In a single line how would you summarize your journey as a teacher?

Teaching is challenging but rewarding.

Can you elaborate the challenges?

We have to deal with large classrooms, prepare a daily lesson plan, there are admin activities for each teacher and there are extra curricular activities. 

We assume working hours of 7 to 2 but it usually comes out to be 7 to 7. At times women teachers wake up at 5 am just to get ready to come to school.

You should have one more food for thought. Most of the time, the teacher has to stand.

What is the single most worry for a teacher?

We are dealing with a diverse group of students in large numbers. That is especially true for schools in cities and towns. We have to create a unique learning experience for each student. Each student expects personalized support.  Number of spl children in classrooms also has increased over the years.

Teachers in India lack professional depth. In foreign countries, teachers training continues till the age of 60 while in India one qualification is enough B Ed. Some countries, teachers have to undergo a 5 year training and review cycle.

Has social media affected the well being of teachers?

Parents’ involvement has increased. Earlier when children used to get scolding from a teacher, parents used to say that you must have definitely done something wrong and you deserve it. Today, forget about any type of punishment, you can’t even scold a child.

Are you in favour of online classes?

That is something I am not sure about. I have mixed opinions. While apparently it is hugely beneficial to students, I am worried about the lack of face to face connection which is not possible on a screen. Plus the percentage of distracted students increases online. 

From a teachers’ point of view, an online class is additional work. A teacher still has to go and finish the pending work the next day. 

Is it rewarding at the end of the day?

Teacher is expected to be a role model, both at school and in society. Over a period of time the pressure has increased a lot. If you are up to it, you should be fine.

I have noticed many young teachers who pick up a teaching job as a temporary measure. If you have decided to make it a career, you would be fine. 

Teaching is the only profession which I have known which truly empowers women in India. 

Shalini Kapoor founded Yatan, 10 years ago but she continues to be a teacher at heart.

Manisha Yadav after completing her MBA is now working towards mentoring women entrepreneurs and providing advice on focused growth for a single brand owner. 

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Q 1 Tell us something about your book and your path to a writing career.

“Minds Unmasked” was written during the pandemic of 2020. It comprises 10 short stories. The book records human stories and human minds that battled the pandemic. The real-life events in our lives have extraordinary power. In this book, the stories remain a constant reminder that the human spirit is indomitable. The book unveils the complex traits of humans in crisis as observed during the lockdown.

My path to writing was not out of compulsion it was a passion. I started with writing diaries and journals, and gradually it transpired into writing for magazines. I started with my first project as a ghostwriter for a book. My passion for observing things and documenting them always helped me to connect with people. My first break came when I was chosen for a writing marathon and my short story got a place in the anthology with many Authors. I wrote for different websites, anthologies, and forums.

Worked as a columnist/editor for Merinews, a news portal. My first book on parenting “From a Mom’s Desk” was published by Amazon. In 2023, my first paperback book “Minds Unmasked Covid-19-Lost & Found” was launched. One of the stories was published in “The Best Asian Short-Stories 2023” launched at the Singapore Writer’s Festival 2023.

Q 2 Can you explain the empty nest syndrome that you talk about?

The empty nest syndrome is the phase that we all are indecisive about. My daughter is all set to enter the big world as she is about to leave her little nest. Out into the new world, she sets in with her new dreams, as a mother I have all my concerns, the sinking feeling of letting her go, the uncertainty of coming to terms with loneliness & void, getting used to a life where I will not have to put an alarm to wake her up for school neither will be able to see her at the end of the day. It will be hope and dreams of letting her go for a better future. We all do it as parents. My journey begins now.

Q 3 Raising a girl child and feminism, can you draw a connection for us?

Raising a girl child has been a journey towards feminism in a real sense. It is more than the cliché used in our times. We all know that our first step to make ourselves feel empowered begins with our own life as a woman. The second phase begins with raising a girl child in a way that ensures freedom to think independently, make decisions, be financially independent, have the power to raise their voice against unjust & feel confident in every way irrespective of gender, body, color, and social norms.

The two are interlinked. Feminism is a way of life. It is not male bashing, in the real sense it is what is instinctive. To give women their due share to live the way we all desire and dream of.

My Book has depicted woman characters from real life. The characters are bold, and independent in their way, each one trying to live their dreams uniquely.

For audience based in USA

https://www.flipkart.com/product/p/itme?pid=9798892221023

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

The saree situation in 2014

I would like to call that the smartphone era. Social media and tiktok were taking over. A combination of factors led to a situation where sarees suddenly left the scene and was replaced by the more fashionable and convenient options.

Stores were taking the saree off their shelves and informal wear like jeans were becoming formal. That time I was a mom to be. The question in front of me was should I join the mainstream or go with an idea close to my heart.

Why Saree?

Because it is the most beautiful attire any woman can wear. I am yet to see or hear a woman say that she does not look good in a saree. This attire has a universal appeal at all ages and can be worn irrespective of any body structure. It brings beauty, attractiveness, and respect to a woman. It can also fit any budget too.

I am very fond of wearing sarees and I wear sarees from all over India from Banarasi silk to Kanjiwaram silk, Bandhni from Gujarat to Pochampally from Telengana, Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra’s Paithani.

One of the most unique features that make a saree so admirable is that each type of saree reflects its unique culture and art of the region it comes from.

We took this risky step for the following reasons

I love to see women in saree, want every woman to wear this beautiful attire. So, for me this is just not a business to earn money but my sincere effort to provide a platform to women of all ages to explore and experience the richness and greatness of our Indian Karigars and weavers.

With western culture and influence we are forgetting our roots. It’s our tradition that when a girl hit puberty, she is being gifted a sari by her relatives and even her friends too. For me saree is not just an attire but a part of my culture which I want to pass on to my future generations also.

To save our culture, our handloom industry, the weavers whose income solely depends on weaving these sarees. I directly source from small weavers to help them with direct profit without middlemen commission.

Convincing women to buy sarees

The art of selling saree requires a deeper bond and connection with each client that visits. It is not just selling a saree but connecting to a human element beyond business to retain my customers. I understand their needs and accordingly guide them. Another important aspect of my business principle is that I don’t make my customers buy unnecessarily.

And nothing else gives me more joy than seeing the young generation styling Zodin Lifestyle’s saree as per them and a senior citizen draping the saree on her 50th Anniversary party.

I have my great grandmother who loves buying from me to a 17-year-old who buys her first saree for her farewell party from me.

Why Zodin

A women wear so many hats – working or housewife; she is a daughter/wife /mother, grandmother etc… Similarly, I help my customers to style and adapt their saree in different forms- as a saree/as a lehenga or as a western outfit. I make my customer wear the same saree both in bold as well as an ethnic way so that she can enjoy wearing same saree in multiple ways.

We have extensive variety, texture, fabrics, draping style in India and I source from all over the country try to get the various kinds under one umbrella suitable to every budget and the best prices.

I have my loyal customers from metro cities to places like Samastipur in Bihar to Simdega in Jharkhand.

My life journey is not just about selling sarees. I have also helped other women entrepreneurs to enter this business by providing them with advice and assistance. I take lot of interest and focus on helping my co women entrepreneurs with lining up the business segments to helping them set up their business.

We are soon planning to launch Zodin Lifestyle online!

So just call us and fix an appointment to visit our Pitampura store.

9810587460

https://www.instagram.com/zodinlifestyle/

https://www.facebook.com/Zodin-Lifestyle-830956690616612/

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Q. It is easy and cheap to take print outs and frame them. Why should I hire an artist?

Ans. An artist gives a personal touch. Whenever you want feeling and emotions, an artist is a better choice over a digital medium like camera pictures. 

With regards to cost factor, it is a personal preference. As a woman I do makeup very often. So if I need a personalized pampering, I go for the 10k package while other times if it is just the basics, then I choose the 2k one.

Q. What is your most common complaint with clients, if there is any?

Ans. Yes, the costing. If I am in the market as a buyer, I never negotiate. In fact, I don’t like someone offering me a discount. Because there is always this suspicion that a different discount was offered to someone else.

Q. Each artist has a unique way of approaching a client’s work? How do you make it right?

Ans. I have the advantage of being a teacher. While doing work for a client, I see it from my own perspective, what will be my way of looking at it. I approach my students the same way, putting myself in their shoes.

Let me give an example. That might answer your first question too. A client came to me with a digital print which did not come as he wanted. This time I decided to highlight some features which were lacking in the digital copy. The final outcome made him so happy and he mentioned that this is what exactly he wanted but did not get it in the digital copy.

So my secret to approach a client work is not to ask too many questions and interpret on my own. This is my strength.

Q. There will be times when you feel low. What do you do to come out of such moments and situations?

Ans. Anytime things are not right, I go back to my routine. Once I start doing things my way, all problems go away and the pieces fall in place.

In fact, long time back I realized that I do not need to relax the way normally people do. For me, working is the best form of relaxation.

Q. Any plans for the future?

Ans. I am a person of the present. So no plans for the future.

However, right now I want to grow as an entrepreneur and artist. For me art is all about putting thoughts and emotions on paper. And that is what makes me happiest.

Post Script

It is not too many time we get a peep into the mind of an artist. These are highly creative people and hard working at the same time. They follow a different routine than the one we are accustomed to. These are also the people who bring in joy in our lives by spending hours together in front of the canvas.

A comment or a like if you appreciate their work will go a long way to encourage them and their creativity.

https://instagram.com/nisshhagoel

https://instagram.com/aart_withh_heart

https://www.facebook.com/nishajain1984

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Strength isn’t about how much you can handle before your break. It’s about how much you can endure after you’re been broken.

Shalini Kapoor

To all those who know Shalini Kapoor she needs no introduction. But for those who don’t, we suggest the readers take a pause from reading this article and visit the website of Yatan.

Question 1 – How did you choose the various campaigns conducted by Yatan?

Answer – To begin with it was just a single venture and we began which I felt was the need to the hour, education. After that is was much of of one thing leading to another.

Keeping the guiding principle of Education being a right, we began with five children of migrant workers. Today we have crossed more than 10000 children. This venture is our Back to school drive, Vidhya Vinayam. While talking classes the next issue dawned upon us, menstrual hygiene. We began with classes focusing on informing young women on how to select the right product and what are the issues faced. For this we requested volunteers like gynaecologists and health experts.

While these ventures were progressing, COVID struck and the entire world came to stand still due to the lockdown. With migrant workers and labourers getting jobless, food became the most important essential taking priority over education. That is the time we began with our next venture, Annapurna (Food Bank). We started providing wholesome meals to underprivileged children. We also started distributing rations and all essentials for cooking once we started getting donations from some really beautiful souls. During COVID we also began our next venture which is Sampurna. We realised that not everyone can afford digital devices, so we started asking people to donate their old and used digital devices so they can be further provided to the needy.

While the lockdown eased, we realised that in order to help with income, the female members of the family now require the necessary skills. That was our next venture, Protsahan. This time we also got volunteers who spared their valuable time in teaching skills to women who started with environmentally friendly products. Temple flowers were used to create organic colours and cow dung was used to make diyas. Women also learned stitching and other such skills.

Volunteers form a part of our core and have helped us to grow to this level. We conduct classes on legal awareness, career options and even counselling sessions. One such session was also conducted by Manisha Yadav, Founder and Owner of Narisakti.

On World Environmental Day we planted 500 trees. As part of our Blanket donation drive we provided 50000 blankets to homeless people who sleep by the roadside.

Question 2 – Patience and compassion are key ingredients of social work? Are these essential or critical?

Answer – Dalai Lama once said “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Without compassion you cannot help others. Social service requires time and hard work. Everything however begins with patience. So compassion and patience are the criticals while a lot of hard work is required.

The other important aspect of patience is that this is the only virtue which will see you through. When things are not going your way, it is patience which provides the answers.

Question 3 – Talking about generation gap, does the Generation – Z show any interest in social work?

While the millennials are touching their forties, they are still struggling with technology and gadgets. For example people from that generation prefer to call rather than chat. But in case of generation Z who have been brought up being connected, they have taken full advantage of access to online resources.

These are all young men and women who are socially conscious and digitally aware. Young women especially are much aware about work and financials. So my opinion is that generation Z is better prepared and ready for social work.

We are so fortunate to have these young minds working as volunteers. Also social work is now included in university curriculum. That is a big step since field work is now compulsory. So these students put in lots of hard work to get good grades as volunteers. We have got volunteers from prestigious institutes like DPS Vasant Kunj, DPS RK Puram, DPS Gurugram, DPS Sushantlok, Shri Ram School, Pathways school, Suncity, Amity International School, La Martinière School Lucknow, DPS Bokaro Steelcity, Amity University Noida, IBM College Gurugram, NCU University Gurugram, Manipal University Jaipur, Christ University Bangalore, Narsee Monjee Mumbai, Narsee Monjee Bangalore, Flame University Pune, IGNOU and Lucknow University.

Follow us at

https://www.instagram.com/yatananeffort/

https://www.instagram.com/shalinii_kapoor/

https://www.facebook.com/shalini.kapoor.9231

https://in.linkedin.com/in/shaliniikapoor

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

He was just her teacher. She could never imagine anything that could happen beyond this relationship. Him being her mentor and she is his student. She came to his lecture every day without fail. She did not like daydreaming or writing his name on her notebooks. But she did enjoy their discussion in class. Their conversations sometimes turned into the two talking and the rest of the students just listening. His words were poetry to her, and her thoughts and take on the topics discussed were fresh air. At that moment, there in their talks, they both felt a strange attraction. Love is also about the interaction of intellect.

She met a dashing officer on a train journey. She had a veil on her face the entire time and they talked through the night. It was a magical journey that may have led to something. Their mutual attraction to each other was palpable. But it was not based on looks but was purely on what they felt when they conversed. As the lights dimmed, she hugged him and shed a silent tear. And without even seeing it, he felt her pain when they bid goodbye. They were thankful for this utter bliss in that conversation with a stranger. They fell in Love when they knew they did not have any future. When they can not be together beyond that night.

He met her online and just wanted to protect her from a certain someone. Their friendship moved from being on each other’s following list to much more. There is a pic that defines how they felt at that moment! The contentment in her smile and that subtle relief that she is mine! That feeling that nothing in this world can change now- this utter feeling of wow at that moment is Love! They may not have it anymore, but they may feel more or less in the years that follow! But at that moment, they had and felt Love as it is meant to be.

Love is not what is shown in movies or romance novels. It is what is experienced in that moment; sustains you for a very long time. Having been in that moment and feeling Godly is something that not many would feel. It is a private moment, edged in the memory for eternity. Be joyous that you had the opportunity to have been through it. Not many get to experience it or even understand it.

When the fairy tales end, the proverbial end, “They lived happily ever after”, has a profound meaning. It does not mean that they will be in a similar blissful state for the rest of their lives. The story ends there deliberately because that is the high point—the highest point of the feeling of Love. What comes next is the commitment that follows to continue on the journey. Love can not continue for days and years. Being in Love can only warm you up from the inside; you can only bask in its glory for the rest of your life!

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

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.

From a writer to integrator

We shall first understand the difference between an author, WordPress Admin and integrator. The admin is a tech person who mostly works in the background. You will never see the face or meet in person. WordPress admins are too busy and deranged.

An author on the other hand is the writer and the face of the website. It is the writer who does all the research and hardwork to bring an idea or event to life. The rise of internet and online publishing technology has help an average person to write and publish. But in order to work for the big brand and publications, you have to really be a good writer. Getting your work though is however a daunting task.

So then who is an integrator? The terminology came up after the proliferation of WordPress and bloggers. 2003 was an amazing year. Blogger platform was acquired by Google and WordPress was launched for the first time in 2003. As a side note in the same year, Google also launched Adsense. WordPress changed the face of publishing forever. Now it became possible that one person could convert an idea to article and then publish it too. Thus a blogger can be considered as a content integrator. WordPress is a powerful collaboration tool. Multiple people at different time zones can work on different role simultaneously. The power of WordPress also manifests in the ability to convert itself into any kind of website.

WordPress Content Integrator

All those who know me feel I am always hungry for more. So while working as editor of Narisakti and Sukaone website, I was offered the assignment of designing a single page WordPress website for brand The Glara. Successful completion of this assignment made me so confident that I took on the next assignment of re-designing another website, Business Mates Delhi. Later I got the position of editor of this website too.

When I decided to launch my own writers’ platform, I decided to make it a point to fully master WordPress. So after Enticing Tales was born, I was writing, posting and publishing articles on this website on my own. That completed my journey as a WordPress Content Integrator.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.
- Robert Frost

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

They say that siblings bond stays for life and we three sisters are a living proof of it every day. Kanika being the middle child has always been lucky! Childhood and growing up was all about fun and merry times.

She is the one who laughed a lot and always wanted to do things her way. She is also the least shy one. In fact she is very direct. You can be assured that whatever is in her mind, she will speak out. That landed her in trouble many times, but she was ready for that too. She is the confident one.

We are just three sisters in a family of jwellers. It was her dream to carry forward the family business. Everyone asked us how a woman will take care of a jewellery business, but that never stopped her. We are all together with her. As children we used to regularly visit our store at Chandni Chowk. Kanika was more regular and she was always looking for in depth information of everything related to jewellery.

Technically the most sound knowledge of jewellery

Kanika is a master of jewellery design. Her portfolio on Dazzle Up is a testimonial to that. Her designs are well chosen and they are not easily available anywhere. She is also the best jewellery consultant for you. Depending upon the occasion, your attire, body type and preferences she can get the right design for you. We have seen so many women approach her just so that she can make the right choice for them.

She has an eye for quality and she will never compromise on that. You will get your money worth and will not feel cheated. Her products are long lasting and the quality and finish is not superficial.

Why imitation jewellery

There are several reasons for Kanika Gupta to enter this field like supporting the small creators who make this kind of jewellery and the fact that imitation jewellery is much more reasonable and practical. But we know the real reason, the spirit of entrepreneurship which is natural to her. Women have to get married and raise a family. She is doing that and also following her passion. We are inspired by her perseverance. She is active on social media and has a loyal following of happy customers. So in her present situation she is making the most of it.

One secret of her success is that she is good at everything she does. While in school she was good at studies and got the best marks. While at the store she picked up the intricacies of jewellery business. She is an expert in connecting with people and her connections are for life. Her brands are manifest of that, the best. We always believe that her best is yet to come.

Connect with Kanika Gupta

https://www.instagram.com/dazzle._up/

https://www.instagram.com/ashraydecor/

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

You switched profession to become a makeup artist.

Yes, I did it so that I can pursue my passion. It is my passion for art and creativity that brought me to the world of MUA. Our body is a medium of expression. Whatever we feel inside shows up, especially on our face. So now a makeup becomes a method of transformation. If we are feeling sad and low, it shows on our face as an expression. After we put on makeup and see ourselves in the mirror, we like what we see and that lifts up our spirit and makes us happy. You do not need to put on complete makeup. Just a bright red lipstick is enough to cheer you up. 

It is through my makeup artistry that I want to unveil a cover of happiness.

What is your mantra for entrepreneurs?

The most important thing I can tell all entrepreneurs is that you need to build up a trust factor with customers. That is the only reason why they will come back to you or refer you to anyone else. Every makeup artist has a unique style. All these top makeup artists in the market today, why are they famous. It is because they have a unique style and customers prefer those specific styles. My personal favourites are Parul Garg and Guneet Virdhi. I also follow Meenakshi Dutt and Leena Bhushan. All successful people have bonded a trust factor with their followers or customers.

Future plans?

I want to remain a freelance makeup artist forever. That keeps me approachable by all. A saloon is definitely comfortable but all the extra expenses like electricity, rent, salaries would be charged from my customers. That will no longer make me affordable. I know my clients and I make it a point to understand what makeup I am planning. So I carry limited items in my vanity case and drive around in my own car. This also ensures that I remain connected.

https://www.instagram.com/sv_artistrymakeup/

https://www.facebook.com/sv.artistryMUA/

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.