New Indian Woman

A unique volunteering opportunity for all from Dr Shambavi - Episode 28

A volunteering opportunity that does not require any skillset, but just your intention to participate and give. Is that possible ? Listen to this wonderful opportunity from Dr Shambavi Rajagopal of Save Scrap and Sew. No, you don’t need to know sewing to participate in this! Plus, you will be impacting people's lives and even contributing to the environment. You could do it for just a couple of hours per week sitting in your house or walking across to a neighbour's house. You could choose to participate or even start something in your neighbourhood - it doesn’t cost a thing - just the intention to contribute.. And Dr. Shambavi will guide us through her journey.  Interested ? Listen on
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the second category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, The New Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
 
What's in this episode:
 
We start with a brief introduction of Save, Scrap and Sew and move on to the impact this has had until now. Then Dr. Shambavi takes us through the journey of this "movement", right from its birth to its recent 5th birthday!
 
She talks about the importance of starting somewhere with the right intention and how things come together as we go along. She explains how this works - across countries, in multiple locations. How the model of engagement doesn’t require any specific skillset and hence how people of all ages come together and make it more like a community event, with focus on having fun together. She talks about how setting aside just 2 hours a week can create so much impact.
 
We move on to talking about perfection and how we tend to be harsh on ourselves.  And finally, she shares a very interesting message with all women.
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family over Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
To Connect with the guest
 
Mail to :  savescrapnsew@gmail.com
 
Website : http://www.savescrapnsew.com/
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
Twitter : https://twitter.com/thenewindianwo1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thenewindianwoman
 
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Experience the Joy of Giving thru Volunteering - Episode 27

Ever wondered how to engage differently and make your skills available  to a larger group of people ? And that too without any expectations in return ? Welcome to this episode on volunteering - we start with what we mean by this word and why YOU should consider volunteering. Is this something to be examined later when you are less busy ? Or is it just enough to give money for charity ? And then, of course, some practical examples of where you could start and the biggest barriers you are likely to face. Listen to this episode and I invite you to share your experience in this journey.
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the first category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
 
What's in this episode:
 
We examine the common questions around volunteering - what it is and more importantly, what it is not. We also discuss why you should consider volunteering and when is a good time to start. You may think you are already volunteering, but are you ? .
 
How to identify areas and how to start - regardless of who you are, how busy you are. We look at practical options and if this gives you ideas or you want to share more, yes, let us do that in the facebook page.  And why you need to start now and not sometime in the future.
 
Something is holding you back ? We examine the barriers we face, especially in the Indian context and how to overcome.
 
I also share a small anecdote that changed my outlook around volunteering completely. Yes, do not miss this episode.
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
 
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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Welcome to a library session with Usha Mukunda - Episode 26

Experience this very special episode with Usha Mukunda, who is a mentor for librarians across India. Listen to her talk about a few books she has specially curated for this episode and why she recommends these books. Each of these books can be read as an adult or with the children in your life. Is that possible ? Yes, and she tells you why.
 
She introduces us to some very special authors and where we can get books set in the Indian context in regional languages. She also explains how we can engage with the children and adults in our lives thru books.
 
And if you are new to reading, you could not have asked for more. She guides us on what books to start reading and how to make it a joyful experience.
 
And if you are already into reading, she shares how you can play a role in your community/neighbourhood.
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the first category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
 
What's in this episode:
We start with an introduction on the kind of books Usha Mukunda has carefully chosen for this episode. The first is a book from the famous Mahashweta Devi and Usha Mukunda explains what the book is about, relevance of this book, the illustrations and why this book should be seen in the context of who the author is.  She even shares Mahashweta Devi's views on why one should read books.  Usha then goes on to share why Mahashweta Devi is her heroine.
 
 
 
Then she talks about the role of illustrators and how they influence and lift the story and our imagination. Thru the next children's book she shares about equality and  how activism need not be at the cost of one's family.
 
The conversation moves on to how some books need to be read again and again over many years and the importance of books in regional languages and set in Indian context.
 
We examine the next book that also talks about history and start discussing on reading aloud to children.
 
Then she shares valuable tips on how to start reading or introduce reading to your children. She then gives recommendations to find good books - where to look for them, what all to try out, she even suggests wordless books!! And then, even if you don’t read she suggests you do something else..
For this and even wonderful tips on how to engage with your neighbourhood govt school through reading, listen on.
 
Then she moves on to share a very different kind of book and explains why she chose it..
 
And guess what, she would be happy to interact with you and suggest books for you. What do you need to do ? Yes, listen to the episode for the next steps.
 
Scroll down to see the beautiful covers of the books and  links to buy these books and other links referred in this episode.
 
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
To Connect with the guest
Mail to :  usha.mukunda@gmail.com
 
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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Links for you to check out these books and also of Pratham books - 
https://www.tulikabooks.com/wordbird-books/the-why-why-girl-english.html
https://www.tulikabooks.com/in-verse/malu-bhalu-english.html
https://www.tulikabooks.com/general-picture-books/mukand-and-riaz-english.html
https://ashanehemiah.com/2018/05/07/writing-a-story-on-domestic-violence/
 
Pratham Books - https://store.prathambooks.org/

How to find time to read more ? - Episode 25

If you were an avid reader at some point of time in your life and your life has become very busy, I bet you are wanting to read more. And more often than not, you may have tried out a few tips here and there. Still nothing worked ? Looking at practical ways to make reading a part of your life again ?
Yes, this is the episode you should listen to. We discuss practical and simple steps you can try regardless of your age and profile.
If you are new to reading, then, this is the time to start.
These tips take into account what works in the Indian context, for today's woman!
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the first category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
 
What's in this episode:
We start with what possibly is the biggest obstacle when you want to make reading a part of your life. You think it is lack of time ? No.. You think it is lack of will power ? No… It has something to do  with the changes in your life and your approach to reading.
Then we move on to "What to read"  - yes, regardless of where you are - a small town or a city and adapted to today's pandemic situation where one cannot go out - there are tips on how to get hold of what you want to read.
After that is the interesting set of tips on When to read ? More than the time aspect, we discuss other points about our daily life which will help us find the answer to When..
After these small steps, we move on to the next big thing. Some of you may be interested in this part alone.
It is equally important to look at what not to do.
And then there are tips for some of you who may be new to reading.
Well, it is more than 25 tips - yes, you could pick and choose and start with a few.
 
These tips worked wonders for me and they were arrived at after quite a lot of research.
 
Listen on to get the details of each tip and examine how you want to adapt the same in the context of your life.
 
You want to be inspired and figure out what practical steps you want to take in your life ? Don’t miss this episode.
 
Listen and share with all the women in your life..
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
Get in touch
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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What is essential to seize opportunities - Chat with Usha Mukunda - Part 2 - Episode 24

From doing, nee, acing her library course despite enrolling at 40+, Usha Mukunda went on to set up an open library. She talks about how children led her path in setting up this open library and later on when she co-founded the school Centre  for Learning. And, at 60, she decided to explore a much bigger role. She talks about what led her to participate in designing the librarian course and influencing the open library movement across India. Yes, we have details about this interesting course as well.
Her energy is infectious and when she talks about what is most essential to seize opportunities, yes, there is learning for each and every one of us. Hope you listened to Part 1 of this interview(click here). Could one person's life have so many variations in roles ? What does it take to reinvent again and again ?
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the second category.
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
What's in this episode:
Usha Mukunda talks about how after acing the librarian course she thought she will take up a prestigious role and what  influenced her thoughts on the same. And then, how she started her journey of influencing young minds by introducing them to the beautiful world of books through unconventional methods, leading to the concept of open library.
She talks about open library which is bound to change one's image of a library forever..
Then she takes us through being the cofounder of a very different kind of school and how children, once again, play a role leading the teachers.
Then, on reaching the age of 60, she decides to explore many questions around making open school a reality even in rural and poor settings. This leads her to designing the course for Parag for librarians, a 7 month course open to anyone interested in books and children.
She talks about what it takes to be open and to look for and seize opportunities.
She shares what she considers is most important for all of us women..
She would love for you to reach out to her. Do feel free to send a mail to her at usha.mukunda@gmail.com
 
If you have missed Part 1 of this episode, listen to it here - https://www.thenewindianwoman.com/podcast/episode/2b559daf/how-to-find-your-passion-and-reinvent-yourself-chat-with-usha-mukunda-part-1-episode-22
 
You want to be inspired and figure out what practical steps you want to take in your life ? Don’t miss this episode.
 
Listen and share with all the women in your life..
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
For details on the librarian course referred in this episode, click here : https://www.bookwormgoa.in/lec/
 
To Connect with the guest
Mail to :  usha.mukunda@gmail.com
Get in touch
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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First Birthday of New Indian Woman podcast - Episode 23

Yes, it is one year of New Indian Woman podcast. 🎉🎉A big thanks to all of you for your support by listening, giving feedback and sharing with your friends and relatives.
This episode lets you into some tips on how best to listen to podcasts and the simple steps you need to do for the same.
We do reflect on the episodes of last year, go behind the scenes a little and  there is the single biggest learning from all the inspiring women whom we met in this past one year. Don’t miss this episode.
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the first category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
What's in this episode:
You feel some of the episodes are long? Most likely, you are not listening to podcasts in the recommended way. Or, putting it differently, there is a secret why  podcasts have become so popular the world over in recent years. Tune in, to find out what that is..
When we look back at the past year, I see 2 areas where I made mistakes. Looking back, it is funny why I made those assumptions.
Interested in a snapshot of what all wonderful things we covered across the year ?
Plus there are some nuggets on how the podcast thing is actually done and interesting moments out there..
And before we close, there is a wonderful tip or learning from all the amazing women we met through these episodes last year.
Do not miss this episode
And thanks once again.
Listen and share with all the women in your life..
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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How to find your passion and reinvent yourself - Chat with Usha Mukunda - Part 1 - Episode 22

How often do you meet someone who has reinvented herself every 20 years or so ? Currently, she is famous in the world of librarians across India, but that is just one part of her. This is definitely a special episode of New Indian Woman - for we are chatting with someone from a different generation, who sets a very good example and gives us the opportunity to learn so much from her life, thoughts and actions. Yes, this is just Part 1 of the chat with her - you will enjoy this one for sure.
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the second category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
 
What's in this episode:
 
Usha Mukunda talks about her current role with as much humility as she does about her early years being a celebrity in a different era. We talk about her life in 4 parts and why she epitomises the New Indian Woman. In this episode we talk  about the first 3 avataars - the challenges she faced and the learnings  from them for each of us.  We examine these questions - What prompted her to do different things and not give up ? What is the role of a supportive family and what is your responsibility ? How to look at the question "what others would say" ?  How was it even possible  for one person to reinvent so many times ? Look at her avataars -
 
1 Avataar - Till her 20s and beyond she was a Table Tennis Player who played at various levels - see this -
 
Played for Bengal from the age of 12 till the age of 19 for the National Championships. i.e.  from 1954 to 1962
Highest India ranking was No. 3
Married in 1963, went to the US and played in the US National Table Tennis Championships in 1965. Reached Semi-Finals there.
Returned to India in 1967 to live in Bombay. Played for Maharashtra for the National Championships in 1969 and we won the Team Championships that year. Regained No. 3 India ranking.
Moved to Bangalore in 1972. Two year stay at Chennai when she played for Tamil Nadu in the National Games in 1978.
 
2nd Avataar - till her 40s primarily focussing on family, but not only that!!
 
3rd Avataar - enrolling for full time course to become a librarian and that was just the start of a new avataar that will be explored in the Part 2 episode.
 
You want to be inspired and figure out what practical steps you want to take in your life ? Don’t miss this episode.
 
Listen and share with all the women in your life..
 
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
 
To Connect with the guest
 
Mail to :  usha.mukunda@gmail.com
 
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
 
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How to creatively engage your family and more - Chat with Harini Nagendra - Episode 21

When you hear experts in any area talk - you listen, mainly to know more. While the topic may be interesting and you get a lot of information, very rarely do they articulate what you can do in your own life. But I promise - this chat with Harini Nagendra, is something you will find extremely valuable.  She is a professor who is also a well-known  researcher , public speaker, columnist and  author who writes on ecology and environmental issues. Plus she has travelled widely across India and abroad and interacted with lots of communities. 
In this episode we examine why knowing ecology is important and what we can do as an individual and as a community. For many of us who want to do something, but do not know how and where to start or feel conscious about what others will say, she has very simple and practical steps. Plus, she talks about how she adapts traditional practices to today's context in bringing up her daughter. And well, there is a surprise at the end of the episode. And does she have hope for our world, despite all the negative things we hear about the damage to the environment ? Come, listen to the episode.
 
What the New Indian Woman podcast is about
As you may already be aware, this podcast has 2 focus areas. One, We examine the challenges faced by today's Indian woman and proposes ACTIONABLE strategies in the Indian context, on a wide variety of topics - right from identifying their passion to better productivity and parenting.  Second,  We meet women who chose to aspire or have a dream beyond their defined roles  and facilitates sharing of what worked and what didn’t, for them. Today's episode falls in the first category.
 
And in the process, my aim is to help  you, the new Indian woman, to realize your potential, chase your dreams and aspirations, utilize the wonderful opportunities available in today's world.
What's in this episode:
Harini introduces us to the influences that shaped her life and career choices and explains the term urban ecology and its importance - this particular section is something I am sure youngsters in your family should also listen to - yes, and also the last section which is a surprise(i.e. in case they do not want to listen to the whole episode).
She talks about what we can do as an individual in our own house first, then neighbourhood and then how we can engage in public action - in small but powerful ways, based on our own areas of interest. She tells us about this in the context of cities as well as towns. She goes on to share examples of the power of community involvement across the world.
On a different note, she talks about how she engages her daughter in adapting traditional practices to today's needs and shares her mantra for the same. 
And then, towards the end is a wonderful surprise. 
Listen and share with all the women in your life..
If you liked this episode, please help this reach more people by sharing this podcast with friends and family. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page.
To Connect with the guest
Follow her on social media : https://twitter.com/harininagendra?lang=en
Harini's books :
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45839260-cities-and-canopies
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29386799-nature-in-the-city?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=nhF5l8j8ib&rank=1
 
Get in touch
 
Website : http://thenewindianwoman.com
Facebook : http://facebook.com/newindianwoman
Email : krishna@thenewindianwoman.com
 
Subscribe
Use the link corresponding to your favourite Podcast App to listen to the latest episode and do not forget to click on Subscribe :
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