Jyotsna Creats History For The First Time In India By Establishing Special School

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women.

There Is a saying that  never dreams about success. worked for it . And exactly this is how Jyotsna Waghmare sees her life and also encourages others. She's a special educator and started a school named Dakshinya Academy for Autisand learning disability children. Dakshinya is the first special school in India to receive an international school award from the British Council. Jyotsna Waghmare shares her journey with Pincaster Ruhi Mali.

Two factors inspired me the most, one is my role model and another is the situation. My role model is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. I'm from the Buddhist community  and have read enormously about him, his struggle, motivation. These motivated me to do something for the society. 

The second factor is poverty, I was born in family which was economically not so forward and I knew it was very difficult to earn for the livelihood. It was always there in my mind that I have to earn well, I have to support my family. I completed my 12th std, but due to some unfavourable circumstances I have to go for the field of special education. I was in my teenage years, when my father passed away. No one was there in my family to earn. So, I didn't have any option but to earn. I came  to know that a course is going on Diploma & the government is giving you the stipend of 10,000 rupees. And at that time I need that money for my family. I took up the course and I liked it. When I completed my education I decided to continue in the same field. That's how I became a special educator. I chose Autism and learning disability because twenty years ago people were not at all aware what Autism and learning disability is. 

Today also people hardly accept women as a leader. Very few  accept women as a leader. Running a school for middle class family girl is not an easy task. It is indeed not an ordinary job and for that you need your family's support . In an ordinary family it's very difficult to pursue something out of the box . You hardly get any family  support. even I didn't get any support from my family. Initially even  people used to said like, you won't be able to do that, you'll face a lot of struggle. Many suggested that I should go for an eight hours job. Society has that typical intellection that women are not capable to lead any institution or a company. Being from a middle class family every woman or girl have faced these difficulties and questions. Society has already defined the  gender based role. They can't see a woman in the position of  power.  Psychologically they won't accept that.  

Women have some specific qualities like emotional, intelligence, coaching, mentoring, collaboration, participation and because of these qualities she can be a leader. So society has to accept and taken a lot of time to accept women in that position. Even I faced a lot of challenges from my family and community. It took plenty of time and I took challenges to convince them . Society hadn't accepted disability so easily, and I had to put a lot of  effort on each and every stage . Economic support was the most significant barrier in my career, since my family was not in the position to support me economically. Attributable to the pandemic we lost everything, we had to leave our rental places and people again jeered me that if you would have taken a government job you would have been in a better position than today. When I started my own school, my family was not happy, they opposed me. My school principal even  convinced me for a government job. They were very insecure, they said that  it will be very difficult and of course they were right in their point of view as they .

Being a marathi medium student I have always seen that I have to achieve a lot. I was just 12th when I did the course of special education. When I started my career as a special educator, I never thought that I would ever be in that position, but yes I wanted to attain that. I thought that it'll take a lot of time, but I accomplished everything before the 25 th of my age. Consequently, I achieved everything very early in a limited span of time. I had put a lot of effort into my profession.  I used to work for  18 hours . I think hard work and smart work only helps you to achieve your goal in life. It feels very great for me as Dakshinya is the first special school in India to receive an international school award from the British Council.

I feel that our society is very diplomatic. In India women are given the status of goddess and restrictions are imposed on the same goddess. Those days gender discrimination was visible and used to be in highlighted form. Today the scenario has changed to some extent. But still exists to some extent. In today's world also women leave their choices to see smiles on others faces. As per the society women have no right to make their own choices and have their opinion, still we expect women to live their life for others. Being someone's role model is my greatest achievement I feel. Whenever I meet girls or young women they always want to shape their life by listening or seeing my stories. And of course if I see professionally my special school Dakshinya academy has been awarded by british council award for the first time in India. It is a  history itself.  

I would suggest  that focus on how the child wants to learn from you rather than how you want to teach the child. These field has immense scope and  need for a really good special educator. Therefore if someone really wants to to enter this profession you're welcome and enjoy the true freedom of working with special needs.

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নিজের ওপর আস্থা এবং কঠিন পরিশ্রমেই নিলাভ আকাশ আজ সেলিব্রেটি মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট

তিনি টলিউডের প্রশংসিত মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট। । Lakme fashion week হোক বা যে কোন রানওয়ে শো, তাঁর মেকআপের ইন্দ্রজালেই প্রতিষ্ঠা পায় ফ্যাশন ডিজাইনারের নান্দনিকতা। যে কোনো  brand shoot -কে সফল করতে তাঁর শিল্পের যথেষ্ট ভূমিকা রয়েছে। আবার তিনি bridal makeup artist। তাঁর ব্রাশের ছোঁয়াতেই নিজেদের ডি - ডেতে মোহময়ী হয়ে ওঠে নবধূরা। তাঁর পেশা তাঁর কাছে শিল্প। আর এই শিল্পকে ভালোবেসেই আকাশ বাড়ৈ আজকের টলিউডের অতি পরিচিত সেলিব্রেটি মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট নিলাভ আকাশ। তবে  টলিউড ছাড়িয়ে গোটা দেশেই ছড়িয়ে পড়েছে তাঁর ব্রাইডাল মেকআপের কদর। Bongjournal - এর সাথে চুটিয়ে আড্ডা দিতে গিয়ে জানালেন সেলিব্রেটি মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হয়ে ওঠার কাহিনী। 

মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হওয়ার স্বপ্ন দেখা কবে থেকে শুরু? 

আমার  খুব  ছোট থেকেই সাজগোজের প্রতি ঝোঁক ছিল। নিজেকে ছোট থেকেই সাজিয়ে গুছিয়ে রাখতে পছন্দ করতাম। মনে আছে কনো অনুষ্ঠান থাকলে   বাড়িতে দিদিদের বা অন্যান্য বড়দের সাজ নিয়ে যথেষ্ট পরামর্শ দিতাম। 

ছোটবেলা থেকেই জানতাম যে ৯ -৫টার চাকরি আমি করব না। আত্মবিশ্বাস ছিল যে মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হিসেবে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে পারবই। তাই বাংলায় স্নাতক শেষ করার পর  মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হিসেবে কাজ শুরু করি। তবে এটা তো শিল্প। এর জন্য সঠিক প্রশিক্ষণের প্রয়োজন রয়েছে। তাই অধ্যাবসায় ছোট থেকে থাকলেও  ক্লাস ইলেভেন থেকেই প্রশিক্ষণ নিতে শুরু করি। 

শুরুর দিনগুলো কেমন ছিল? 

শুরুর দিকে সব পেশাতেই যুদ্ধ থাকে। এক লাফেই পাহাড়ের চূড়ায় আরোহণ করা সম্ভব নয়। ব্যতিক্রম হয়নি আমার ক্ষেত্রেও। প্রথম দিকে আমার যারা সিনিয়র ছিলেন মানে ইন্ডাস্ট্রিতে যারা ব্রাইডাল মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট তাদের অ্যসিসট করতাম। আমি হয়তো ঘুমিয়ে রয়েছি, ১০ মিনিটের মধ্যে কল টাইম দেওয়া হল। তখন ঠিক সেই সময়তেই পৌঁছে যেতে হয়েছে। অনেক সময় কিছু না খেয়েই যেতে হয়েছে। কারণ সঠিক সময় না পৌঁছে যেতে পারলে টিম কিন্তু আমাকে ছেড়ে চলে যেত। তখন ওই বাস ট্রামে ভিড় ঠেলেই যেতে হয়েছে কারণ তখন সহজেই ওলা উবের চেপে যাতায়াত করার ক্ষমতা ছিল না। এরপর সিনিয়ররা ভালোবেসে যতটুকু দিয়েছেন সেইটুকু নিয়েই কাজটা শিখতে চেষ্টা করে গিয়েছি। 

আমার প্রথম  সোলো কাজ ব্রাইডাল মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হিসেবেই। পাড়ার চেনা পরিচিতদের মধ্যেই কাজ শুরু করি  মিনিমাম উপার্জনেই। এরপর আমার কাজ ভালো লাগেলে পরিচিতি বারে। ব্যাংগালোর, নাগাল্যান্ড, রাচি, ভারতবর্ষের বিভিন্ন প্রান্তে ব্রাইডাল মেকআপের জন্য ডাক পড়ে। 

টলিউডে প্রথম দিনের কথা মনে পড়ে? 

আট নয় বছর হয়ে গেল এই ইন্ডাস্ট্রিতে। কিন্তু সেই দিনটা এখনও মনে পড়ে। একটি প্রসাধনী কম্পানীর শু্ট ছিল। সেদিন আমি অ্যসিসট করতেই গিয়েছিলাম।সামনে ছিলেন অভিনেত্রী পায়েল সরকার। একটু নার্ভাস তো ছিলামই। ভাবছিলাম কি করে এত বড় মাপের অভিনেত্রীর সামনে নিজেকে প্রেজেন্ট করব। তবে যাই হোক দিনটা ভালোভাবে উৎরে গিয়েছিল। 

এরপর একে একে অনেক সেলেবদের সঙ্গেই কাজ করেছি যেমন কনীনিকাদি, তনুশ্রী চক্রবর্তী। আরও একটা কথা মনে পড়ছে, একদম শুরুর দিকে তনুশ্রীদি বলেছিলেন যে "ইন্ডাস্ট্রিতে সদ্য কাজ শুরু করেছ। ধীরে ধীরে পরিচিতি বাড়বে। মাথা ঠান্ডা রাখবে। তোমার হবে। তুমি অনেক দূর এগোতে পারবে।

তোমার ইন্সপিরেশন? 

আমার গুরু পাপিয়া চন্দ। এছাড়াও রয়েছেন বলিউড লেজেন্ড Mickey Contractor। ওনার মেকআপ করার স্টাইল ভীষণভাবে আমাকে অনুপ্রাণিত করে। টলিউডের দেবীদার মেকআপ করার স্টাইলও ফলো করি। এছাড়াও  ফলো করি আমেরিকান মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট James Charles Dickinson

প্রায় দশ বছর তো হয়ে গেলো। নিজের  achievement -কে কি করে বর্ণনা করবে? 

আমি কিন্তু নিজেকে ব্রাইডাল মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হিসেবে বেশী সফল মনে করি। অভিনয় যারা করেন তাঁরা তো প্রতিদিনই কোনও না কোনও মেকআপ করছেন চরিত্র ফুটিয়ে তোলার লক্ষ্যে। কিন্তু যে মেয়েটি ব্রাইড, সেই মেয়েটির জন্য এই একটি দিনই খুব গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। ওই  একটি দিনই সে সাজবে যা তার সারাজীবন মনে থাকবে। আমিও তাই বেস্ট দেবারই চেষ্টা করি। আর আমি সাজানোর পর নিজেদের আয়নাতে দেখে যখন তারা বলে ওঠে "like wow", আনন্দে আমাকে জড়িয়ে ধরে তখন মনে হয় এটাই তো আমার সেরা পাওনা। 

এ ছাড়া আমার কাছে কাজ শিখে অনেকেই এখন মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হিসেবে সফলতা পেয়েছে। তারা যখন আমাকে বলে, দাদা তোমাকে দেখে অনুপ্রাণিত হয়েছি। বাড়ির লোক সাপোর্ট করেনি। তবুও তোমাকে ফলো করি, পোস্ট দেখে কাজ শুরু করার সাহস পাচ্ছি তখন খুব ভালো লাগে। 

আচছা মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট নিয়ে কোন ট্যাবু কি এখনও রয়েছে? মুখোমুখি হয়েছ কোনদিন? 

সত্যি কথা বলতে বাবা মায়ের থেকে প্রচুর সাপোর্ট পেয়েছি। বাধা দেননি কনো কিছুতেই। যা করতে চেয়েছি তাই করতে দিয়েছেন। তবে হ্যাঁ আত্মীয় স্বজনরা প্রশ্ন তুলেছেন যে কেন ছেলে হয়ে অন্য চাকরি করবো না। 

এবার কি তাহলে বলিউড ?

হ্যা  নিশ্চই ! ইচ্ছে তো আছে 

যারা  ব্রাইডাল মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট হতে চায় তাদের কি বলবে? 

ধৈর্য  রাখতে হবে। প্রথম দিকেই যদি কেউ মনে করে দুদিন এসেই হাজার হাজার টাকা নিয়ে ব্রাইডাল মেকআপ আর্টিস্ট  হয়ে যাবে তা হলে ভুল করবে। প্রতিদিন নিজের সেরাটা দিয়ে যেতে হবে যতদিন না সফলতা অর্জন করতে পারছ। তারপরও কিন্তু শিখে যেতে হবে। এখন নতুনদের দেখি। তারা আসছে। দুদিন দুটো শুট করছে, portfolio বানিয়ে পোস্ট করে দিচ্ছে। কিন্তু বেস তো তৈরি হচ্ছে না। মনে রাখতে হবে প্রতিটি মেকআপই একজন মেকআপ শিল্পীর কাছে স্বপ্ন। আমার গুরু যিনি ,পাপিয়াদি শিখিয়েছিলেন সব সময় polite থাকতে। নিজের ওপর আস্থা রেখে এগিয়ে চলতে শিখিয়েছেন । এবং নিজের সেরাটা  দিয়ে যেতে বলেছেন। আমি ঠিক সেইভাবেই এগিয়ে গিয়েছি। নতুন যারা আস্তে চাইছে তাদের সেই একই কথা বোলবো 

Do you like our story / Want to share some stories with us then write to us at

bongjournal.info@gmail.com

My Feminity Is My Strength : Naaz Joshi, India's First International Trans Queen

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women

Use and throw like a tissue,

Do you think being a girl is an issue?”

A girl, woman, and transwoman everyone demands respect in society. Though not to mention that every day is women’s day and every woman is an inspiration in society. Speaking of inspiration, let’s unfold the story of India’s first international trans beauty queen,trans rights activist and a motivational speaker Naaz Joshi. A successful fashion designer who worked with reputed designer like Ritu kumar and Ritu Beri. She speaks about her journey, her struggle, her motivation, her faith, and many more with our pincaster Charu Upadhyay. 

Tell us about yourself? 

I will not say much about myself, though a lot has already been said. Like any other trans girl my life is also full of troubles. I was abandoned at the age of seven, and at the age of eleven I was molested by my cousin’s brothers. And this kept on happening to me by my school teachers, maternal uncle, or my paternal uncle. It was  an ongoing process to me, and that’s why I have never seen a smooth childhood. I don’t have any school friends or friends as such”.

Your journey as a designer and model ? 

I came back to Delhi. I have my cousin’s sister in Delhi, Viveka Babajee, and she had guided me to become a fashion designer. I had completed my graduation from NIFT and also my fashion designer course from Pearl Academy fashion Delhi. Then I did my post-graduation, MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and worked under the two noted designers Ritu Kumar and Ritu Beri. Although the problems continue, as craftsmen working there are orthodox and they could not accept the male acting as female. Due to these reasons, I have to quit my job as I am mentally very stressed. People used to stare at me, laugh at me and it was becoming tough for me.”

Then I decided to make My FEMINITY MY STRENGTH. And decided to go to the gender change surgery. I met the surgeon and got to know that it is an expensive process. And then I started my journey as sex worker to add money for the surgery. I met the photographer, who was then looking for a trans model to work on the project named 'Life of a transgender prostitute’. We shoot for 1 year; it is a kind of black and white series based on my life and other people’s lives as well. He shoots me in many ways like wearing a net saree. And in 2013, I made enough money to get the surgery done. The surgery is somehow not as good as post-surgery. There was no one to look after me. My sister  showed me the mirror after the surgery. I replied  it’s just this body I wanted from God and thankfully I arranged for the money and made it happen.

I had been working in the fashion industry since 1994,when  I was only ten. Later, I decided that I gathered enough experience and knowledge to share. So, I decided to start my grooming institute  and started to train. 

I own the title of India’s first trans model. Long before me there were many trans models  but they only did one or two shows and someone with only one or two shows cannot be called a model. I have been modelling continuously. In 2015, I was recognised by IBN and they wanted to make a documentary on me. In the same year Tehelka magazine was looking for a  trans girl to be featured in their magazine. I got the opportunity and that was for the first time a trans woman was featured in the magazine in India. At that time my parents accepted me and I started living with them. After that I started getting shows and I was India’s first-ever trans show stopper. As I always believe in upgrading myself. So I started the pageant Mrs India Homemaker in 2015 for homemakers, who wanted to do something for themselves.   I got the inspiration from an eighteen years old married girl. I took the initiative to represent girls at the international pageants platforms. The girls from my pageants won Mrs Earth, Mrs. universe, Mrs. Republic International, and many more. In 2016, I got a call from Ms United Nations, a pageant called Ms Madison. They are looking for a girl from India but at that time there was no franchise  in India. I went there and sponsored my clothes, flight tickets all on my own. Despite all the challenges I won the pageant. Since then, I have won many pageants such as Ms World Diversity, Ms Trans Queen India, Ms Universe Diversity, and in 2021 Empress Earth. Apart from all these, I  also worked for women for their rights. I also worked with the ex-member of the parliament, Mr Udit Raj. At present, I am the brand ambassador of 8 companies”. 

On this journey of yours who was your major supporter or motivator?

I came from a Hindu-Muslim family where my mother is Muslim and my father is Hindu. I always believe in Lord Krishna. I do meditation. I have my dreams. I want to bring an Oscar for India. Whenever I take a step forward I always believe that Lord Krishna is there with me. I always believe that we women are blessed with power, we are strong enough to stand for ourselves.

Your views on discrimination due to sexuality or gender identity? 

When I read the article "society still can't accept women in uniform" that was published in your platform, I can relate to it very much as people don’t want to accept women in power. Similarly, people don’t want to accept trans women in western dresses. Recently, I watched the movie ‘Gunjan Saxena.' The problems she faced, like there is only a men’s washroom and no washroom or changing room for women likewise. In the same way there is no washroom or changing room for trans women as well. Though in 2014, the supreme court said that there will be a gender-neutral washroom for which we are still waiting. Even when I go to pageants there is no changing room for trans women. There are changing rooms for men and women but trans women suffer for this. Slowly and steadily, I was accepted in the women’s washroom or changing rooms. Also, whenever I called for any event people didn't pay me. Even if trans women do any music video or anything as such people don’t want to pay as there are many trans women who want to do it free of cost.

Countries like Nepal, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines are blessed with these changes. In India, people need to understand that there are changes and should make clothes accordingly. Trans in India have broad shoulders and they do face problems with clothes. As a model, I have faced these problems because the clothes don’t fit properly, especially on the chest. I want to say through this medium that as a model we are promoting clothes of designers and we should get paid for it too. Apart from clothes, I also want to say that when in movies like ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ a woman can play the role of a trans woman, why not us? It’s like you are giving our roles to them but not giving us a chance. We can play the role more beautifully.  Even some trans men can play the role of hero, they are handsome, they act, they have a voice as a man. Why not give them a chance? There are my trans sisters begging on roads why not give them a chance to work. I want to ask people how they will feel when other people will stare at them and laugh at them? Is it our fault that we are born as trans gender? God himself never discriminated then why people are doing this?

There was a time when I went to the police station after being raped to file a complaint the officers  said that there was no law in the constitution for trans women and we cannot help you on the same. I want to ask where we should go. Ministers are working for animals, but they are not taking steps for transgenders. Then where should we go for help or who should we call for help?”

What are the misperceptions about trans people that our society has?

Misperception that people have about us is that trans people wearing a saree and big Bindi on the forehead will beg on roads. Or if they are wearing short skirts or short dresses, they are a prostitute. People think that these people should not get home to stay. They can’t digest the fact that trans women are wearing short dresses. People look down upon us.

If you have a chance to advise people on LGBT, what would you say?

first let us remove the T from and LGB these all are the sexual orientation. It has nothing to harm you. Many  think if they are friends with a gay boy or lesbian girl, they will also get a tag of it. They should have confidence in their sexuality. Why can’t you go out with your gay friends? Transgender is a different thing altogether. It is an umbrella term. Some people undergo surgery for their trans term. 

In India, people discriminate against people for their sexuality. You will be surprised to know that Pakistan is more progressive in terms of trans people. Trans people there are getting work, movies, shows, or music videos, unlike India. Trans women there are very liberalized. They respect women. 

Message on women’s day

We women don’t need any special day to celebrate women’s day. We just want a woman to stand for another woman regardless of their sexuality. A true queen is the one who is not adjusting her crown but the one who helps others to adjust their crown.     

Do you like our story / Want to share some stories with us then write to us at

bongjournal.info@gmail.com

 

An Enterpreneur and Fashion designer from Assam helping weavers and artisans to become economically self-reliant

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer Sheikh Moidun Nilufar shares her journey of success with pincaster Ruhi Mali

There is a saying "Women empowerment isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world see's that strength". And exactly this is how Nilufar sees her life and also encourage others do the same. She working as a fashion, textile, cluster and Empanel designer,  Entrepreneur and Business owner of weave India. Awarded as best women entrepreneur. Helping at least 25 weavers and 50 artisans to become financially independent.

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My Mom has always been an inspiration for me. She kept supporting me, She never hold me back. Instead we're working together. My family is very much outward  they never told  me to stop anywhere. My husband is also very supportive. He keeps on encouraging me also we work together. He came along with me wherever I went for my work. 

Nowadays society is accepting working women more than earlier and in today's world almost every women are working. Being a girl from Muslim community, I was the first girl of my family to go out and start business. But now my younger sisters also following the same footstep. Many years ago, when I started my career as a fashion designer I had never imagined that I would have a leadership role in this profession. It was really challenging for me. Financially I was not that much advanced. I had to work very hard to get job. In Village area it's quite difficult to get fund. I worked hard  but was getting minimum amount. 

Usually my work revolves round fashion designing and textile designing. There are two parts in fashion, one is going to the stage and work with models, ramping up and be into the fashion world. But I haven't chosen that. I chose to work and unclip my wings in village. But what I find difficult is that to get good artisans in villages. So I had worked with many departments to search good artisans. In search of good artisans and labors I have struggled out a lot. 

Nowadays women are more progressive .  Some women might have religious problem. In spite of that they are  working, and also they're taking steps to earn money. Previously women were dependent on their husbands  but now very less women are dependent on their husbands if the husband is doing good job then also wife is still working. Not only like jobs & their own business, they're living their passion actually. I feel glad as Weave India has been awarded by the hon. finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman. I never thought that it will be awarded under the entrepreneurship program . Smriti Irani madam has also been very supportive for us, recently she had  to Assam in last week and has inspired many women entrepreneurs, so I feel very proud for that. 

I am happy that artisans who work with me in my business are able to earn their livelihood even in this pandemic situation.  During lockdown, business was fully shut down and it was very difficult to make both ends meet. In spite of such situation I was able to pay my artisans and weavers so that they could feed their family. I feel like this is a great achievement for me. 

Our society needs to go ahead a long, as still there are few narrow minded conservative people who still think that women should stay at home. They should change their primitive mindset. I always ask people to come forward. As a women, fashion designing is not as difficult as people think. If women want then they could easily start their business. We women are always fond of clothes. If you are able to make some designer outfits by staying at  home , then you can earn money easily and you don't need to wait for someone to hold up your business. So I think more girls should come forward for designing training or course and take this to another level as a business for entrepreneurship. 

Do you like our story / Want to share some stories with us then write to us at

bongjournal.info@gmail.com

An Educationist and her Exceptional Contribution in Pedagogical Innovation

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women

Educator REETIKA BHANDARI shares her journey of success with Sreeja Ghosh

Plenty of women opt to study STEM. But research shows only a moderate numbers of women carry their career in Science and Technology, particularly in India. REETIKA BHANDARI not only successfully carry forward her career in science but also successfully simplify the subject like chemistry through creative form which was accepted worldwide.

HOD CHEMISTRY GHPS NEW DELHI and a resource person with CBSE COE. Recipient of Best Education Outreach 2021 Asia Pacific Excellence Award, Mentor of the year award and Guru Vashisth utkrust samman with 23 years of experience in the field of education with diverse experience and strong track record fostering child centred curriculum and student creativity. REETIKA BHANDARI trained almost 5000 teachers on various tools and strategies and got a very positive response. She is a raconteur and podcast creator who believes in integrative, cross culture with inquisitive approach by conducting workshops, webinars and teacher trainings on topics like experiential learning, Art Integration, Dramatics in teaching, Chemistry teaching strategies and many more.  She also pen down with reputed publications for science books

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When I came to Delhi it was not easy finding job as most of the schools wanted experienced teachers for teaching higher classes and I was too young for that. The working atmosphere in Delhi schools was different from Dehradun which was a very small town at that time and Delhi schools preferred people from Delhi university.

I was new to place and after  birth of my son it was more difficult to pursue job as I had a lot of family responsibilities, but I did not give up. I had an opportunity to serve in one of the best schools and I proved that hard work and dedication can help you in achieving your goals by keeping a balance with family life. It was a struggling time for me and my husband as we were on Rental house, small kid and professional growth without  support of family members. I tried to give my best to my students and son and I hope I achieved it.

Academic life before pursuing diploma in human rights.

I did my post graduation in organic chemistry in year 1996 and BEd in year 1998. After I started with my job  I kept attending teacher trainings to improve my skills. I got certified by HELGA RODD FOUNDATION UK and was selected as a mentor.

Inspite of being a science student why did you opt for HUMAN RIGHTS .How did it complement my career?

On 10 December 2018 I attended   70 th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights at India International centre. It was really wonderful hearing ambassadors from different countries talking about Human rights and I realized that so many people in this world are deprived of basic rights specially women. I really wanted to understand the subject to make myself and my students aware so that we can bring a change.

And now when NEP says no silos between sciences and humanities , I think I would be an asset to my organization.

In future I  like to get associated with some NGO so that I can work in this field for betterment of society.

Pedagogical innovations in chemistry

I always try to simplify my subject so that my students enjoy them. Students love stories and hands on activities which they can easily correlate with the real life scenarios. I try teaching through dramatics and storytelling. Songs and poetry children enjoy in learning science.

I have my podcast on Spotify and other platform called CHEMISTRY STORIES  where I keep sending difficult topics as stories and this has a wonderful response not only in India but I have reached so many countries across the globe.

Contribution to society in Covid 19

During COVID 19 the most challenging part for teachers was technology and teaching strategies. I too was not tech savvy and knew a very little but I did not give up. I joined many online sessions and took help of my son  to become better at tech part. I did a lot of certifications.

Meanwhile I arranged lot of online sessions for teachers who needed help on topics like art integration, stress management ,experiential learning, story telling and dramatics as with advent of NEP2020 and CBSC circulars teachers required a lot of guidance in all these teaching strategies. I trained almost 5000 teachers on various tools and strategies and got a very positive response

Women's Day Message To QTV LIVE

Pamper your feet with Deyga Mini Foot Spa Combo

Have you ever thought that which part of our body do we neglect most? When it comes to pampering ourselves we spend a huge amount of money on our face, hands, and hair. But what about those parts on which our body holds the whole balance. What about those beautiful feet with which we walk towards our dream?  Yes, the most ignored part of our body, happens to be our feet. Heel fissures, dry and rough skin, and exfoliation of skin are very common problems which people generally neglect. As a consequence we feel pain and sometimes heel cracks may get infected. But it could be avoided if we follow a few simple tricks from the very beginning of the problems. Scrubbing and moisturising are the two steps which could simply save our feet making it look perfect. 

Scrubber and moisturizer are easily available in the market. But can we use them? Are they safe? Are they chemical free? These are some common questions which may arise in our mind. So most of us are now moving towards organic products. Keeping these questions in mind Deyga organic designed it's products with all natural ingredients. 

Deyga has huge range of organic products among which they send me mini foot spa combo ie. Deyga Foot Scrub and Deyga foot butter. The two most essential products to keep your feet healthy and Beautiful. 

Deyga foot scrub and foot spa arrives in a simple round shaped container. The foot spa was well cover with silver foil to protect from light and contamination. 

Experience with Deyga Foot Scrub

The best foot Scrub I have used till now. Why? I have dry skin. Most scrubbers that I used generally make my skin get more dry. But to my surprise, Deyga foot Scrub makes my skin soft, supple, fresh and moisturized from the very first use. My skin can easily skip the moisturizer. I used a scoop of Deyga foot scrub which gently removes the dead skin, the clear skin. It feels buttery smooth with a fresh aroma of mint. My feet feel refreshed throughout the day. I used a scoop of Deyga foot scrub which gently removes the dead skin, unveiling the clear skin. It feels buttery smooth with a fresh aroma of mint. My feet feel refreshed throughout the day. 

Features

The Scrubber is mint green in colour with course granules.

Experience with Deyga Foot Butter

Deyga foot butter did wonder on my feet. This foot butter works excellent on my dry cracked feet. It melts easily and gets absorbed thoroughly on my skin. It has a good combination of Beeswax and virgin coconut oil. Together it repairs and soothes and softens rough skin. I generally used it during the night and woke up with rejuvenated and refreshed skin. It also has extra virgin olive oil. As we know extra virgin olive oil works as an anti-inflammatory and revives skin health. It also has the goodness of Vitamin E and essential oil. Another thing is that any age group can apply this Deyga Foot Butter on their skin. I applied the same on my five years old daughter as well as on my sixty years old mother's skin and the outcome is really admirable. 

Features

Feel like silk when touched and pale yellowish in colour. What I love most is it's aromatic fragrance which lingers for a long time

How I Applied Mini Deyga Foot Spa Combo

To get the best result I generally used it at night. First wash feet with lukewarm water. Take two scoops of foot scrub and massage gently for 3 minutes. You will get a relaxed sensation. Washout with tepid water. Then apply the necessary amount of foot butter. Massage and calm your feet. Woke up with a smooth and supple skin. 

Society still can't accept women in uniform : Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women

Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva Samadder shared her experience with Sreeja Ghosh

"Two stars on my shoulder are better than millions in the sky”  -  This is what she believes in. Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva Samadder ,(Phd, Gold medalist)  working as Lecturer and former head of the Department in Sociology and  Associate NCC officer in Surendranath College under 2 Bengal NCC Bn. After the three months hard work and rigorous Para Military training of PRCN course for Associate NCC officer in Officer’s Training Academy, Gwalior, now Biva Samaddar is posted as Lieutenant (Associate NCC officer) with a glorious result (Alfa Grading) and received two stars on shoulders (class one Gazetted   officer).

In our patriarchal society, there is a common thinking that defence and politics are not meant for women. However, we also have so many examples of women in power, like our former president Pratibha Patel, our present CM Mamata Banerjee and many more who have made a spectacular triumph in their journey of politics. We speak about Indian Air force officer Gunjan Saxena, but still find it difficult to accept the uniform even in the 21st century. I have found many,  particularly women staring at my uniform as if I am wearing something weird. It's very clear that gender discrimination is still prevalent, in the society. I get all my support from my husband. There is a thought that life gets marginalised once a girl gets married. But for me it got enriched. I completed my PhD. (Doctorate) after marriage. I got my job as a professor in college after marriage. 

I have had a deep respect for the uniform since I started my journey as an NCC cadet. I always wanted to be a part of it. But after getting a job in  college, I had to shift my career to an academic stream. But there is a saying where there is a will there is a way. I came to know that returning to the uniform services is not that difficult if I achieve the position of NCC officer. I thank the principal of my college Dr Indranil Kar who also had a background of Sainik school for becoming so supportive. There are generally two divisions ie, senior division for boys and senior wings for girls. I was told to take the initiative. It was me who had the enterprise for mixed battalion and successfully opened NCC unit in my college after getting the affiliation in 2016. 

Unity and discipline is the aphorism of the NCC. That's why I have always insisted on seeing a greater number of women joining NCC. The basic paramilitary training could develop a discipline and leadership quality which actually will help them to overcome any difficult situation and to uplift themselves. My greatest achievement till now is when more girls insisted on joining NCC after seeing me in such a honorary position. I feel so proud when they say "after seeing you in uniform, we get a lot of courage to build our career as an officer like you. Before gaining the rank of class 1 gazetted officer I worked as caretaker officer. During those days participation of women are much less. But participation increased when I completed course work, put on my uniform and started giving training in artillery and weapon, taught them how to hold Point 22 Rifle and many more. 

I still remember those days when I had to go through a rigorous training for three months at OTA Gwalior, away from my family. We don't have permission to even put any photos of our family. We even forget that we are women. We had to go through the toughest training as men. I find it so difficult to cope with all these that I made up my mind to come back after 15 days. But it was my son who insisted me to stay back and complete the whole training. Even my mother doubted my physical strength. I had never been through it, so she told me I am like 'sonar putul' (Golden Doll) and there is no need to go for the training there, as I have a steady job and a married life to look ahead to. At that time, I got immense support from my husband and in-laws. My son was my greatest strength who made all the sacrifices. He had dengue during the training. But no one informed me so that I could complete the paramilitary training. All my family took care of my son. I must say men are more supportive than women. On the other hand, I have found other female members of my in-law's house and even neighbors find it difficult to accept the concept of equality. 

I always emphasise every youth should be joining NCC . In many situations we women find ourselves infirm. But this is not true. If we are doggedly determined to do something we will overcome all obstacles. Our government is encouraging courageous women to participate in the defense Forces and they are also considered for higher ranks in tandem with their men colleagues.