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

To submit your SDG-aligned campaigns for the SABERA jury to evaluate, Register here. 

The post He4She Performance at SABERA 2024 appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The event was hosted at the exclusive Directors Club Lounge in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj—a hidden gem that I explored during a short tour courtesy of PVR representatives. However, the heart of the experience was the interaction at the conference facility, where I shared a delicious five-course meal with eleven inspiring women managing Delhi’s ‘Pink Toilets’ turned ‘Garima Grihs’.

Read more about SABERA Awardee and guest of Honour Chhaya Sharma

The Pink Toilets Initiative: Recognized by SABERA

The Pink Toilets initiative, honored by the SABERA Awards, is a stellar example of how public-private partnerships can drive real change. What began as a civic facility for women has been transformed into safe, clean spaces and hubs for empowerment under PVR Nest’s guidance.

Managed by an inspiring group of women like Kiran, Kavita, Babita, Pooja, Laxmi, Chandini, Anjum, Monika, Mithilesh, and Reena, these centers now offer skilling courses in sewing, beauty, and hygiene. They’ve also become safe spaces for breastfeeding and community education, impacting neighboring areas by promoting cleanliness and health awareness.

Lakshmi, who oversees the RK Puram center, reflected on her journey:
“Initially, I would burst into tears when people in the community taunted me for asking them to keep their surroundings clean. Even my family questioned why I wanted to work in a toilet. But thanks to the persistence and encouragement of my cohort leaders, I persevered. Today, I am respected for the work I do.”

These centers have not only provided a source of income for these women—many of whom are now the primary earners in their families—but also created safe, welcoming spaces that benefit entire communities.

PVR Nest’s Power of One Program: Driving Social Impact

The Power of One program by PVR Nest highlights the potential of grassroots initiatives to create a ripple effect of positive change. This public-private partnership focuses on uplifting women and girls from vulnerable urban slum communities by providing skilling opportunities and socio-economic advancement tools.

The program’s WeRise Changemaker initiative has been specially designed to build leadership and communication skills for community leaders. Members of the Pink Toilets initiative participated in the first edition of this program, which is helping them develop the confidence and knowledge to become role models and changemakers.

I was honored to lead the opening session, “Every Woman is a Leader,” where I shared insights about harnessing inner strength to inspire and influence positive change in one’s community. It was an engaging and humbling experience, with each woman’s journey serving as a testament to resilience and empowerment.

A Day of Inspiration

The day concluded with meaningful conversations over a sumptuous five-course meal at the Directors Lounge. I returned home deeply inspired by the courage and determination of these women, who are breaking barriers and creating ripples of change in their communities.

The Pink Toilets initiative, recognized by the SABERA Awards, stands as a powerful testament to how women when given the right tools and support, can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.

SABERA 2024 are scheduled for December 11th at the India Habitat Centre, where more such stories of Impact will be celebrated. To attend register and reserve delegate passes here

The post Empowering Women One Pink toilet at a time appeared first on Woman Endangered.

On September 21, 2024, I had the privilege of conducting a transformative workshop at VIT Pune, aimed at combating violence against women. This session marked my second interaction with the talented second-year BTech students at this esteemed institution. My first visit in 2022, as part of an impactful initiative, rolled out in collaboration with JOSH TALKS and their client TVS, involved engaging engineering students across twelve states in India on this crucial topic.

Read about the in-person workshops with VIT Pune

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

At the core of this workshop was a comprehensive understanding of what gender-based violence entails. Participants delved into its various forms, recognized the phases of life where such violence can occur, and discussed effective prevention strategies. We highlighted the importance of understanding these elements and taking action to eradicate this grave societal issue and ensure justice for victims.

A key highlight of the session was the inclusion of insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma, the head of the Special Unit for Women and Child in the Delhi Police. Her instrumental role in cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case provided the students with a real-world perspective on the urgency and complexity of addressing violence against women.

Read more here यौन उत्पीड़न के मामले में क्या करना है – What to do in case of Rape ?

Insights from the Pre-Workshop Survey

Before the workshop, we surveyed 36 participating students to gauge their knowledge of gender-based violence. The results were revealing:

• Over half of the respondents (19 out of 36) believed that at least one in every three women faces some form of violence in their lifetime.
• About half of the respondents (14) thought that only two out of ten victims ever seek justice.
• A similar number (13 respondents) felt that violence against women begins in infancy.

These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of violence and the critical need for ongoing education and awareness on this issue.

A Platform for Inquiry and Inspiration

The hour-long workshop encouraged an open and engaging dialogue among the students, regardless of gender. Their eagerness to ask questions demonstrated a shared commitment to understanding and combating violence against women. Many expressed the need for continued discussions and workshops, highlighting the importance of integrating these conversations into educational settings.

Meet the Facilitator

The session was led by Suparnaa Chadda, widely known as Simply Suparnaa, the founder of the Simply Suparnaa Media Network. A notable UN Women Awardee, Suparnaa has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s rights and empowering communities through education and awareness. Her passion and expertise were pivotal in guiding the workshop, inspiring countless students to become advocates for change. Suparnaa also acknowledges SDG-aligned initiatives through the annual SABERA Awards which includes लैंगिक समानता (Gender Diversity & Inclusion).

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we concluded the workshop, it became clear that knowledge and awareness are the first steps toward making a tangible impact in the fight against violence against women. By instilling these values in young minds, we can foster a generation of leaders who are committed to creating safer environments for all.

This workshop not only educated students but also equipped them with the tools to inspire change in their communities. It’s time to turn awareness into action! For hosting a workshop with your university students write to womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

The post Breaking the Silence: Empowering Students to Combat Gender based Violence Against Women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

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

The post Extraordinary Women Making a Difference appeared first on Woman Endangered.

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.

The post 17 K Crore industry of disposables- Do sustainable menstrual products stand a chance? appeared first on Woman Endangered.

As an added bonus WE are offering a GIVE AWAY on a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup to 2 individuals who share their views on periods on Simply Suparnaa’s Instagram. The GIVE AWAY is in collaboration with Stonesoup.in Why are WE doing this? Keep reading

Challenging Misinformation

Despite advancements in urban settings, misinformation about feminine hygiene products still prevails. Commercial pads and tampons, often laden with plastics and chemicals, pose risks to both our bodies and the planet. It’s time to dispel these myths and explore better alternatives.

The Wisdom of Tradition

In India, where cotton is abundant, we have a rich heritage of using cotton sarees to manage menstruation. This age-old practice not only ensures comfort but also aligns with sustainability. Cotton sarees can be easily disposed of and naturally decompose over time, minimizing environmental impact.

Prioritizing Women’s Health

Just as we choose organic, chemical-free foods for our well-being, it’s crucial to extend the same principle to feminine hygiene. Commercial sanitary pads and tampons can introduce harmful substances into our bodies. Tampons, in particular, have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. By opting for natural and organic options, we can safeguard our health.

Breaking the Stigma

Periods have long been shrouded in silence and shame. It’s time to change that. Let’s foster open conversations about menstrual health, eradicating taboos, and empowering women to embrace their bodies fully. By talking openly about periods, we can create a supportive environment that encourages education and understanding.

Social Media Giveaway

To further promote open discussions on periods, we are excited to announce a social media giveaway! Share your views and experiences on periods using the hashtag #LetsTalkPeriod, and you could win a medical-grade silicone cup—a sustainable and comfortable alternative for menstrual care. Join the movement and help us spread awareness.

Instastories

maanasadevi12
It’s part of every woman’s life. Proper care and personal hygiene are very important during those days. Young girls they should have awareness about their first period ie what are periods what we do during periods why we get periods and how to face them. Mainly teenage girls must know and have awareness because when they see the first period they get shocked and fearful because it’s blood and the girl feels very weak. How to take proper care during periods also needs to be known some classes should be taken. girls and women should know some home remedies, period care essentials like menstrual cups, and how to handle cramps. And family mother, father, sis or bro, boyfriend or husband should be supportive not treating them like untouchables. Boys mothers should also teach boys what are periods and what females grow through during that time so that boys can understand that pain and support them rather than seeing it as something unknown.

riospamzzzz

Back in school, a guy in my class pulled out a sanitary napkin from a friend’s bag. He stood on the desk holding it high up for everyone to see. He went on shouting “XXX is on her period!! xxx is on her period” and threw it on someone.
Everyone went from yewww to yuckk, running away as if it was an asteroid.
When we girls felt deeply hurt and embarrassed, the girl who was on her period spoke loud and clear.
Yes, I am on my period. So was your mother and so is your sister. If not for it, you wouldn’t be here. If you have a problem with it, then you probably are mentally sick. Get yourself checked.
The class learned a lesson. It’s not the period that’s disgusting, but the person who feels that way.

Keep sharing your views and stand a chance to win the medical-grade silicone cups from Stonesoup. Winners will be announced on 23rd May 2023.

WE are passionate about debunking misinformation, promoting sustainable menstrual practices, and empowering women to make informed choices. By embracing traditional wisdom, advocating for chemical-free options, and encouraging open conversations, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future. Let’s break the silence, #LetsTalkPeriod!

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SHO Tomar shares that there are 2 main reasons for any cybercrime – Greed and Fear.

Sexual Harassment of girls and Financial cheating embroiled through emotional traps for older women top the charts for cyber crime against women!

The podcast is a valuable resource for women who may be vulnerable to cybercrime and are unsure of what to do if they fall victim to it. SHO Pawan Tomar provides detailed information on how to report cybercrime, including the types of evidence that may be needed and the different agencies that can be contacted for assistance.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all over the world. This year’s theme is “DigitALL: Technology & Innovation for Gender Equality.” The theme highlights the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to promote gender equality and empower women in all aspects of life.

In today’s digital world, women face unique challenges and risks online. Cybercrime against women is a growing problem in India. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime against women increased by 50% in 2019 compared to the previous year. According to SHO Tomar, 90% of social media crimes are targeted at women. The two main offenses are cyber stalking of younger girls and financial cheating of older women.

Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment where the perpetrator repeatedly sends unwanted messages or follows the victim on social media platforms or other online spaces. Younger girls are particularly vulnerable to cyberstalking, with many cases involving perpetrators who are known to them. Infact in most cases, the victims may have been in a relationship with the perpetrator and as revenge for the relationship gone sour, the boys may also threaten or leak some intimate videos or photos to harass or blackmail the girl. This type of cybercrime can have a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of victims.

On the other hand, financial cheating is a type of cybercrime that targets older women who may be less tech-savvy and more trusting of strangers. Perpetrators use online platforms to establish relationships with victims and gain their trust before asking for money or access to their financial accounts. This type of cybercrime can lead to significant financial losses for victims besides the emotional trauma that they experience.

To address these issues, it is essential to promote digital literacy among women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities. Education and training on safe online behavior can help women protect themselves from cybercrime and make informed decisions about their online activities. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen laws and policies to better protect women from online harassment and abuse.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, let us renew our commitment to promoting gender equality in all aspects of life, including the digital sphere. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, we can create a world where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.

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Last year, I reached out to Ruma Roka, who has been a SABERA awardee, to discuss the idea of the #LetsTalkPeriod session at the Noida Deaf Society. It would require a sign language interpreter to communicate the session to the girls and their mothers, who would also be invited to the 90-minute workshop followed by hot samosas and a soft drink.

On the 25th day of January 2023, WE conducted our very first session with a classroom of girls with hearing impairment along with some of their mothers. The girls were interactive from the word go and had lots of questions, observations, and comments. It was heartening to see that they weren’t shy to express their views on Periods or Menstrual hygiene! Maybe their inability to hear has cocooned them of the social constructs and taboos!

Their openness and confidence definitely reflected the safe space that the Noida Deaf Society and its teachers provide for them to help them live well-rounded life despite their disabilities. I was apprised of some horror stories of how deaf girls are extremely vulnerable and can be subject to exploitation by their own teachers. Being visually able, young deaf girls like all other teenagers, like to dress up and look good. There have been cases where the teachers have exploited them sexually, in the lure of a dress or jeans, the heinous acts being hidden in the girls’ inability to speak up for themselves.

We gifted the girls, 20 LAADLI Kits(containing 5 cloth pads, 2 jackets, and I small purse ) that were received pro bono from Stonesoup trust. The girls were also taught how to use, wash, dry, and store them.

The feedback from the girls post the session was humbling and I am grateful for this opportunity.

Karishma was the Indian sign Language interpreter. The only request I had to heed was to go slow. On average, an interpreter is required to take a break after 60 minutes but Karishma was just as passionate about it.

We wrapped the session, as usual with some yog asanas and simple home remedies to address irregularities through periods including cramps, body aches, and rash but the most important factor is to reinforce a positive association with this natural regular cycle that mother nature has bestowed on us to sustain the universe. This also helps allay a lot of these symptoms when we look forward to the periodic cycle.

Incase, you would like us to conduct this workshop in your institute or organization, do write to us at womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

You can also contribute here to help us reach out to more girls and women with the #LetsTalkPeriod session and to gift a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution of a menstrual cup or cloth pad.

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We were on the last leg of the sessions that needed to be completed on combating violence against women across India. Telangana and Karnataka were done in quick succession in November 2022 but one last one was still left pending. The schedule was tight with SABERA 2022 around the corner and the impending exams of the JOSH TALKS student coordinator Vanshika. In addition to this, the state colleges were also on the verge of going for their winter break. There was a slim window available and Vanshika somehow managed to fix a session in Odisha (a state I had long wanted to visit). Almost overnight all concerned confirmations and logistics were organized. And on the morning of 15th December, we landed in Bhubaneswar to complete 12 states and the 20th session, on Standing up for what’s right across the youth of the country through different states.

The session was planned for the next day on the 16th, so we made the most of the day available when we landed. First, to visit the Konark or the Sun Temple and soon after to pay our obeisance to Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Did you know Odhisa was originally called Utkal* (as also mentioned in the national anthem)?

The next day, that is the 16th of December, we received an overwhelming reception on the college campus of the Einstein Academy of Technology and Management. The session to stand up for what’s right seemed to have reached a befitting finale! An outreach I strongly believe is a blessing from my Guru who empowers me with the energy to do so. I draw a lot of the content from the case learnings of Nirbhaya including the steps we documented with Chhaya Sharma to seek justice in case of sexual violence.

It was only after the session was complete that someone pointed out that it’s 10 years today on 16th December since Nirbhaya! Imagine our surprise and the dots connecting without us being aware. While we may forget but when Devi Ma guides everything just seems to fall in place perfectly.

We’ve come a full circle. I was guided by my Guru to channel constructively the seething anger and helplessness I felt when the Nirbhaya case unfolded. And indeed it has been a befitting finale with the visit to Jagannath Puri and Konark sun temple thrown in for good measure 🙂

*UTKAL = UTKRISHT + KALA. Or the most beautiful art which reflects through not just the land’s historical monuments but is alive and throbbing in the cultural expressions from weaving, painting, sculpting, or even silver filigree work and more.

Here are some quick tips on both the places we visited.

You must hire a guide at the sun temple to understand the historical significance and architectural marvel at Konark. It is believed that the main deity was suspended in mid-air through heavy-duty magnets from all sides. The magnets were so strong that they disrupted the navigation of the invader’s ship’s route. The first thing the Portuguese did on discovering the temple was to dislodge these magnets, which resulted in the collapse of the deity and the main Garb Griha of the temple.

At Jagannath Puri, no bags or phones are allowed so ensure to keep them safe either in the vehicle or one of the shops outside. If you manage to go around the evening you can witness the change of the Dhwaja atop the temple tied to the Chakra at 6 pm. The Chakra itself when viewed from any side of the temple will always seem to be facing the onlooker. Be wary of the Pandits who promise you prasad or a piece of the Dhwaja, they are just out to make a quick buck on the devout’s faith. You can partake in Prasad of khichadi, daal, sabzi, and sweet sitting at the Anna GrIh at a nominal cost of Re 100.

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>

To read about the Hyderabad Chapter click here>>

To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>

To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>

To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>

To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>

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 (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.

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An approximately 45-minute drive from the airport would take you to the Vardhman College of Engineering, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Vardhman provides technical education to over 5000 students and boasted of the highest Gender ratio of 60:40 among all the colleges/universities that we have traveled to so far. In fact, we were apprised that some of the courses like that of computer science attracted a 50:50 ratio. In Kerala, earlier, we had noticed a higher ratio of girls in specific courses like Civil Engineering. In our conversation with the Principal Dr. JVR Ravindra and the HOD of electrical engineering Dr. Asif, while discussing gender parity in engineering courses, they shared their observations on Kerala, where a lot of the girls were absorbed by the Gulf Construction companies. Considered a valuable asset as the girls made very diligent and sincere workers in comparison to their male counterparts.

We reached a day before the session scheduled for 18th November and in quick succession of the session in Bangalore, Karnataka on 15th earlier in the week. Our first trip to Hyderabad beckoned us to visit at least some of its iconic sites. Of all the places we chose the Salar Jung, museum. Hiring a guide we walked down the dusty (quite literally) shelves of world history as recreated by the personal collection of artifacts of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan or popularly known as Salar Jung III.

The next day we reached a jam-packed hall to conduct the session with students of all genders in rapt attention. A 60-minute interactive workshop embellished with extensive research data, and videos are wrapped with the steps to be taken that have been documented with IPS Chhaya Sharma, in case of sexual violence. A customary selfie post the workshops is a testimony to our interaction and the impact it makes on the fertile minds of the youth despite the intense session. As an immediately actionable suggestion, we also encourage the institutes to invest in counselors not just as a cursory requirement but to measure and monitor the well-being of the students all through their course. At Gitam university in Andhra Pradesh, the students have access to online counseling all year round through Yourdost. We were told that the university has taken the subscription on behalf of the students and counselors are in touch with the faculty in case an intervention is required.

We flew back to Delhi the same evening, though not before some shopping at the Karachi Bakery (The tutti Frutti biscuits are worth the hype). Vanshika continues to coordinate and streamline all logistics involved including identifying and scheduling the sessions with the different state universities. She is inspiring in her own right, besides interning with JOSH TALKS she also tops her class at Delhi University where she pursues her Master’s Degree in Sociology.

We still had another session to go before the year ended. Only we didn’t realize it would be on the 10th year since Nirbhaya on 16th December. Now that’s a story for the next blog!

If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.

Links for further study

To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>

To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>

To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>

To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>

To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>

To read about Assam Chapter click here>>

To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>

To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>

To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>

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 (Annual Awards and Summit by the  Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.

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