Hazaron Khwahishe

26/08/2022

26/08/2022

Pursuing a difficult passion - Rajashri Bhave
Playing badminton has always been her calling right from school days. That given, Rajashri is pursuing her passion even after 40 years - that is an amazing feat. She got back to playing competitive games after a long gap and played her first tournament as a veteran in 2013 and won in the mixed doubles section.
Sports comes with its highs and lows. While preparing for the tournament she underwent lots of injuries but even the pain and sprain never deterred her. As she puts it,though the mishaps keep occurring when you are on the field you need to muster up enough courage and inner strength to get back on track.
In spite of frequent injuries she could always make a comeback, thanks to her doctors for their help and support, which she feels is her biggest strength. There were times, when she could not play for a few years, but now she plays regularly at state and national tournaments and has been winner and runner up in mixed doubles and women doubles.

Going to different places for tournaments she made many friends from all over the country. She says time spent with them is memorable.
“I cherish those moments. All from different professions but have a common passion, badminton. When I watch them play, I have a feeling of getting old but feeling young,” she says.

Rajashri gets trained in the academy along with the youngsters. She feels happy looking at the new generation and how much effort they put in to make their mark. “Playing alongside youngsters motivates me a lot.They are so full of life, that it is infectious”, so now we know how Rajashri is keeping herself so happy and motivated. Does she practice a few months in advance for her tournaments? “Oh no, it is a continuous process, I keep playing and keep myself fit all year round which helps me to be available in best shape when the tournament is around”.
Regular exercise, weight training, stretching is the mantra to keep yourself fit even after your late 50s - is her advice to the not so young ladies. Health, happiness and feeling of satisfaction is what keeps Rajashri on toes.

08/07/2022

Environmentally Correct - Maithilee Chandratre Shetty
A qualified architect inheriting the business of construction and yet charting an unknown path, that is what Maithilee is doing right now. After taking a degree of architecture from Pune University she studied for her Masters in Singapore specializing in Sustainable Design thereby working on environmental clearance and green building certification. For someone who feels very dearly about the environment, Maithilee went on to do a Master’s course at Cardiff University with Environmental Design and buildings to make her knowledge more relevant.
She then started her own eco-studio where she is currently working as a consultant for Zero Emission. This is in line with India’s policy of zero Emission by 2070 under the UN’s climate change policy.
Maithilee has several clients that she is working with under this endeavor, more and more construction houses have started becoming sensitive towards the environment and its compliance. Then there are construction houses who need Green Building Certification, which is optional though not yet made mandatory by the government. This is one very good initiative that the builders are taking on their own which is essential for our environment and future sustainability.
But doesn’t Maithilee feel that environmental sustainability should come from within every individual? “To promote this and to create an awareness, we are going to work with schools where this will be inculcated amongst the future citizens”, pat comes the reply.
A very brave initiative that is the need of the hour if we want to be relevant in future, Maithlee’s initiative and sensitivity towards the environment is commendable!!!
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

07/07/2022

Myths Retold! - Shayaonti Talwar
An academician, writer, columnist, Member of Board of Studies of several Universities and Academic bodies with a doctorate in Gender Studies, Assistant Professor of English and above all a trained practitioner of the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, Shayaonti Talwar dons several hats and brings magnificence to each one of them.
Shayaonti’s extensive research for six long years and love for mythology led her to conclude that there is a real dearth of books on Indian goddess archetypes and almost no in-depth work that brings together our culture and society at large regarding the Indian goddesses, this reality coaxed her to write her maiden book, The Devi in the Diva. It gives an insight into the lives of nine Devis and their archetypes in popular culture of cinema.
How have Parvati and Lakshmi’s myths dominated mainstream cinematic plots or why do Kali and the Matrakas figure so often in horror films or who is the most enduring manifestation of Saraswati? Have we ever thought of this? Shayaonti’s book, The Devi in the Diva dwells on this, and much more. It gives us an insight into how these Goddesses have been a part and parcel of Indian cinema for decades. How Nargees of Mother India is a Durga archetype or Vidya Balan of Tumhari Sullu is a Lakshmi archetype or how Alia Bhat is a Parvati archetype in Gully Boy. She gives us several such examples which is an eye opener and we go in a tizzy wondering how and why this was never noticed earlier, whether as individuals or writers!
It also contemporaries and humanizes the goddesses focusing on their empowering qualities that are relatable in today’s times and that project strong femininities.
This book is for every reader who loves films and all those who take interest in mythology. It dwells on Indian Goddess archetypes which reveals themselves through their many myths and suggests how these archetypes can be worked with for more empowering projections of women in the media.
Book is available on https://www.amazon.in/dp/9390961327?ref=myi_title_dp
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

06/07/2022

Choosing to be different - Mihir Phate
Every parent wants their child to be professionally qualified, take up a job, get married and eventually settle down into a cozy life. Mihir’s parents didn’t think any differently for their son. However, Mihir had different plans and dreams. He stood by his beliefs, his inborn talent and decided to do something that made him happy. One day, he is sure, he is going to make his parents proud. Although the journey that he has taken up is a little difficult and arduous, he is unfazed and is very confident of making his mark.
Yes, Mihir has chosen to be a film-maker! He, along with his three other talented friends is working on an ambitious project, the details of which he does not want to delve into. “Give me a few more weeks and the curtain will be raised”, says he.
A very humble, shy and soft-spoken Mihir is a trained animator. Passion for drawing was inborn in Mihir, who would sit at a graphic designer for hours together creating drawings on paper. The designer saw him doing this and taught him graphics which helped Mihir. He then started making banners, posters and visiting cards which helped him sustain monetarily. Mihir believes that - the idea that germinates in anyone’s mind can be brought out very well through visuals.
Mihir met like minded friends who together worked in an NGO called Zero Gravity.
Zero Gravity is an NGO that focuses on bringing quality education, healthcare and living to the most vulnerable through infrastructural reforms. Focusing on charitable events and short films, helped Mihir became a cinematographer that he is today.
A very ambitious project has just been completed and Mihir is only waiting for the last few things to be completed for its release.
We will keep you updated on this and you will get the first peek into his ambitious project here.
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

01/07/2022

Environmentally Correct! - Abhishek Kawitkar
Tree Public
Environment and its repercussions on everyday life is uppermost in our minds, what with rising temperatures and summers that are only getting hotter by the year. But are we really doing anything to check the deterioration that is happening every MOMENT? The onus is on each one of us today without which there is no hope. Tree Public, an NGO based out of Pune is doing everything that is possible but we need to help it achieve the goals it has set.
Tree Public means - Tree + People and unless these two come together and people feel that the problem of environment is their own home grown problem, nothing can be changed.
10 year old now, Tree Public doesn’t plant any random trees. It takes into account the biodiversity around, like the kind of insects, birds, pests or vegetation that thrives in the area and only after that a decision is taken to plant particular type trees.
Environment is integrated, with an effort on the wind patterns, living patterns, quality of air, mental, physical and social patterns and even happiness index. While working for the environment Tree Public first tests the soil quality and with the help of Botanists, Ornithologists, Taxonomists decide which kind of trees need to be planted in that particular land.
Being environment friendly also ensues sustainability. Depending on whether the region is flat or mountainous and the kind of grass that grows around, the life cycle of the trees is determined. Right steps are taken to ensure their long life.
While working on a scale, Tree Public plants 20-30K trees a year in 50-100 acres of land and a water body is created around it so that sustenance is ensured. Apart from helping rainwater harvesting the water body helps in thriving the aquatic life too which is most important for the ecosystem.
This scientific approach to the environment is certain to bear results but it needs funds and support from the people, said Abhishek Kawitkar founder president Tree Public Foundation.
For more info please check www.treepublic.in
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

28/06/2022

Opening doors worldwide - Pallavi Mekal Puntambekar
Once the schooling is over, both parents and students are in a limbo-like situation where they are at a loss to decide the future course of action. Too much knowledge is available everywhere but what to choose from and more importantly what to decide - the question keeps haunting them and they lose sleep over this. But if you meet the experts and take their view, you will make an informed decision. Pallavi is one such expert who has placed students in the best universities thereby making both parents and their children at ease.
She started helping out her friends with their ward’s application process to get admitted to the right global university with the right curriculum in place and pocket friendly too. While the scenario in Singapore is that most families are expats and they are at a loss to take the right approach towards further education of their wards, she decided to change the way families approach this difficult situation there. She felt that it should be an exciting time for students and parents and not a stressful, anxiety-ridden one. With these thoughts she embarked on a journey as a college counselor. Her passion to work with young adults and penchant for writing helped her qualify and obtain a license from UK, Europe & USA to work as an independent counselor.
She has helped more than 100 students till now.
Pallavi says, “My aunt, Dr Chaya Panse, believed in me and mentored me while I was in India. It is only due to her that I could embark on this beautiful journey of helping the students which in turn is such a gratifying feeling”.
Palalvi can be reached on whatsapp +65-83327422 or on email [email protected]
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

19/06/2022

Happy Father’s Day!! To all the dads out there!! ❤️👨‍💼

17/06/2022

A Peoples’ Person - Pratibha Gupte
The name ‘Pratibha’ in English means talent! And Oh boy, what talent this beautiful lady has. Not just one or two but oodles of it! An artist, a poet, excellent cook, gels with people, an avid traveler, writer and vice-chairperson of her society and last but not the least helping her brother set up a Pathology laboratory, Pratibha has talent in all walks of life and yet is humble and down to earth.
It was her observation skill that attracted her to the art of oil painting and she started her hand at it. When she approached the art gallery to showcase her paintings, she never had an inclination of clipping a price tag to it. She was told that it was a prerequisite to have and she was left with no choice. To her utter dismay, several of her paintings were sold on the spot.
With no formal training in painting, Pratibha however took lessons from Mr. Rajendra Dixit to do sculptor paintings. She is very thankful to her teacher for teaching her the nuances of this particular style.
One of her friends requested her to paint a wall sized painting which was a challenge. The order was executed in less than 3 months and it was transported to Mumbai. Such is her popularity and people love her art.
Her administrative skills were recognised by her own brother, who is a well known Pathologist in Pune, and Pratibha was deployed to set up Pathology laboratories across Pune. This work is a tedious one, I am told, since it needs lots of permissions to be taken from the government agencies and the residents in the vicinity. Pratibha’s knack of problem resolution came handy and today she is handling administrative work of all these branches of this lab.
While donning so many hats, what is it that is dearest to Pratibha’s heart? “I’m a very homely person. I love to spend a lot of my time with my grandchildren. They bring ultimate joy to me and fuel my creativity”, pat comes the reply.
Humility is completely imbibed in her which makes her a peoples’ person.
Pratibha can be reached on - +91 99224 20651
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

16/06/2022

Healing Fingers- Mohini Wadadekar
She has a healing touch. When you talk to her, you can feel the calm and the warmth and a word of reassurance. This is most important when you are a patient and undergoing all kinds of negative thoughts in your mind.
Mohini Wadadekar practices alternative medicine like Yoga, meditation, Pranayam, flower remedy, numerology, SuJok, acupressure, magnet therapy and above all she is a teacher for the last 40 years. Very rarely can you see so many attributes in one person. She treats her patients using all these practices and above all gives them the confidence and strength to get better soon. Her ‘Mission Arogya’ group where she teaches meditation is not just a group but a commitment to Arogya (wellness) for all her patients.
Getting her appointment is rather difficult, but when she meets you as a friend, she is never in a hurry to wrap up the meeting. She patiently hears you out and gives all the necessary inputs to all your problems which you tend to discuss with her as a friend.
M.Sc. B.Ed herself, her day starts early in the morning where she has several batches of 10th class students from SSC and CBSE curriculum who come to learn Math and Science. She has been conducting these classes since the past 40 years results of all her batches for all the previous year has been 100%.
Mohini has written two books on health and wellness, where she has given tips on how to keep fit and healthy. It is a must have book in every household.
She makes sure she gives back to the society from time to time. Her philanthropic activities include sending money to the needy rural children for their education, teaching the needy students free of cost, and many others which she even refrains from mentioning.
Mohini charges very nominal fees to her patients, which shows her humility and her respect for the profession. Achieving all this has not been an easy task where she battled adverse conditions and made a mark for herself.
Mohini can be reached on her
email id - [email protected]
Article written by: Mridula Chaudhari

15/06/2022

Dealing with delicate human minds!

Helping teenage students gather their thoughts and remain calm while they deal with day today life, is what Neha does. A very noble work, understanding the innumerable psychological upheavals that the students go through while guiding them on the right path and still remain focused in their studies is her job. Working as a counselor in The HDFC School, Pune, Neha has a vast experience of about 20 years behind her.
She has been appointed as the counselor of the school looking at her prowess of counseling and dealing with the children. She also collaborates between the students, teachers and the parents which is an important function. Whenever there is any genuine problem and students need help, they approach Neha and the problem is tackled very delicately by her. Since these problems are more emotional than physical, they need an expert’s handling. With her at the helm, even the parents of the students going to The HDFC school, Pune are rest assured that their wards are in safe hands.
As we all know, today teenage problems are varied and many. Sometimes they go beyond the deciphering powers of the parents. In the process, parents simply worry and are at a loss to understand what to do and how to handle the complex issues. This is where Neha pitches in to thaw the situation. A qualified Counseling Psychologist, Neha has her degree of M.A. in Counseling Psychology from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
She goes a step further and offers career guidance for older students where she guides them
to choose an appropriate career path based on their aptitude, interest and personality. This is a real help to the students who are completely at a loss to know their future path.
https://www.thehdfcschool.com/pune/index.html
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari

10/06/2022

Baking with a difference! Sai Natu Ogale

Economist by profession and a baker too, Sai is able to manage two diverse professions with elan. Though there is nothing common between the two, her agility to dabble her hands in mixing the dough and being a visiting faculty of economics makes her the Superwoman that she is today.
When Sai decided to shift base from Thane to Pune for her studies, she was baking cakes only for family members. It had never occurred to her that someday she would be a professional Home Baker. It was on her own birthday when she baked a cake and people loved it that she recognised her inborn talent of baking. She started getting orders for small birthday cakes which she enjoyed delivering. She managed to do this while studying undergrad and taking her kathak dance classes.
It was in 2016 that Sai while doing her Master’s that she finally bought a few pieces of equipment to support her baking prowess. She started getting orders sheerly on mouth-to-mouth publicity and she was happy doing it. Slowly, with whatever surplus money she could get by selling cakes, Sai bought more equipment and today she has own baking studio. The big change according to Sai came when during covid times, people favoured home baked cakes to commercially baked, bakery cakes. During that time, hygiene became important and the business of Home Bakers, boomed like never before.
However, every business comes with its own challenges. Raw material became expensive and to maintain the quality, profit margins kept reducing. But according to Sai, now people do not mind shelling out a little more to get a good quality product. Sai sticks to her ‘Eggless Cake’, this is what makes her stand out amongst the home bakers. No wonder then that everyday she has at least two orders to cater to. Her regular customers are assured that the cake has been baked in a kitchen where eggs are not used for other preparations too. Apart from that only the best raw material is used here.
Sai is popular for her dessert specialities of customized creme cakes, cupcakes and cheesecake. So come and enjoy the cuisines.
Sai - 93598 39814
Written by: Mridula Chaudhari