LADIES FIRST, PLEASE!
In a world where feminism or gender equality is not more than a myth, a few dare to break the shackles and know how to fly free
Our nation has its own voice about female independence, gender indiscrimination, women’s liberty in every aspect of life. In fact, Indian entertainment industry is being known for the female leads and women-centric projects for the past couple of years. But is that really what is happening in our country?
If we look at the top rated talk shows of the town we see male domination. We, at the majority of times, accept male hosts intruding a female actors personal life rather than watching a female host doing the same. Shows not only in India but all across the world are proving the same. Koffee with Karan, The Anupam Kher Show, The Graham Norton show all seem to be the same. Where there is male domination still prevalent in every nook and corner, there are also some who will act as one’s aspiration.
Girls, buckle up and follow the footsteps of the achievers and we are sure that there is no one who can elbow you out of the game.
Iti Tyagi, Founder of Craft Village shares about her inspiration, “It was long back when I was on a cluster development project in Balakanthi, Orissa, working on brass utensil cluster. I could not imagine the humbleness and passion these artisans have for their crafts, and during my visit I realized that despite them working in various villages across India, they have hardly any market access. My heart went out for all such crafts people who have the finest skills, and have no market access, therefore, I decided that I would build a place in the heart of business center where such Crafts can be promoted as well as made aware with to the urban population, who have lost touch with their roots.”
Her vocation, she says, has become her vacation, and her passion has become her profession. “So frankly don’t have to juggle at all, as I find travelling, reading, folk and tribal music all part of what I do, besides the place that I have built which is where I live and work. It is a community living, where everyone in nature dwells and live together, bringing a sustainable and holistic aspect of our lives, which most of us miss living in cities. My biggest inspiration has been Romeo (my son who was a pet) who has actually taught that the inspiration of Crafts comes none other than vast nature, and therefore, I have establish this sustainable place and living where I don’t to get juggled between passion and profession,” she adds on juggling between work and passions is not easy for any business personnel irrespective of gender.
Angie Kripalani, Creator of Angie Kripalani Design openly shares her take on handling success. She says, “My guiding light has been my belief in myself and what I want to do and achieve. When I started my career, I was the only interior designer who started the concept of large retails stores like in America 20 years back. I handle success with humility and even today don’t refuse an interesting project even it is small. I am a very versatile designer and can design office, homes, hotels, restaurants, lounges etc. I love to play with materials and can design any concept like contemporary, classic & Fusion. I am warm and approachable to everyone.”
Being one of a kind is an excellent achievement. But, showing the same path to the next generation is also a one of a kind move. Sharing about motivating next generation, Sandhya Raman, Co-founder of Desmania & Textile and Cultural Activist, voices, “Being an entrepreneur brings in a lot of responsibility. It does take a lot of grit, selflessness, determination and vision to be one. For the next generation, as I call them the torch bearers I feel they need to take charge lead from the front, learn to share, to respect, and above all have the diehard spirit. You have a purpose and are driven to achieve that. Believe that anything can be done.”
Vibha Khanna Rastogi, Director of Sawadhee Traditional Thai Spa says that for her the story went like this, “The very first challenges we faced were making people know about the spa and the type of therapies we provide. Getting well-trained manpower was another one. There is a dearth of standardized professional training institutes. The manpower turnover is very fast in this industry as massage requires a lot of physical labour and the number of years that a therapist can give, is often limited.”
Indian entertainment industry is known for female leads and women-centric projects for the couple of years