Women

A Wonder Of A Woman: Dr Seema Rao Will Blow Your Mind

Published

6 years ago

March 28, 2018

Nikhil Wilson

Images from: Unarmed Commando Combat Academy

Dr Seema Rao, is commando trainer to the Indian Armed Forces, among many other things, and redefines what it means to be an accomplished woman and patriot

Text Credits: Rheanna Mathews

It seems implausible when one learns that a woman has been training the Indian Armed Forces. It seems doubly so when you learn that she has been doing it for 20 years. Dr Seema Rao, dubbed the India’s Wonder Woman, is one of a kind; the sole woman commando trainer in the country. Talk about exceptional!

It gets better; Dr Seema is also, as her honorific indicates, a doctor, an author who has penned eight books, proficient in a number of martial arts (with a seventh degree black belt in military martial arts), an authority on Close Quarter Battle (CQB) and responsible, along with her husband Major Deepak Rao, for devising and patenting the Rao System of Reflex Fire now incorporated into Indian Army commands. Apart from these, she has an MBA in Crisis Management, has received Army Chief Citations, earned IAF Para Wings and enjoys scuba diving. Since these accomplishments obviously weren’t enough, she has also been a pageant queen and is an oft invited motivational speaker.

A patriot’s vocation

Despite her vast array of accomplishments, Dr Seema maintains that her vocation always has been and will remain, commando training. Unsurprising for the daughter of a freedom fighter, the late Prof. Ramakant Sinari, she says, “For me, doing my bit for the country has always been important. I was inspired by the quote, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.’”

Commando training has remained Dr Seema’s vocation despite the many hurdles she has had to overcome along the way. In an overtly male domain, she has been faced with doubt because of her identity as a woman. She says, “Before long, I learned that respect had to be earned. Any tactic that I commanded my trainees to do, I would do first. Only when they see my capabilities are they convinced that I’m the boss. To have gained this respect from tough commandos and soldiers, is a compliment and my greatest wealth.”

Apart from veiled sexist prejudice, Dr Seema has had to face things more daunting. Her security is constantly under threat so much so that she has even been caught in insurgent fire twice. On assignments, her travel itinerary is unknown to all but the most senior officials. Her location is constantly kept under wraps.

To top these off, Dr Seema, along with her husband, has been training commandos and soldiers these past 20 years pro bono – without compensation. This despite finding it extremely hard during their initial years together to make ends meet. Why didn’t she just follow a more lucrative and certainly more socially acceptable occupation as a doctor, you ask? Certainly, it would have been easier. But she responds, “We went bankrupt, living off our savings and dissolving our FDs. When I had to sell my magalsutra, I did so voluntarily, to sustain ourselves. Of course, money is important but for me, honour and duty are above that. Destiny took me on this path with my husband, and there was never a doubt in our minds if what we were doing was right.”

When age takes a toll

Another question that naturally arises when you hear of her wondrous twenty year career is, how does she cope with the physicality of ageing? How does a woman who trains younger, fresher soldiers expect to perfectly execute fighting techniques, especially when doing it is a matter of garnering respect? Other than the physical rigours Dr Seema puts herself through in order to keep fit, lithe and able, despite bloodied lips, to bring down men twice her size and half her age, it seems it is her attitude that still keeps her relevant in her field. She tells us with her characteristic forthrightness that it is only natural that doubts arise when age has a way of seeping into your system. Age and doubt can slow you down. But if she’s overcome amnesia and spinal injury to keep being a commando trainer, why would she let time and ageing stop her? She says, “When you know life is short, you have to give it your best shot, and you learn not to waste too much time.”

Dr Seema has even made ripples internationally. Not only is she the most senior woman practitioner of Bruce Lee’s art of Jeet Kune Do, her Encyclopedia of Close Combat Operations is the first of its kind in the world and has even found a place in the libraries of the FBI, Interpol and SWAT teams all over the world.

Despite her many achievements, Dr Seema prefers to keep a low profile, feeling no urge to sing her own praises. If pressed, in a rather straightforward manner, she might tell you what her training schedule involves. But when it comes to what she did that was most fun to achieve, she says without hesitation, “That would be the movie I produced. It was an interesting plot that involved the Mahabharata, woman empowerment and MMA [Mixed Martial Arts]. I knew nothing about movie-making but I learnt the ropes. We even received the Dadasaheb Phalke Jury Appreciation certificate.”

Which just goes on to show, from commando training and writing a dozen books to making movies to sashaying down a ramp, there’s nothing a woman can’t do if she only sets her mind to it.

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Women

Inspiring Indian Women Who Defied Age Norms

Published

3 months ago

February 21, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Age is often perceived as a limitation, a barrier that holds individuals back from pursuing their dreams and achieving greatness. However, there are exceptional women who have shattered this misconception, proving that age is merely a number. In India, these remarkable women have demonstrated resilience, passion, and determination, inspiring countless others to defy societal expectations and pursue their aspirations regardless of their age.

SEEMA ANAND

Sex health instructor and storyteller Seema Anand is well-known for her gorgeous appearance and silver hair. But Seema’s Instagram account really shines because of the way she addresses sex and dispels ageist myths, providing insightful advice for senior citizens looking to have better sex. She dispels misconceptions about contraception and encourages body awareness. Both young and old who want to learn more about sexual pleasure should check out Anand’s account.

MANJRI VARDE

Manjri Varde is a skilled artist who, along with her actress daughter-in-law Sameera Reddy, is known online as “sassy saasu.” Together, they make humorous videos that question conventional wisdom regarding the dynamics of in-law relationships. She is a designer and artist who runs her own business, Samanjri, which sells poetry, calligraphy, and wearable art. Varde has a unique sense of style and is frequently spotted with brightly coloured sarees and scarves that she creates herself. Even though she is well-known on Instagram, where she frequently shares videos highlighting her love of art, entertaining, and cooking with her daughter-in-law.

SHEELA BAJAJ

Sheela Bajaj, a Delhi native, turned her love of crocheting into a business during the lockdown by using Instagram to fuel her passion. She has been making sweaters for her family using her crocheting abilities for years. Yukti Bajaj, her granddaughter, proposed that they launch a company to highlight her amazing knitting masterpieces.The two launched their crochet business in November 2020, and it has been inundated with customers. They claim that the current gap between supply and demand for their products is ten times larger.

RAJINI CHANDY

Rajini Chandy, a 72-year-old homemaker actor came to light in 2021 thanks to a widely shared photo shoot. She looked better than many in tattered dresses and denim, even at her advanced age. She did, however, get harsh criticism for her wardrobe selections. At the age of 65, Rajini Chandy, who has 20,000+ Instagram followers, started her acting career in Malayalam films. Interestingly, she took part in a Big Boss Malayalam season as well.

SHANTHI RAMACHANDRAN

This former banker simply wanted to unwind and enjoy her life after retiring in 2015. She created a social media platform where she provides her cooking advice and techniques, supported by her daughter. She now goes as “Insta Aunty” and has amassed a sizable fan base since then. Shanthi Ramachandran has an astounding 53.3k followers, and her delicious posts will definitely make you hungry.

These remarkable women from India have defied age norms and shattered stereotypes, proving that with passion, determination, and resilience, anything is possible. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and achieving greatness. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us draw inspiration from their journeys and strive to embrace our own potential, regardless of our age.

Fashion

Zeenath Aman’s new look that makes internet go crazy

Published

10 months ago

July 24, 2023

Reshma Vivekanandan

Zeenat Aman is very vocal with her Instagram followers. In her most recent post, the veteran actor, whose Instagram presence has managed to catch everyone’s attention, gave her take on fashion. The celebrity wrote in great depth about enjoying fashion and not limiting its associations to words like “sexy” and “glamour.” On her profile, one can see photos from her more recent adventures mixed in with nostalgic photos, all of which are accompanied by moving writing from the icon herself.

Aman has been called a retro fashion icon, but her Instagram shows that she hasn’t lost any of her style chops over the years. Aman’s style stands out amid a sea of fashion posts that are overflowing with trends but lacking in personality. The actor’s fashion choices and her tone of voice, which is hard to come by on social media, are a welcome contrast.

Taking to her Instagram to talk about her understanding of the concept of fashion, Zeenat shared a couple of pictures standing in an oversized white shirt and black pants from the new shoot. The actor said she is tired of hearing the word ‘bombshell’ and ‘diva’ attached to fashion all the time, and wants to pull the ‘focus on fun.’ Positive comments on the actor’s post were left by many, who praised her for defying stereotypes and serving as an inspiration.

Aman posed for the camera wearing a Payal Khandwala costume to celebrate her 50th Instagram post. Aman, who is never afraid to make a statement, defied the ageist fashion convention that “women of a certain age” should only wear neutral colour schemes. Aman wore a handwoven silk jacket in a lush green tone over her immaculate white shirt, giving the look the ideal pop of colour. The actor wore classic accessories including tiny golden earrings, black eyeglasses, and a brush of brick-red lipstick.

Beauty

Jennifer Lopez’s Daring Fashion Choice: A Wetsuit-Inspired Gown Steals the Spotlight on the Red Carpet

Published

11 months ago

June 14, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

When it comes to making a statement on the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to turning heads. The multi-talented star recently attended the premiere of “The Flash” to support her husband, Ben Affleck, who reprises his role as Batman. While their public display of affection grabbed attention, it was their coordinated and eye-catching outfits that truly stole the show. Lending her style expertise, J Lo stepped out in a bold and unconventional gown inspired by wetsuit designs, proving that she continues to push the boundaries of fashion.

Styled by the talented duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haen, her gown was a striking creation from Gucci’s resort 2023 collection, fresh off the runways of Seoul. The ensemble featured a sleek black zip-up bodice reminiscent of scuba suits, adding a unique and unexpected element to the traditional red carpet attire. Contrasting the sporty top, a flowing peach satin maxi skirt with a long train exuded elegance and femininity.

While the gown was originally presented on the runway with a fully zipped-up collar, J Lo made a daring choice to unzip hers just above the belly button. This modification transformed the look into a more revealing and sensual ensemble, showcasing the star’s confidence and willingness to embrace risks. With every step, the gown accentuated her enviable figure, commanding attention and setting a new standard for red carpet fashion.

To complete her show-stopping look, Jennifer Lopez made careful choices when it came to accessories. She opted for a pair of white leather platform pumps from Gucci, elevating her height and adding a touch of sophistication. The choice of accessories further emphasized the fusion of sporty and elegant elements in her outfit. Complementing the gown’s black bodice, she adorned herself with exquisite jewelry pieces from Daniela Villegas and Le Vian, adding a touch of luxury and sparkle. Carrying a sleek black leather clutch bag by Kurt Geiger, J Lo effortlessly showcased her ability to curate every aspect of her ensemble.

One cannot overlook the sartorial synchrony between Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Ben Affleck. Affleck, known for his impeccable red carpet style, consistently mirrors the overall vibe of J Lo’s look. For the premiere, he opted for an all-black ensemble, comprising a sleek black suit, a matching black shirt, and polished black leather dress shoes. The couple’s synchronized fashion choices not only showcase their undeniable chemistry but also demonstrate their commitment to presenting a cohesive and visually appealing appearance together.

Jennifer Lopez continues to push fashion boundaries and surprise the world with her red carpet choices. Her wetsuit-inspired gown at “The Flash” premiere exemplifies her fearless approach to style. By incorporating sporty elements into a sophisticated ensemble, she proves that fashion can be both daring and elegant. Alongside her partner Ben Affleck, the power couple’s synchronized looks create an awe-inspiring visual spectacle, solidifying their status as fashion icons. J Lo’s ability to effortlessly command attention and make fashion statements ensures that she remains an influential force in the world of celebrity style.