Story Makers

Stories are birth right of every child says ‘Kahaniwali Nani’ – Sarla Minni

Can you imagine a grandmother without her fanciful stories? I was a teacher in Montessori for some time. Now I am a grandmother and fondly known as ‘Kahaniwali Nani’.

I have always loved stories and have been telling them to children since a long time but once my niece Parul Rampuria asked me to send a recorded story. She shared the recordings to her friends and rapidly people started appreciating my work.

Encouraged by the positive response I decided to record stories on a weekly basis and share them on WhatsApp initially, and this gave birth to ‘Kahaniwali Nani’.

Stories are part of our culture and my stories involve humor and touch of our values. I narrate tales about different festivals like Ramazan, Ram Navami, Janamashtami. Also some contemporary style that includes saving money and eating healthy food.

I record these stories in both Hindi and English with each story being 10 minutes long.

Nowadays children are hooked up to the screens so I send stories on Telegram and YouTube without animations so that they run their imagination and understand the story and not just the animations.

Kahaniwali Nani telling stories to children

I try to improvise the stories and make them interesting so they can be understood by kids of all age.

I feel many times children miss out interaction with their grandparents so through ‘Kananiwali Nani’ I am trying to fill this gap and make sure they aren’t devoid of good stories.

I have many grown-ups too in my list, who love listening to my stories and in just 3 years ‘kananiwali Nani’ has got more than 10000 subscribers across the globe.

I have stored many stories in my memory and my favorite one being ‘Shikha bittu ki kahani’ which is written by me and I have been telling this story since last 45 years to children.

I get calls from parents expressing their happiness and how these stories help them understand things.

Sometimes I get messages from kids like ‘Nani, you send stories only twice a week so what do you do the other five days. Send us stories regularly.

More than anything else in the world, it is the voice messages from kids and parents that gives me joy and satisfaction.

I believe listening stories is the birth right of every child and hope to reach as many children as I can.

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

I was arrested acquitted after being accused in journalist Jyotirmoy Dey’s murder.

I was working as a crime reporter with mid-day and J Dey was my fellow journalist.

Dey was shot dead in Powai by motorcycle borne sharp shooters in 2011, in a plot hatched by gangster Chhota Rajan

Hours after his murder the police bashed into my house and told me to come along. “They said I was arrested for killing senior journalist J Dey” That was the toughest moment for my family watching me being arrested.

I was falsely accused for providing information about Dey. “When I was arrested, people called me a murderer”.

I was produced in the court and sent to the police custody.

My days in prison were spent scrubbing toilets and eating scattered food with strands of hair. Casually I was even asked to strip by lady constables while I was on my periods.

I crossed paths with constables who were friendly and I also bonded with Pragya Thakur in prison.

My liveliest memories outshine are the celebrations. Holi, Christmas, Ramadan every festival was celebrated fasts were observed. You learn the value of life and its simple joys when you are confined in that small place

The Bombay High Court acquitted me of all charges as there was no evidence instigating my involvement in the murder. But I had already spent nine months in Byculla Jail before being released on bail in 2012.

After my release “I lived in a constant state of fear and lack of trust. If I saw people looking at me I always felt that they were judging me”. For my family It was a wound which took a lot of time to heal.

I have documented my journey to hell and back in prison in my biography, Behind Bars in Byculla. The book talks about my journey as a journalist, how I got mired in case and my time in jail. Soon my prison memoir is to be made into a film.

Jigna Vora and her book Behind the bars in byculla jail

There are days when I miss the rush of a newsroom but it’s a closed chapter and I have no regrets. It’s been 9 years after the incident But instead of being a victim, I chose to be a warrior.

I was reborn, now I practice healing, Tarot card reading and astrology. I also do research for web series and movies.

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Becoming a victim is not a choice, becoming a survivor is – Prannadhika Sinha Devburman

#Sexualabuse

I was first abused when I was just 4 years old by a male relative who was responsible for looking after me. And the second time by the caretaker of the house when I was 8.

My parents were separated at that time, I thought someone from my family would understand so I ran to my aunt and told her about how the caretaker had behaved.

What was most traumatic than the actual abuse itself was my aunt’s response at that time. She laughed and asked me what I actually did to invite that kind of behavior from a caretaker.

As a young girl I was angry confused and aware of the fact that the caretaker was wrong but I was shocked that despite being educated why was my aunt insensitive towards me.

I was being isolated for raising my voice. Another relative once told me that I was the reason behind my parent’s separation, because I was adopted. Due to the abuse experience, I have been coping with depression and tendency of self-harm.

Imagine I was just a child and I was made to feel responsible for their drifting apart.

I was going through terrible trauma but I didn’t stop there. While talking to my friends I realized that this was an atrocious incident and many had gone through what I had.

This gave rise to Elaan. I started campaigning to raise awareness around child sexual abuse.

I belong to Tripura royal family. An activist, a rebel with a cause having suffered multiple sexual abuses (more than 25 times) but I didn’t break.

Four year old Prannadhika when she was first abused

As an individual activist I started ‘one million campaigns’ wherein I hear survivor stories. We talk about the fact that rape and abuse can happen anywhere and to anyone. It’s important to empower ourselves.

We take interactive sessions with very practical approach. My aim is to teach participants to use what they have with them as self-protection.

When you are attacked you can use a comb, clip, ring or a heel to hurt and flee. Escaping is important. Hurt the person and run for your life.

Save yourself first!

Becoming a victim is not a choice, becoming a survivor is!

An abuser always looks for people who they think they can dominate. It’s not your fault, it never is. The person who abuses is at fault. He /she is a criminal not you!

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Selfless mothers love- Shalini Bhardwaj

One night while I was getting ready for bed, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my leg. Being a healthy 20 year old, I figured I pulled a muscle. I went to bed but the pain kept worsening. It became very difficult for me to handle the pain.

As the pain was worst, I was admitted to the hospital in emergency. The doctor gave an injection and the pain stopped temporary.

But at that point I could no longer walk normally and the pain would stop only after taking shots. The pain became so excruciating that I could not sleep nor could put weight on my leg.

Slowly the pain spread on to my hands and upper body. On doctor’s recommendation I did a blood test and reports showed that my blood work was abnormal and I was on bed rest for six months. I was in pain for more than 3 years.

I couldn’t even stand by myself or go to the wash room and then came my mom to rescue me.

I was helpless and completely dependent on her. I was still on high dose of antibiotics but didn’t lose hope.

For moms it’s very difficult to see in this situation. She took care of me and focused on me full time. She took care of me without ever asking for anything, Held my hand through every up’s and downs with a big smile on her face.

After three years I was off bed rest and back to work. Things are pretty normal now

I still experience pain in my leg when I do heavy exercise. But the fact that I can exercise is a gift.

So through my story I want to thank my mother for being with me, thank you for sleeping with me in narrow hospital bed even though you couldn’t roll over, thank you for remembering all my medications and making sure I just get the right dose at right time, thank you for giving me that power to stay positive, thank you for being patient and listening to my endless stories, Thank you for letting me know that I matter.

Moms do things selflessly so love her unconditionally and don’t forget to thank her for all she does for you.

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Mommy blogger in trend | Felonie Chheda

I used to talk to my baby during pregnancy.
Sometimes I would tell her about my day, other times about future that we can’t wait to meet her.

It never felt silly or one-sided conversation because she used to respond by moving or kicking my belly.

One day I noticed the baby suddenly stopped kicking.

Entire day passed but I couldn’t feel her movement.

At night I shared with my husband and he said don’t worry baby might be sleeping, everything would be alright.

The next morning I called my gynecologist and informed him about the situation he immediately told me are you ready to get operated?

After the sonography we came to know there was a placental abruption which means the baby was not getting enough oxygen and there was bleeding behind placenta.

Doctor said we need to do the delivery now as it was not safe.

He informed my husband and my mother in law that there are less chances of the baby’s survival.

The birth of baby Princy was not less than a miracle.

My family was immensely happy as both of us were fine.

I could feel her and hold her after 6 hours and then my soul saw her it kind of went ‘oh there you are, I’ve been looking for you’.

Princy is now two! and this motherhood journey has taught me to be more patient and easygoing.

One of the most overwhelming parts of motherhood is sorting through all of the products that your little one needs.

Swings, strollers, baby food, diapers, rash cream the list goes on.

Soon I started sharing my own parenting journey publicly from difficult challenges to the joyful moments and route to modern motherhood.

My message to all mothers – It’s important to support each other as moms and women.

Don’t compare or judge each other. Your support could mean a world of difference to a struggling mother.

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Soldier without a uniform – Ananya Paul Dodamani

I believe “No one is born criminal and with love we can change lives.”

Growing up in a small tribal town of Assam I was always inclined towards the tribal way of life and wanted to do something to make their lives better.

My life took a drastic turn when my father was kidnapped by militants. But I didn’t blame them because I knew only education could bring a change in northeastern region. So I took things in my hands and started working for them.

This Incident shaped my life as a tribal rights activist, rehabilitating militants in Assam and helping its residents lead quality lives.

Somewhere around this time I completed my masters in criminal psychology and got married. In fact with the support of my husband I began extending help to Kumbis and Siddhis, tribal’s from the Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka.

I feel determination gets you a long way and I feel blessed to have this opportunity to be the voice of lakhs of tribal’s across India and bring a change in Tribal community.

So here I am working single handedly building educational infrastructures and community halls in tribal habitats and fighting for their empowerment for over 19 years now.

In 2014, I was shot by the militants, dragged to the forest and left to die, I was unconscious but eventually I was rescued by the army. But you know what these same people now believe in me and are my biggest volunteers.

Tribal people honoring Ananya by washing her feet

I also encourage women to use biodegradable sanitary napkins under the sustainable menstruation project. More than 30000 women have been benefitted under this program.

This initiative also generates income for them and solves their hygiene problems.

I have been honoured with many awards including Karamveer chakra are Kalki Gaurav Samman, Rashtriya Suraksha Bal Samman, Iconic Personality Award etc.

These people are the one who love me most. They honor me by washing my feet and call me ‘Maa and Phi’

I love what I do so nothing seems hurdle or a problem when you are passionate about things you do.

The only thing my husband says while I am leaving is ‘Please come back I one piece.’

I know it’s a risk but as I always say – I can’t be a soldier with a uniform but I can be one with my deeds.

I am not afraid to die and will continue to rehabilitate militants in Northeast!

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Love is love – Rahul Malde + Sushank Chibber

It was love at first sight. I know it sounds cheesy – but it’s true!

Believe it or not I met my soulmate, lover, best friend and love of my life on Tinder. He was confident, intelligent and artistic. I felt I was in a dream because he had all the qualities. It was the start of our fairytale.

Over the next few years our relationship evolved massively and we became a lot closer.

Then the next step was to meet each other’s families and so I took Sushank to my home and introduced him to my family. My dad said ‘he felt like he had known him forever and adores him.

As every couple we had our ups and downs too. “Once we were on a trip and Sushank tagged me in a photo of us. At that time I was not comfortable about making our relationship public. We had a big fight that night but we talked it out. And I feel the fights just bought us closer.

Both of us shared several moments of passion but most memorable one is when Sushank proposed me after dating for a year and half on 4^th July 2019, a perfect day to celebrate our love and freedom.

He proposed on a private yacht during the fire work display. I just remember having massive butterflies. I could not have been more surprised and I gleefully said ‘yes’, and even since we’ve been inseparable.

All relationships take work and we’ve definitely begun to realize that. We have many friends including several other gay couples and an active social life. We are both out in our everyday life not hiding our relationship at work or among peers.

We complement each other with our strengths and plan to get married this year and have babies

We have been extremely lucky as our families accepted both of us with open arms and have made our love and bond even stronger. He calls my parents Mummyji and Papaji and I keep teasing him for trying to be perfect a bahu.

I would like to tell people that ‘it’s okay to have expectations, but don’t expect perfection.

What is so incredible is that I made a decision to love my life and be on this journey with Sushank, who brings tremendous love and strength to my life!

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

My journey towards my dreams- Dr. Kavya Chinta

Being raised in a family with four girl children, I really keep questioning myself -‘Is a girl child, a financial burden to the family?’

I come from a middle class family and my hardworking parents have instilled the value of hard work and education since we were all young.

I was really interested in studying since I was a child and was always a topper during my schooling.

I had my sights on becoming a doctor from a very early age and help others and so I told my parents about my ambition.

I have seen my parents toiled for years to raise money for our education which made us all even more determined to do well.

Ours was a happy family and we spend great time together then came the moment when I had to leave my place after completing my undergraduation.

Getting out in the real world came with a lot of waking up to economic realities but with the immense support of my family I have finished my undergraduation.

Currently doing my post-graduation in a popular government hospital in Warangal and have done more than 200 deliveries.

I had overcome some real financial crisis and social barriers that prevent girls in our country from getting proper education so it feels good to get recognition as it has been a tough journey to achieve my goal.

I intend to pursue higher education in gynecology and want to continue working in hospital and gain more experience.

There were many times where I could have given up but thankfully I had an innate drive to learn, amidst everything.

I always read like crazy and taught myself about things I was interested in.

The idea of being part of a profession, focused on helping others regardless of circumstances, I can’t imagine a more fulfilling job.

In the end our life is shaped by experiences and our responses to them and I would like to tell you that hard work and determination can never fail you in life.

(Interviewed and written by Raavya Sarda)

Be proud of who you are and not ashamed of how someone else sees you!

“Don’t wear shorts, your thighs are way too fat for them”

I was 9 when one of my ‘friends’ told this to me and that’s something I have never forgotten.

I didn’t know what to do. I let it affect my self-esteem so much so that every time I looked into the mirror I felt like I wasn’t attractive, like I wasn’t enough.

After this, I started wearing clothes that weren’t ‘revealing’ in order to hide my body fat but every night as I undressed in front of the mirror unraveling my true self, I would hate myself and my body to the core.

I became sensitive to everything around me, every comment; every joke seemed to be directed to me.

Every morning I would wake up with the ambition of working out and dieting, I would skip breakfast and barely eat anything throughout the day but in the evening I would somehow, no matter how hard I tried, find myself in the kitchen hunting for chocolates. This continued for almost a year and my mental health had taken a toll. Showers would be the most dreaded part of my day, the mirror would be right in front

I would be naked and alone and I could not escape from my body. I would cry my lungs out just wanting to look like one of ‘them’. I would have panic attacks as soon as I saw myself in the mirror.

My nightmares would be ones where I would be standing in front of the mirror and as soon as I would see my reflection I would wake up panting and sweating. There were days when I just wanted to run away, run away from myself, from my body.

All this continued till the day I saw this video about mental wellbeing and body positivity.

I realized that there are numerous women who had been fighting the same battle and the weapon we have in common is self-love.

All I needed was some positive self-affirmation making me feel I was beautiful. It took time but gradually I started liking myself more.

I am beautiful irrespective of my fat, my scars, my double chin, my stretch marks, my body hair and my appearance and there isn’t anything you can say to change my mind

Edited by Raavya Sarda

My Journey From Being Fat To Celebrity Lifestyle Coach

When I got married I was overweight and often taunted by my husband’s friends.

They used to tell him why are you marrying a fat girl but my husband did not care for my appearance. He loved me unconditionally.

After I gave birth to my son I gained more weight and was weighing 106 kgs.

I successfully completed leadership development program from IIM and Soon realized it’s time to take leap and choose path towards my passion so I quit my job as head of department finance and started doing lot of certifications courses in health and fitness sector and lost my weight to 64 kgs.

The journey didn’t just make me lose weight but also made me realize importance of being healthy.

I realized how I could enrich life of people on a professional basis. This motivated me to set up ‘Satva’ lifestyle management in 2016.

Through which I touched lives of several making the difference. Connecting healthy living with joy of eating became a passion and the starting point in offering diet plans and health programs.

My holistic lifestyle programs are targeted at specific groups for special needs clients with medical conditions like Diabetes, Blood Pressure, PCOD, and Thyroid. We also offer guidance programs to help parents with children who are ‘picky’ with their food habits and who miss out on taking proper nutrients.

My aim as a celebrity lifestyle coach is to reach out globally to the masses. We design corporate programs as well as webinars and the donations we receive are contributed to cancer patients.

I feel we people have forgotten traditional diets and are lost in industrial life due to hectic routine, dealing with work balance and issues like stress, pregnancy has become huge challenge and so I promote healthy Indian snacking options, local grains and traditional food in my diet plan which differentiates us from others.

The success rate of my diet programs is shown in gratification and faith expressed by my clients and I get awarded daily by witnessing the change I bring in my clients lives.

You ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine so it’s important to have a healthy mind for healthy body.

Let’s gift ourselves gift of health and wellness.