Beautiful Coincidences and Shimmering Tales

Coincidences are beautiful. I like to think of them as customised gifts of smaller joys conspired by the universe. They leave one feeling blessed, happy and thankful.

Talking about coincidences and gifts, this one fluke of luck had a gift and an inspiration in store for me. I came across a jewellery contest of Shimmering Tales with Shruti. The page was decent, the designs were very contemporary and I found the overall idea of customising jewellery online very innovative. Everyone knows I am not a jewellery person, but I could connect with the designs so much, I couldn't help participating. Totally "my types", they were elegant, not too jazzy and unique!

And, as luck would have it, I won the contest! Well, that wasn't the coincidence, that was just the probability. Later while coordinating with the owner, Shruti, we learnt that we had met before! A mutual friend had introduced us in college. Now that's a coincidence!

This is the pretty ring and the gift card for life! ;)

Soon enough, I received the gift - a ring that seemed to be a betoken of Shimmering Tales. The images that were posted did not do justice to the actual piece. One look and a layman can tell that it's top-notch. Shruti also wrote a beautiful 'Thank You' note. What's more appreciated by clients than showing you care?! From the presentation to quality, everything was just perfect. 

Since we got in touch again, Shruti has been telling me about her initiatives and struggle she's done with the start-up. Based out of Indore, she has a job as well as manages this business online. People like Shruti are true doers, laying an example for everyone. These are the people who are doing it the hard way and conquering life. While keeping her efforts consistent, she makes sure to keep her social responsibilities in check. Recently, she tied-up with UNICEF and made donations for underprivileged kids! And, now I am not just an admirer of Shimmering Tales but also of the lady behind it - Shruti Sharma!

Well Shruti, this is my way of saying thank you for the invaluable insights you've provided me with on entrepreneurship. You are amazing!

Wanna know why I am hyped about a girl selling jewellery online? Go check out her designs - Shimmering Tales With Shruti!

Just Another Rape Case...?

       Like many, I always thought that the sexual assaults on Indian women take place because of the lack of education. But no! I was proved wrong. The rapes in India are spread across its extent of demographic diversity. Earlier today the news was out that a UP politician was accused in the rape case of a 21 year old. Few days back, a DIRECTOR of a local educational institute near Pune was accused of raping a 5 year old girl. In my mother's words these people are padhe likhe anpadh.

       People are happy at the death sentence verdict for Nirbhaya's rapists. I was against the death sentence, but it has actually helped keep the hopes alive for Indian women. Though there is a lot of uncertainty...but there is a chance. For the girl's family this may mean a lot, but it may not recover for any pain that they had to go through. It would have soothed their thirst for justice, but surely it hasn't reduced their trauma. People say this will help in women empowerment. Call me a cynic, but really will it?

Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender, or economic strength of individuals and communities. - Wikipedia

      Simply put, empowerment is the delegation of power to the less powerful. As far as Indian women are concerned, in any case, be it spiritual, political, social, educational or economic, the law has not considered a female inferior to men. There is in no way gender bias by the law. Then why do Indian women need to be empowered? In a country political leaders like Sonia Gandhi, social activists like Medha Patkar, education motivators like Shaheen Mistri, why does the woman considered powerless?

        It is because the Indian woman herself believes that. She believes that the purpose of her sheer existence is to serve others. The centuries of male-dominance has shattered the self-esteem and self-respect of the Indian woman along with the courage to get it back. So, the empowerment of Indian women actually needs to be done on the psychological front. Women in India have a predefined set of psychological barriers which they think they ought to follow. And men! They have always taken care that she doesn't come out of these barriers. She in turn has taught her sons to keep other females barricaded just to make sure she isn't the only one tortured in the name of culture and religion.

        That culture and religion which gets a rational person into doing the most irrational things ever. The culture and religion that blinds people to the extent that they can take a person from rags to riches in the name of God! Asaram Bapu, the preacher of "taali ek haath se nahi bajti", the human face of God for many, a top notch criminal, an assaulter of minor girls and what not, he is an epitome of an Indian's blind-faith in his culture. Its a shame that India has such self-proclaimed saints who think a girl can save herself by calling every assaulter her brother and begging for mercy. Could anyone think of a more disgusting solution! India has people who can stand below the feet of an Idol to whom they pray and dare to molest females. Yaar, these people are nothing but bloody two-faced hypocrites!

        The good thing is women have started coming up with complaints. That in itself is a huge step for Indian women. Now I don't know if the changed laws will really help improve the situation. But sometimes a silver lining in the dark is enough to enlighten the path.

Sometimes the mind can't foresee what the hopes can do. Fingers crossed!!!