. When she feels her boundary is being encroached on, he must voice it with his parents.

• It’s high time men let go of gender discrimination, and see women as fully capable individuals. They can bring about change by helping her in the household, being confident in her financial management, making her career a priority, and making a significant contribution to childcare. Marriage thrives on mutual respect among the couple.

• Another orthodox societal thinking is that role of the husband is to fulfil the material desires of the wife. There is more to marriage. The married woman cannot be the only person to provide emotional support and care. Men, wake up! Compliment her, listen to her pains, ask her how she is doing, and hug her for no reason. As long as your wife feels heard and has a friend at home, she will flourish.

Challenges of the married woman don’t need to translate into mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Once the changes above are accepted and adopted, transitioning into marriage will be easy and comfortable for women. Her frustrations will get a medium of expression. She will feel lighter, happier, and more confident.

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

From a free spirit to an encaged married woman

I got married and was told by five (husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law) not one person how to live my life. It was never about big decisions like whether to relocate for a job but about the trivial ones. What should I wear? What should I eat or what not? How should I speak to my husband in front of his relatives so that I am not dominating? When should I sleep? How should I spend my money? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg. I felt only one emotion about this treatment – shock and awe.

The balance of marital adjustment is tilted towards the married woman

In my understanding, Indians got independence 75 years back, but a newlywed woman didn’t. As it is not enough to uproot her life, the new family expects the woman adapts completely to their ways. Some changes indeed are to be made. But it takes two to tango, and change takes time. A few days into my marriage, I had instructions flying left, right, and centre at me. Before I could fulfil one request, I had another ready. The burden of adjustment disproportionately falls on the newlywed woman compared to the family.

Dr Chandrima Misra Mukherjee, co-head of Psychological Services, Artemis Hospital, says that the pressure of expectations from the new family triggers a lot of anxiety in married women. Already the woman faces separation anxiety due to living apart from her family of origin. Sometimes, this anxiety is ignored for a long time. “I have had women facing such anxiety even after 13 years of marriage,” says Dr Mukherjee.

“Who am I?” asked the newly married woman

My parents, like many others, provided me with an exceptional education. I grew to develop a sensibility between right and wrong. I grew up to be a self-dependent, a decision-maker, and a free-willed individual. I worked, travelled, and enjoyed myself with my friends. Suddenly after marriage, I became the provider. I was to provide cooked food, manage the house help, manage the household chores, arrange the entire house, and fulfil my husband’s and in-laws’ needs. Guess what went out of the window in being a traditional wife and a modern working woman? Myself!

Dr Mukherjee describes this identity conflict faced by a married woman. Am I in the driver’s seat of my life, or am I a customary wife and daughter-in-law? The woman is confused. A sword of double guilt hangs on her. She is constantly worrying about performing well at work. If she focuses on kids, family, and husband, she may be thought incompetent in office. If she thinks of career growth, the family may tag her as a progressive woman who doesn’t fulfil her traditional role.

A psychoanalytic psychologist, Vikas Deepak, points to a similar challenge for married women. Suppressing some personality traits, like a hearty laugh, that the new family may not accept. So, while she tries to balance the roles of a working woman and a housewife, she has to hide her true self beneath a more acceptable façade. Bearing so many changes at once is a job of a superhuman than a married working woman.

Role designation makes married women the weaker sex

There is enough narrative around physical abuse, but barely anything is said
about emotional abuse.

Dr Chandrima Misra Mukherjee

Despite the advancements in a patriarchal society, gender roles are embedded in the soil. Men are fed a sense of superiority since childhood, which they easily carry into their marriages. It doesn’t matter that I manage the household along with my career. The problem is that it is an unfair share of work and often underrated. A married woman’s career, leisure, and wants are subordinate to the man’s needs and career, children’s upbringing, and the traditional daughter-in-law role.

Men assume authority in financial matters. My husband had me convinced that he is better equipped to manage finances. Ultimately, I lost decision-making authority over my finances and even my life. As per statistics published by India Times, 66% of the men believe they have more say in family decisions than their wives. Women are made to feel that their ideas are wrong. They are constantly fed the idea that they are not good enough. So, creeps in self-doubt.

Depression, anxiety and suicide are common among married women

Almost four in ten women committing suicide worldwide are Indian and mostly married.

Marriage throws so many challenges at the feet of women. Fear of being labelled as emotional or dramatic makes them hesitant to share their concerns openly. Top of it, their family of origin and society always explained that the happiness of the husband and the new family is her responsibility. Loss of agency, the burden of expectations, identity confusion, gaslighting, self-sacrifice and self- doubt cause low moods and eventually depression.

Studies even say that marital satisfaction affects the physical health of wives. Women in happy marriages are thin and have better cholesterol and heart condition. On the contrary, women from unhappy marriages have poor health.

Tada! Caring for children and post-partum depression also fall into the
kitty of married women

Whether the husband helps in childcare, a mother is a primary caregiver. Breastfeeding alone is exhausting for a woman who just gave birth. Like before, a woman has to quickly change gears from being her to being a mother. As the child grows, the common expectation is that the mother will sacrifice her work to raise the child.

The lack of understanding of post-partum depression (PPD) in India adds to the woes of married women. Dr Mukherjee clarifies that PPD goes untreated and undiagnosed in many women for a long time. Eventually, the mother is unhappy, detached from her child, and uncomfortable with her role in motherhood. The cherry on top is more judgements on the woman.

It is a known fact that marriage makes couples healthier and happier, but it is more so for men than for women. From the start, a bride faces many changes, challenges, and new ideas. “If the husband and the new family are unsupportive, there are good chances of these mental challenges turning into mental health problems. There has to be a conducive environment to release frustration. Even if the new family is not quite sensitive, but there is a marital accord between the couple, the woman can deal better with the challenges,” says Vikas Deepak. Also, women receive no proper mental health care if required because of the attached stigma. They are left to the care of their family of origin instead of their husband and the new family.

In the upcoming article, I will talk about what we have to change the thinking of the society as whole; for every married woman to become happily married.

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

A deep bond with mountains brought the idea to Shweta

A jewellery designer settled in UAE, Shweta, was managing her business with her brother, Saurabh Sukhani. Life was regular until it changed.

At 23, she was persuaded by her friend for her first trek. Since then, being in the mountains became her meditation. After marriage, she told Gaurav Golechha, her husband, that trekking was her soul and she wouldn’t part with it.

Within a year, she was expecting Advit. It was unimaginable for her to stay away from the mountains. She found that the difficulty level of the trek to EBC was the same as the Roopkund trek. As she had been to Roopkund, she found EBC reachable.

Shweta discovered that some people train their children to trek from a young age. It inspired her. She became determined to make her child the youngest to climb to EBC. The only thing she knew was that she would try her best.

Shweta was not afraid as she knew her capability, her son’s capacity and the beloved mountains

She began her research from Advit’s birth. She met people who had trained their children for trekking. Then, she began training Advit.

Walking and climbing were the essences of his training.

Even at the age of 11 months, she took him to the mountains. At 1.5 yrs., she made Advit play in the snow at Manali daily for 15 days. Advit needed to be accustomed to low temperature and air pressure. Every day Advit walked three to four km. His mother had tricks to allure him – climbing to his UAE house on the 14 th floor, shopping, and stories of superheroes.

The only thing his mother was fighting a war against was AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). If Advit had suffered from AMS, he wouldn’t have trekked to EBC at four years and one month. Adults can pop pills to prevent AMS, but a child has no such advantage.

“Saurabh and Gaurav were my pillars.” – Shweta Golechha

Advit’s mother was excited to make him the youngest to climb EBC. But what about his father? He could be scared or protective.

He was neither.

He was supportive of Shweta. As part of his efforts, he tried to acclimate Advit to low temperatures. Every vacation was spent on a mountain top, preferably the Himalayas.

Not only her husband but her in-laws and parents completely supported Shweta’s endeavour. Her mother has always encouraged her to pursue what her heart desires. Despite the ill-health of her father-in-law just six days before the climb, her family enthused Shweta to achieve her dream.

Saurabh had difficulties accompanying Shweta to EBC, but he made it. He kept Advit entertained during the trek.

Hardships were many, but Shweta did not doubt the success of her
adventure

Shweta planned to take Advit to EBC at the age of three. The COVID pandemic devastated her plan for 2020. 2021 was her last chance to make Advit the youngest to have climbed EBC. So, she chose to complete the trek in November instead of May (the ideal month).

All went as planned during the trek. On the last leg, about 30 minutes from EBC, the porter said that Advit might have AMS. At no cost, he should sleep. Shweta and Saurabh didn’t lose hope and kept Advit awake by narrating stories and showing videos. At last, they were successful.

This mompreneur manages her child, her business, and trekking with ease

Shweta has a brilliant set of Karigars who create silver jewellery with different traditional paintings in Bikaner. Here again, Saurabh is the support behind marketing and sales. After marriage, she moved to UAE. Today, she designs the jewellery and manages the Karigars through video conferencing without any difficulty.

As far as trekking is concerned, Advit has accepted it as a part of his life. Shweta trained him to love mountains as much as she does throughout his growing years.

“It’s all in the mind,” says Shweta Goleccha

We will achieve despite the difficulties if we make up our minds. As soon as the mind is ready, the body follows. The mantra behind this mompreneur’s fearlessness is that the journey matters, not the destination.

Instagram link – https://www.instagram.com/shvet_silver/

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

Remember, you had a time crunch for shopping last Diwali. Children did not like their gifts.

Festive Shoppee is your answer. A homemaker, a mother, and a businesswoman, Preeti Aggarwal made festival shopping smooth and easy. In conversation with Preeti Agarwal, we discuss her brand – Festive Shoppee.

How did you get the idea for your brand?

I am a homemaker but always felt the need to create my own identity. I pursued two other businesses earlier. I have applied my learnings in Festive Shoppee. Customers have to go to different sources to buy their festive requirements. Also, they are bored of the bulk items available in the markets. We cater to these needs. We also personalize the products if customers ask for them.

What is the distinguishing feature of your brand?

We use premium quality raw materials to create handmade products. None of our designs is the same as available in the market. Festive Shoppee brings one-of-their-kind of products to its customers. Other brands sell handmade items, but their offerings are highly-priced. We market and sell our products through exhibitions and Instagram. The customers have told us that we provide
exceptional quality products at pocket-friendly prices.

Which are your popular products? What do customers love about them?

Our hot-selling product is high-end customised clutch bags. We embroider names and photographs on them. This unique, personalised product creates memories. Customers get a superior quality bag at an economical price.

What is your process of customization?

We can customize any aspect of our product, whether the design or the colour. During the process, we are mindful of the customer’s needs to satisfy them completely. It takes us 10-15 days to customize a product.

How many people are employed with Festive Shoppee?

Right now, it’s a one-woman show except for my daughter, a Fine Arts student. One of the reasons to create hand-crafted products was to use my daughter’s artistic ability. Personalised calligraphy and Mandala art products are some of her best creations.

Can customers soon expect new products from you?

In the coming months, we will launch a range of children’s gift items that customers will enjoy. The first stock of Mickey bags has already sold out.

What message will you give a woman contemplating starting her own business?

I believe – live life with passion. Learn as much as you can. Like, my daughter takes additional classes to upgrade her skills. Make sure you give it all you have got. Everyone should work hard to be self- dependent. With hard work, you will achieve success.

Independent woman ready to make it big, Preeti Aggarwal, shared her customer-friendly brand’s journey. She reminds us that learning and self-standing are essential in life. We wish Festive Shoppee all the best.

Instagram Link – https://www.instagram.com/_festive_shoppee/

Facebook Link – https://www.facebook.com/FestiveShoppee/

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

What is the book about?

The book puts together a detailed account of the lives of eight female refugees. There are two parts to the book. In the first part, Malala narrates her own story, and in the second part narrates the true stories of these girls.

Reading this book is like sitting in an Odeon, watching the challenges of displaced people in front of your eyes. From a layperson’s lens, these girls got better lives in first-world countries. However, the book reveals the aching emotion of living in a foreign land. Refugees yearn for their country and their people, no matter the country of asylum.

Besides tribulations of displacement, this book brings to the surface the importance of education in transforming lives. Being an ardent proponent of girl education, Malala has chosen stories where girls struggled against all odds to receive a good education. The efforts of Muzoon Almellehan toward the education of Syrian girls have brought her the title, “Malala of Syria.”

What does this book add to your life?

A book is as good as the author’s writing style. Though this book is a simple read, it doesn’t disappoint in intricacies and vividness. It is easy to connect with the pains, misfortunes, and struggles of refugees. Malala has kept the curiosity and interest piqued in every chapter. It is not a book to be kept down but read in one go.

The stories of refugee sisters – Zaynab and Sabreen – are captivating. Starting from the same point, the lives of these sisters take diametrically opposite paths. Zaynab is engrossed in succeeding with a good education, while Sabreen settles to be someone’s wife. The scene that describes Sabreen crossing the Mediterranean Sea keeps the reader gasping for breath. When all seemed lost, Sabreen
miraculously survived.

The book also highlights the efforts of Samaritans who help refugees transition into better lives. Malala has been visiting refugee camps forever and donating funds for girl’s education. Jennifer’s story shows how she and her family altered their lifestyle to help a refugee family. The transition of refugees into society is possible due to such people.

What more could the book offer?

Though a satisfying read, “We are displaced” lacks the story of Malala being shot by the Taliban. Malala didn’t want to repeat the story in this book; however, a reader may be interested in that famed story. As the book is a short read, she could have added another chapter describing that incident.

Summary

The book – We are displaced – has been widely appreciated. It landed among the Top 10 New York Times bestsellers under the “Young Adult Hardcover” category. Youth, especially girls, around the globe can draw inspiration from the lives of the eight teenagers. These girls fought for their right to education and thus emphasised its importance. After reading this book, you can understand the violence and threat hidden behind displacement.

You can also pick up – I Am Malala – a memoir of Malala Yousafzai. For a deeper insight into her journey from being shot by the Taliban to a Nobel prize conferee, you may also watch the documentary, “He Named Me Malala.”

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

“Don’t be idle. You are capable. Make the best of your talent.”

One day, she thought of playing with cloth scraps lying around. Soon, she created a vibrant patchwork quilt. Her acquaintances adored it. A homemaker with the zeal to make her mark, Arpita Saha, fell in love with the art of patchwork. Arpita’s daughter, Sugandha Saha, is a postgraduate in Fabric and Apparel. She joined forces with her talented mother to create the Shiuli Collection. Today, Arpita makes patchwork home furnishing products while Sugandha markets them online.

What is your vision for the Shiuli Collection?

Sugandha: The Shiuli flower blossoms at night and falls in the morning. But, its fragrance persists. Like the flower, we want to spread the beauty of patchwork in people’s homes.

Which is your most loved product? What makes customers choose it?

Arpita: Most sold product is Dohar. It works best in air conditioning and mild winters.

Sugandha: People like our handiwork, and especially that it is distinct. Factory-manufactured home furnishing has limited patterns and colours. Usually, markets sell printed Dohars.

We are high on customization. A mother wanted a Peppa Pig quilt for her daughter. We went to long lengths to buy premium quality, digitally printed Peppa Pig cloth. We create colour combinations as per the customer’s choice. Sometimes, customers are looking for peculiar sizes unavailable in the market. They can get any size Dohar made by us.

Someone like them is handcrafting products with immense effort. So, people appreciate and relate better to our products. Also, we make the process fun for our customers. We engage them in the process as co-creators.

What is the biggest challenge you face? How do you deal with it?

Sugandha: Every day brings its unique challenges. When orders are low, it gets disheartening. We boost each other and are up and running again.

Arpita: Shiuli Collection has become an addiction. If I am not creating, I am missing something in life. So, no matter the hurdle, I restart. Experiment with new products. We are creating table runners and mats for corporate gifting now.

How do you deal with demanding customers?

Sugandha: Customized orders can be tricky. After the order was complete, a customer said, “I don’t like the blue shade of the quilt.” Then, we remade the quilt.

As a protocol, we share pictures of the fabric before cutting. We arrange the cut pieces and share photographs with the customer. Now, I show them the look of the design using graphics. In this way, we have increased customer satisfaction.

What are the three things you are more proficient with than when you started?

Arpita: I explored techniques of patchwork on YouTube. I learnt to use a roller cutter and scale instead of measuring tape and scissors. Earlier, a Dohar that I completed in one week, I can now finish in a day. I began alone, but today I have added two artisan women to the team for stitching. I focus on the finishing of the product.

Sugandha: Over time, our knowledge of fabric has increased. We are conscious about using textiles that do not pill with use. We avoid the use of synthetic materials and use cotton.

From the time we began, we have discovered and chosen better vendors. We buy in bulk from manufacturers who offer a variety of prints.

Social media and Website links

Website – http://www.shiulicollection.in/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shiuli_collection/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/shiulicollection

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

Do not be scared and live your life

We have read, heard, even preached since our time on the Earth – live your life to the fullest. A pandemic should not change that. One of my friends has not stepped out since 7 months. This way you do more harm than help to yourself. Choose your outlet! I like being in nature; thus, I chose to visit the parks in the neighborhood, Sunder Nursery, and Hauz Khas village in Delhi. I even developed the hobby of bird watching. If your go-to thing is shopping then go do it. Be smart about it. Choose a less crowded area, pick the shopping time wisely, and keep your visit short.

It is true that you will feel scared if you are in my situation. I cried due to the pain. However, I rejoiced the care from loved ones; having hope of a better future and having ME time. You should not be scared of the virus. Think deeply and you will agree that it is just like any other problem in your life. Once I am out of the isolation, I will continue to go out while taking all the precautions.

Precautions are important. Follow all of them to the hilt. Again, I am not enlisting them here, but enjoy life without being callous. Drive on a highway at 100kph, but not without a seat belt please!

Stop living in denial

Daily, you will meet someone who says, “Ah! Nothing will happen”, when you take a precaution against the virus. These people may be invincible to a virus that has killed 9,96,342 persons worldwide, but you are only a mortal. Ignore such people. If you are one of them, kindly step out of the bubble of denial. A pandemic exists. You should protect yourself and your family in every way possible. Acceptance is the first step of problem solving.

Control your curiosity

People ask about symptoms and treatment immediately when they talk to a COVID-19 patient. Be sensitive and curb your curiosity. I do not want to feel like a laboratory guinea pig. Like for any illness, consult a doctor if ill. Do not spread your assumptions about the illness to others. You can call and listen to a COVID-19 patient. It is the maximum help. Do not preach to him/her. Please provide genuine support and again control your curiosity.

How did I get COVID?

Were you thinking this since the beginning? The answer lies in the last point: Control your curiosity. Like everything in life, fighting COVID-19 is a mind game. Thus, stay calm! No one can know exactly what happened. There can only be speculations.

You might be wondering how I am a survivor on the 7th day of isolation. Refer to the first point. I am sure I will be healthy soon and enjoying my life while being cautious.

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.

What are fixed deposits and mutual funds?

Investments can be fixed or dynamic. A fixed deposit (FD) provides a pre-defined return on the investment within a specific time period, while return from a mutual fund is linked to the fluctuations in the market.

Mutual funds provide better return on investment than fixed deposits in long-term

If you are investing money for a long-time that is more than 5 years then it is better to invest in mutual funds than in FDs. Mutual funds can multiply your savings better than FDs. For example, if money is invested for a period of 10 years and an average yearly return of 7% is assumed in a FD, then an average yearly return of 13% can be expected in a mutual fund.

Money can be withdrawn from mutual funds without loss of interest

In uncertain times, we might have to withdraw money from our investments. When money is withdrawn from a FD before maturity, there is a loss of interest rate. This is not the case with mutual funds. Any amount of money can be withdrawn from mutual funds with only an exit load of 1%.

What are the doubts about mutual funds? Are they true?

A homemaker may question mutual funds as an investment option assuming that her money may be at risk in mutual funds. Truth be told, though mutual funds are market-linked, but expert professionals, at the mutual fund institutes, manage your fund portfolio. Thus, your money is in safe hands.

A homemaker may find investing money in mutual funds difficult presuming that it requires hiring a broker and opening a demat account. The fact is that only a simple mutual fund account is enough for investing money in mutual funds. The account can be easily opened online at any mutual fund institute like bank, UTI, LIC, etc. The process of opening and managing a mutual fund account is less tedious than opening and managing a demat account.

You can independently manage your mutual fund account and do not need a broker. To begin with, it is best to invest in large cap funds that are mutual funds of well-known companies like Colgate, Reliance, Tata Steel, and others.

Conclusion

Though fixed deposit (FD) is a common investment option opted by middle-class households, a mutual fund is better investment for a long-term goal. It is time that homemakers clear their doubts about mutual funds and start investing in them to multiply their savings, and get applauded for fulfilling not only their but their family’s dreams.

What are your thoughts about mutual funds?

Aarti Bhola

A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.