Women

Crusading for Peace: Kirthi Jayakumar Is Storytelling A Difference

Published

6 years ago

March 28, 2018

Nikhil Wilson

Images from: Krithi Jayakumar

A modern day Joan of Arc, Kirthi Jayakumar, a remarkable woman from Chennai is making a difference with storytelling, one “starfish” at a time

Text Credits: Rheanna Mathews

At first glance, she seems an ordinary confident woman, the same as any you would see on the bustling streets of Chennai, but there is nothing simply ordinary about Kirthi Jayakumar. Founder and CEO of The Red Elephant Foundation, an NGO that mainly uses storytelling and art to promote civilian peace, she works her magic – creating change – one child at a time. Kirthi is a doodler, as evidenced by Femcyclopedia, an Instagram account that offers charming doodles of inspiring women every day, and an author of several books, the most recent of which, The Doodler of Dimashq, has caused many to re-examine life and shed empathetic tears for the plight of a little girl from Syria. She is an advocate and activist for gender equality and women’s rights, having written and worked for organisations across the globe, including the UN, and has won a number of awards for her work.

What made you choose storytelling as a medium?

In all honesty, you could say that the idea was in the making, but didn’t quite catalyse into the form and shape until June 2013. The story, though, begins on the night of December 17, 2012. On December 15, the same year, I had turned 25. On December 16, the gang-rape in Delhi, as most people know, took place. On December 17, I was at the US Consulate General at Chennai, receiving an award for my work with a US-based NGO called Delta Women, which worked for the rights of women in the US and in Nigeria, and the right to education for children in Nigeria.

When I received the award, I truly felt like a hypocrite – because here I was, receiving an award when there was so much more left to be done, when a girl was battling for her life because we, as a community, sacrificed her at the altar of patriarchy, misogyny, toxic and hegemonic masculinity, and due to inaction on the part of a civilian populace that should have been vigilant. I went to bed that night, thinking of how much we had allowed to pass in the name of “We are like this only”.

It was on the same day that I had come to face a dissociated past, where I had completely blocked out my own memories of facing abuse as a child. I decided to do what I could on my own, and started by telling my story. Six months later, I looked back to see how telling my story had made a difference: one, parents and to-be parents began to be vigilant about the vulnerability of their children and began to work with their children to have open conversations towards staying safe; two, I realised that I began to feel better, that my own personal comfort levels felt like they were higher because I had owned my narrative beginning my journey to heal; and finally, that people were beginning to talk, openly, and get issues that were otherwise covert, out into the open. The vision, thus, was to change the landscape through storytelling.

I heard you speak of your starfish story. You know, the one where a man in a seemingly futile effort, throws each starfish back into the ocean as he finds them. But someone else comes along and asks him what difference he expects to make with this slow, plodding method. And the man reaches down, picks up another starfish, throws it into the sea and replies, “It made a difference to that one”. How many starfish have you reached so far?

From April 2016 until January 2018, we’ve worked with 2100 children and youth.

Do you really think it is possible to teach children peace? To not resort to violence? Why do you think so?

Definitely. Children are impressionable, and pretty much like sponges. They absorb what they see, learn and engage with around them, and it’s easy for them to be drawn into aligning with an influence that is strong. We believe in teaching children peace, rather than “not violence”, because the power in a positive message teaches them inclusiveness and encourages room for innovation, creativity and action. We’ve personally seen much success in many classrooms where children have made conscious decisions to invest in peace, and that has been a significant validation to our model and approach.

What makes you so passionate about your causes? And where do you find the time? Your list of accomplishments on your website seem to go on for ages!

I think my passion for my work comes from a place of great selfishness. I see a world of peace, a world free of violence, a world free of hate and a world with equality as a world that will have place for me, and my inner child. I have been bullied, I have faced discrimination on everything from the way I looked to my choice to enjoy and engage with my academics, from the way I walked to the way I would chew my food – and I know what it is like to be at the receiving end. Somewhere, the goal is to try to find a place where many futures are built from a foundation of peaceful presents. Truth be told, I have hardly accomplished anything!

How do you juggle your different responsibilities as writer, activist and advocate?

I look at them all as a continuum, really – they all start and end from one point: the goal of chasing a better future for the world I will leave behind. So it’s not really many balls being juggled, but just one that takes different shapes when I throw it in the air. Right now, to borrow the words of Muhammad Ali, I see my work as the rent I pay for the time I spend and resources I use to live, on the earth.

Why did you choose Ameenah, a child bride from Syria, to be your heroine in The Doodler of Dimashq? How did you come to choose her?

I didn’t consciously choose the structure of my book, or the protagonist’s nature, character or profile, honestly. I’d been reading and learning about the conflict with great detail and attention, and the loss of some of my friends due to the conflict shook me up. I think that became a trigger for the story and for my subconscious mind to form and produce it.

Why do you believe that the change you are effecting can be sustainable?

The goal I work towards is essentially a shared goal – a goal for a peaceful present and future. In any of the sessions I co-learn (I don’t teach, I don’t facilitate, I co-learn in all the workshops we do at REF), our core approach is centred on how all of us have a role to play in making a peaceful future possible, and, a stake to hold in a peaceful future. This approach holds the promise of being sustainable because the stakeholder shapes the vision for the future they want, and then works towards it.

You’re a doodler yourself. How did you start?

I was spacing out in class at law school one day, and wanted the entire appearance to seem like I was writing notes. I bent down into my notebook and doodled with a sense of determination to do a convincing job of pretending to pay attention. I wasn’t thinking of what I was doodling, I let my pen lead, and I happily followed. The end project was a doodle!

What else do you do that the world doesn’t know about? How do you unwind?

I am a kick-boxer, I do yoga… I love dance and dance a little. I also read like my life depends on it.

To know more about her work, click (http://www.redelephantfoundation.org)

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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.