At SABERA 2024, where changemakers were celebrated for their impact on society, a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance titled “He4She” captivated the audience. The performance symbolized the harmony of masculine and feminine energies, exploring themes of inclusion and balance deeply rooted in India’s cultural wisdom.

Performed by the talented duo Bhadra Sinha and Gayathri Sharma, He4She was choreographed exclusively for the event, blending classical storytelling with a contemporary call for unity and equality. Through their art, the performers brought to life three powerful excerpts from ancient scriptures, each illustrating the interplay of Shiv and Shakti and the timeless relevance of their divine union.

Three Stories of Balance and Inclusion

1. Shakti’s Ferocity Calmed by Shiva

The first segment portrayed the fierce battle between Shakti and the demon Mahishasur, a testament to the unyielding strength of feminine power. Overcome by her rage after slaying the demon, Shakti’s fury threatened to disrupt universal harmony.

It was Shiva who intervened, lying before her to pacify her wrath. In a moment of profound connection, Shakti placed her foot on Shiva, calming herself and restoring balance. This powerful story emphasizes the importance of mutual support between energies, highlighting the need for equilibrium in both personal and societal realms.

2. Shakti Soothing Shiva’s Anger

The second excerpt explores the tale of Shiva’s rage when Kamadeva, the god of desire, interrupts his meditation. Enraged, Shiva destroys Kamadeva, leaving his consort, Rati, in despair. Shakti intervenes, embodying compassion and wisdom, to pacify Shiva’s anger and offer solace to Rati.

This story demonstrated the strength of nurturing energies and the power of feminine wisdom to restore harmony. The performers brought this moment to life through expressive movements, reminding the audience of the importance of compassion in navigating conflict and rebuilding connections.

3. The Unity of Ardhanarishwar

The final segment showcased Ardhanarishwar, the divine form that unites Shiva and Shakti in a single body, symbolizing the inseparability of masculine and feminine energies. This form transcends duality, celebrating diversity and inclusion as fundamental to universal harmony.

The duo’s choreography reflected the essence of this union, with movements that blended strength and grace, individuality and togetherness. The segment was a powerful representation of He4She’s central message: the beauty of coexistence and equality in all forms.

The Performers: A Fusion of Professional and Artistic Excellence

Bhadra Sinha, a journalist, and Gayathri Sharma, a communication leader at Rolls Royce India & APAC, infused their performance with passion and purpose. Their dual roles as accomplished professionals and dedicated artists made their contribution to SABERA 2024 even more inspiring.

Gayathri also served as the pre-screener for the awards this year, her involvement extended beyond the stage, reflecting her commitment to promoting inclusion and unity through multiple avenues.

Their performance, steeped in classical artistry, was a testament to the transformative power of cultural storytelling.

A Celebration of Balance and Harmony

The He4She performance was more than an artistic showcase—it was a profound reminder of the relevance of ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Through the lens of dance, the performance highlighted themes of balance, inclusion, and unity, aligning perfectly with SABERA’s mission to honor initiatives that drive positive change.

As the audience erupted in applause, it was clear that He4She had resonated deeply, reminding everyone present of the enduring importance of embracing harmony in all aspects of life.

For more inspiring stories from SABERA 2024 and beyond, stay connected with WomenEndangered.org. Together, let us celebrate the art, courage, and wisdom that inspire change and foster inclusion.

They were acknowledged for the performance by IPS Chhaya Sharma, the lady cop who brought Nirbhaya Justice. Madam Chhay was also the guest of Honour

Contact us for more information and to apply for the SABERA awards.

For Membership, Sponsorship or Speaking Opportunities write to suparnaa@simplysupanaa.com

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The world faces many challenges, but amidst the adversity, incredible women rise as beacons of hope. The SABERA Awards (Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards) recognize these changemakers for their outstanding contributions to society. As nominations open for SABERA 2024, let’s celebrate some of the remarkable women honored in recent years:

1. Brinda Poornpragna: Championing Education Equity

Brinda PoornPragna, CEO of eVidyaloka Trust and a SABERA Awardee, understands the critical role education plays in empowering underprivileged communities. Her social enterprise leverages technology to bridge the gap in quality education, making it accessible even in remote areas.

2. Sugandha Sukrutaraj: Empowering Adults with Disabilities

Sugandha Sukrutaraj, founder of AMBA and a SABERA Awardee and Ashoka Fellow, is an inspiration. With 19 years of experience, she’s crafted a sustainable livelihood solution for adults with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Her program focuses on visual data entry and peer training, fostering mainstream inclusion and empowering individuals.

Read about more women changemakers awarded by SABERA over the years here >>

3. Jyotika Dhawan: A Journey of Inclusion

Jyotika Dhawan’s story is one of dedication and growth. A 2023 SABERA awardee, Jyotika’s passion for inclusion has been a constant force. From receiving recognition in 2018 to winning the award in 2023, she’s consistently pushed boundaries for diversity and equity in workplaces.

4. Iram Maimuna: Superhero for our Planet

Iram Maimuna, Managing Director of E-Waste Social Pvt Ltd., is a champion for environmental responsibility. Her company connects businesses with responsible e-waste recyclers, tackling the growing problem of electronic waste and its impact on our planet.

5. Chandini Di: Voice of the Streets

Chandini Di’s story is one of resilience. Once a young girl living on the streets, she overcame poverty and hardship to become a powerful voice for underprivileged children. Through her NGO Voice of Slum, Chandini Di empowers street children and works towards a brighter future for her community.

6. Dr. Sudha Kidao: Shaping Educational Landscapes

Dr. Sudha Kidao, a SABERA Awardee and Honorary Managing Trustee of the Foundation For Excellence India Trust has dedicated over a decade to shaping education in India. Through her service as both a donor and volunteer, she’s played a crucial role in improving educational opportunities across the country.

7. Meera Shenoy: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Meera Shenoy, a SABERA Awardee and the founder of youth4jobs (Y4J), is a recognized changemaker. Y4J has become the largest organization in South Asia mainstreaming youth with disabilities in education and employment. Through her work, Meera has impacted millions of lives, empowering youth with disabilities and their families.

These are just a few examples of the extraordinary women honored by SABERA. Their dedication, passion, and resilience inspire us all. By supporting their missions and spreading awareness about their work, we can join hands in creating a lasting impact and building a brighter future.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of SABERA awardees!

Do you know a woman making a significant difference in the world? Encourage them to apply for the SABERA Awards and help us celebrate their achievements. Let’s continue to shine a light on the incredible women creating a more just and equitable world.

Nominate a Changemaker for SABERA 2024

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Women turn brand ambassadors of sustainable menstrual products taking the multi-billion dollar industry of disposables head on.

Listen to various stakeholders from the social venture investors, nonprofit sector, social entrepreneurs, and medical fraternity join hands in the spirit of collaboration debunking misinformation and talking of facts and personal experiences on sustainable menstruation in particular and Periods at large! Busting misinformation in pursuit of Ms information 🙂

The Simply Suparnaa © Media Network recently hosted an insightful panel discussion on the topic of sustainable menstrual products and their impact on the billion-dollar industry dominated by disposable products. The panelists, who brought a wealth of experience and expertise, shared their insights and experiences on the subject.

Dr. Meenakshi Bharat, a gynecologist with 35 years of experience specializing in fertility work, has made it her mission to advocate for sustainable living. In addition to her medical practice, she actively promotes waste reduction, composting, and the use of reusable products. Dr. Bharat’s commitment to sustainability even extends to organizing waste-free weddings for her children. Her valuable insights on the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products added great value to the discussion.

Sashi Rajamani, a founding member of Social Venture Partners in Bengaluru, brought two decades of corporate experience to her work in promoting social impact ventures and foundations. As the managing trustee of the Konrai Foundation, Rajamani collaborates with over 20 NGOs, striving to create a platform for promoting performing arts while addressing social and environmental challenges, including sustainable menstruation.

Dr Shanthi Thummala, initially trained as a dentist, took a bold step by leaving her job to lead the Swachh Siddipet campaign in collaboration with the Telangana government. Her expertise in waste management proved invaluable in streamlining waste segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal. Driven by her passion for environmental conservation, Dr. Thummala also spearheaded the sustainable menstruation campaign, aiming to address the environmental damage caused by sanitary waste in Siddipet.

Malini Parmar, with a strong background in the global IT industry and an education from prestigious institutions such as IIM-Kolkata and Delhi College of Engineering, decided to leverage her experience for social change. Co-founding Stonesoup, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable living, Parmar offers a range of products that contribute to a greener future. As a single parent and advocate for sustainable menstruation, Parmar shared her personal experiences and insights during the panel discussion.

The panelists brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, creating a dynamic discussion that touched upon the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products, the environmental impact of disposable alternatives, and the empowerment of women as brand ambassadors for sustainable options. By challenging the status quo, these panelists are leading the way toward a future where women’s health and the well-being of the planet are prioritized.

You will also love reading about my experience with gifting cloth pads to girls with hearing impairment in Noida.

Psst : If you’re doing GOOD the SABERA jury is looking for your work to acknowledge you.

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After conducting the session Online in Kolkatta and Kanpur, we had the opportunity to conduct the session in person first in Pune and now in Bihar. This is part of the JOSH TALK series ‘Stand up for what is Right’ that I am helping conduct with engineering students across the nation. Travelling to Bihar and despite all odds it has indeed been fulfilling in more ways than one. The fact that I had this young coy engineering student, Shamima Yasmin, come Up post the 1.5-hour workshop in a humidity packed room of over 250 students and touch our feet for the learnings shared – is one of the most humbling reasons. This is what India is all about. A beautiful country with a shared culture and ancient wisdom prevailing beyond all other differences.

Vanshika, a bright student interning with JOSH TALKS travelled with me on both occasions and her enthusiasm for the topic of violence against women as well as her effervescent temperament is infectious. We got to know each other a little better over the shared meals, road and air travel as well as the 5-hour delay in the airport on our way back! Apparently spice jet had a cyberattack on the day we had to fly back!

And yet despite the electricity outages, low net connectivity, heat, humidity and delays it was a fulfilling experience to have interacted with the 250 students of Purnea Engineering college and I am grateful to the universe for the opportunity.

Links for further study

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA is looking for you Register here>>

To support our initiative contribute here.

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Last week had me address the leaders of two enterprises, an international financial corporation, and a large Public sector Unit.

The first session was with leaders of the multinational Fiserv at their Noida office. As part of their internal communication and HR initiative, Fiserv invited me as an external speaker to share my experiences with their leaders on Unconscious Bias that exist within corporates and how to identify and then address it. The session was attended by 50 odd leaders of their various verticals where I had the opportunity to share my experience and learnings from my corporate journey. The Fiserv HR further had an interactive session planned with the team post my session. It is heartening to see corporations warming up to the idea of identifying and addressing these critical issues. An inclusive and diverse environment is a harbinger of a healthy work environment which in turn ensures overall higher productivity and innovative solutions to problem-solving.

Over the weekend I was invited by one of the 8 Maharatna units of the country – Bharat Petroleum Public Limited to address their leaders through a reputation management summit organized in the temple town of Madurai. The enthusiasm to learn and implement was palpable. A bias against government-held organizations of being indifferent or lazy also stood busted for me personally with the impeccable planning with which the whole summit was executed. I had the opportunity to open the summit on its closing day with my session on Responsible business.

To explore the city in the evening was a MUST. And guess what I found on the streets of Madurai? A local selling the flesh of the trunk of a coconut tree and its flower. Both are considered to have medicinal values. The flower, in particular, helps in regulating issues related to menstruation. Bought them both for a sum of Re. 100 and they tasted quite god just as a simple healthy snack too.

Both the sessions in 2 different cities with the 2 different set of leaders were received well and a single common adjective that stood out was – POWERFUL

Here’s to a powerful month ahead while I continue to reach out with SABERA – Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards to various organizations, as the early bird discount too will come to a close by the end of this month. Responsible Business representatives Register here

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SSMI grooms children from the economically weaker section from pre nursery to class 10. In a well lit room with daris on the floor, I was handed the mike to break the ice and start the session with a group of 100 odd girls from across classes between the age group of 10- 16 years. The girls were hesitant to begin with but soon felt at ease with the open flow of conversation. About half of the group raised their hands when asked if their periods had started and the average age for those who raised their hands was 13. We covered topics detailing the process of menstruation, the physiological aspect is easy to explain with the rubber model of the reproductory system that I have as a gift from Malini, Co Founder Stone soup. We discussed the average cycle, maintaining hygiene, nutritious food to be consumed, solutions available including cloth pads, options of disposal and common ailments among other things. Some girls enthusiastically voluneteered to demonstrate the yog asans that are helpful in cramps and regularising periods, as we discussed easy home remedies for relief. We also discussed superstitions and common beliefs that may have been useful in an era gone by but are reduntant as of today.  A sample question that was addressed and the answer to it is mentioned below.

Q: Can I go to the temple/pray when I have my date (periods are also called dates as I learnt)
A: If the God that you pray to, stops listening to you when you are on your period then we don’t need such a God

The above is a typical question that needs to be answered in reference to physiological and social context. In the bygone era to give relief to the woman from her daily chores, few days through her menstruation may have been a period of rest. Also because adequate hygiene solutions may not have been accessible and the temples being a social place, it may lead for them to stain/spot especially while bowing down. Further since there is a higher risk for infections while catering to the demands of sex during periods, hence social rules were set for absitenence that got convoluted to being ‘impure’. In todays age with adequate solutions and knowledge there is no reason for not visiting the temple.

The girls were inquistive, interactive, receptive and were quick to grasp all the information shared. Contrary to popular media stories that rile up the ‘poor nation’ stereotypes to endorse their documentary films or products without actual insights.When so much positive influence that the media can spread to bust myths and superstitions, amplifying stereotypes is such a disservice to the cause. What for just a few dollars more?

Oh Btw! SABERA was launched for this very reason, to amplify the voices doing good beyond the melee of sensational media endeavours. SSMI was acknolwded through a certificate of appreciation for their contribution in the catgory Education in 2018. This year they vie to win the trophy in the Health & nutrition category for their program that provides fortified weaning food to 18000 women and children daily, providing employment to 120 marginalised women in the process.

The director took me on an a tour proudly showing the various social interventions that SSMI is involved in to minimise its dependence on donations and maximise self sustainability. Other outreach programs included a large community kitchen , a textile & block printing wing exporting cloth bags/linen and a green house using innovative methods of growing food.  All this while providing employment to marginalised women from the neighbouhood slums. I wish her the best.

And in case you are you an individual, CSR team member or an enterprise that believes and Does Good. Then you must submit your entries to SABERA 2019 too and avail the early bird discounts till they last! To know more log in here.

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किसी को भी यौन शोषण या बलात्कार के भीषण अनुभव से नहीं गुजरना चाहिए।

But in case of an unfortunate incidence then it becomes imperative to incremenate the perpetrators for justice as well as to prevent them from repeating such a hienous act.

लेकिन एक दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना के मामले में, अपराधियों को गिरफ्तार करने के साथ-साथ उन्हें इस तरह के घृणित कार्य को दोहराने से रोकना महत्वपूर्ण हो जाता है।

I caught up with Chhaya Sharma, who was the head of the investigation through the Nirbhaya Case, that shook the nation some 6 years back. Chhaya was then the DCP South and within 3 days had nabbed the each one of the perpetrators. Within 18 days she filed a charge sheet that ensured each of the criminals was increminated and justice delivered.

मैं छाया शर्मा से मिला, जो निर्भया केस की जांच के प्रमुख थे। एक ऐसा मामला जिसने कुछ 6 साल पहले देश को हिला दिया था।छाया तब डीसीपी साउथ थे और 3 दिनों के भीतर अपराधियों में से प्रत्येक को गिरफ्तार कर लिया था। 18 दिनों के भीतर उसने एक आरोप पत्र दायर किया और यह सुनिश्चित किया कि सभी अपराधियों को सजा मिले और न्याय दिया जाए।

Over a conversation recorded for the show #LikeaBoss,  Chhaya shared some important steps that must be followed in case of such an incident.

1. Do not have a bath. Natural instinct may be to clean yourself but this may lead to losing vital evidence
2. Inform someone you trust
3. Go to the nearest Police station immediately
4. Request for a police officer and an NGO or counselor to be present
5. Get a medical examination done
6. If your area has an anganwadi or Saheli or one-stop center – go there as they are equipped to handle such cases.

शो #LikeaBoss के लिए रिकॉर्ड की गई एक बातचीत के दौरान,छाया ने कुछ महत्वपूर्ण कदम साझा किए, जिन्हें इस तरह की घटना के मामले में पालन किया जाना चाहिए।

1. स्नान न करें। प्राकृतिक वृत्ति अपने आप को साफ करने के लिए हो सकती है लेकिन इससे महत्वपूर्ण प्रमाण खो सकते हैं
2. आप जिस पर भरोसा करते हैं उसे सूचित करें
3. तुरंत नजदीकी पुलिस स्टेशन जाएं
4. एक पुलिस अधिकारी और एक एनजीओ या पार्षद को उपस्थित होने का अनुरोध
5. मेडिकल जांच करवाएं
6. यदि आपके क्षेत्र में एक आंगनवाड़ी या सहेली या एक स्टॉप सेंटर है – तो वहां जाएं क्योंकि वे ऐसे मामलों को संभालने के लिए सुसज्जित हैं।

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