The International Women’s Day theme of the United Nations in 2017 is #BeBoldForChange. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with a unique initiative to show what it means for us to #BeBoldForChange. It is a common misconception that women try to pull other women down for reasons like jealousy, instead of supporting each other in various spheres of life, especially work. To abolish this idea and to encourage and foster encouragement and support among women professionals, we have got health experts from across different fields to nominate a female colleague who they are most inspired by. Here is what they have to say –
Kamlesh Barwal, Director, Art of Living Yoga
I am inspired by Bhanumathi Narsimhan, Director, Women Empowerment & Child Welfare Programs, as she has the ability to lead diverse teams with total ease and perfection, a sign of what Yoga and spirituality can bring into one’s life, when perfected. I am amazed by her immense depth of knowledge. Her commitment to taking the message of yoga to everyone and looking into each and every detail and concern for every student in her 500 free schools is impeccable. It is easier said than done to provide free holistic education that includes Yoga and meditation as part of its active curriculum, to nearly fifty thousand children in some of the remotest corners of the country. She does it all with immense ease. I marvel at her insights into human nature and ability to make people feel at home no matter where she goes and what she does. To keep a smile and bring a smile on every person’s face around in the most testing times is one of the biggest signs of a true Yogi and to me, she is one such Yogi.
Dr Maya Lulla, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital
“I recommend Dr Usha Saraiyya. She is a well-known name from the gynecological fraternity. When I was new to the medical world, she was the one who gave me constant support and encouragement. Since no one in my family was a medico, I reached out to her for guidance in my initial days.”
Apratim Goel, cosmetic dermatologist, MD Cutis Skin Studio
‘In my profession if there is one woman I look up to is Dr Jamuna Pai (India’s leading cosmetic physician). I started my career under her wings. She was a friend and guide to me. She encouraged me to pursue dermatology and look beyond cosmetic procedures. She had always been forthcoming and dispensed her knowledge so willingly. In fact, she is the woman who made me realise that it is a wonderful feeling when you are able to put a smile on someone’s face through your work, whether you do a Botox treatment or a laser procedure. She is someone who made me look beyond my profession to see that happiness we can give to people.’
Chef Rakhee Vaswani
Two chefs who inspire me are Nigella Lawson and Rachel Allen. Chef Nigella because I love how her passion for food portrays on screen. It’s so natural! Meanwhile, Chef Rachel Allen gives me a warm and reassuring feeling about being a creative and giving lady chef.
Image source: Shutterstock
