BharatiyaStories

  Shakthis Who Shaped our Society #9 Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat – An entrepreneur   It was a hot humid afternoon in 1959 in Mumbai. A large joint fam lived in a small apartent. The men were doing work but the women wanted to do something to supplement the income in order to improve their lot. They tried to get some employment but did not get any as they were not educated. Suddenly Jaswanti said “Why work for someone? Let us give ourselves jobs.” Jaswanti with six of her sisters decided to roll out papads and sell them. They made a few packets of the papad that were sold almost immediately. Their original investment was Rs.80 borrowed from a social worker. Opportunity and the desire to beat poverty was the one thing that was common among these women and many others in that area. The number of women who wanted to participate in this enterprise had already grown in few months. They had one problem though – the long and intense monsoons of Mumbai that made drying the papads diffi

  Introduction In the lush landscapes of Tamil Nadu, where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy and culture, organic farming is gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to conventional practices. One notable figure in this movement is Pappamal, an inspiring organic farmer whose dedication and innovation have made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture in the region. This essay explores her journey, methods, challenges, and the broader impact of her work. Early Life and Background Pappamal hails from a traditional farming family in Tamil Nadu. Growing up amidst the verdant fields, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the land. However, like many farmers, she witnessed the adverse effects of chemical farming practices on the environment, health, and soil quality. This realization prompted her to seek a more sustainable approach to farming. Embracing Sustainable Practices Pappamal's transition to organic farming began with exten

  Kittur Rani Chennamma Her husband, king Mallasarja Desai was dead. His only son had also passed away. The heir to the throne was a minor and an adopted son as well. The colonial powers were greedily waiting to snatch the small but prosperous kingdom. Anyone would have just crumbled in such a dire situation. But Kittur Rani Chennamma was made of sterner stuff. The first armed rebellion against British forces Exactly 200 years ago…October 1824- The Battle of Kittur led by Rani Chennamma saw the death of Thackeray, East India Company’s political agent and hundreds of British soldiers. A woman regent was able to successfully foil the attempts of the British to capture the realm.   Born Achiever The spark was seen right from the beginning in Chennamma. Born in the small village of Kakati in Belagavi district of Karnataka, in 1778, Chennamma was known for her bravery even at an early age. She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting and archery. From Kakati native to Kittur

  Shakthis Who Shaped our Society #5 Savithribai Phule – The mother of the abandoned (1831-1897) The small girls were running around during their school break. A middle aged lady was looking at the children with a contented smile. This was a not a scene in a school in the 21st century. It was a scene at a school in the late 1800s Savthirbai Phule – the protector of women in children was a phenomenon in Maharastra in the late 19 th century. Savithribai Phule was happy to see her children in their element. Heralded as the mother of Indian feminism, Savitribai Phule spent her life in the service of poor and downtrodden. Her work in the education and upliftment of women and widows was particularly notable especially she lived in a conservative society. Savitribai Phule was a trailblazer in providing education for girls and for ostracized portions of society. She became the first female teacher in India (1848) and opened a school for girls with her husband, Jyotirao Phule. Savitr

  Introduction The banyans looked at each other and shook their branches in happiness. They saw their mother walking under their shad to visit one of their younger brothers. The lady, aged but happy and content was looking around the tree laden area with contentment and happiness. Meet Salumarada Thimakka. Salumarada Thimakka, often referred to as the “Tree Lady” of India, is a remarkable environmentalist known for her extraordinary dedication to afforestation and conservation. Born in 1910 in the state of Karnataka, Thimakka has become a symbol of perseverance and commitment to the environment, inspiring many with her selfless work. Her life story highlights the importance of grassroots activism in combating deforestation and climate change. Early Life and Struggles Thimakka was born into a humble family in a rural village. From a young age, she faced the challenges of poverty and limited access to education. However, these difficulties did not deter her spirit. After marrying

  Shakthis Who Shaped our Society #2 Rukmini Devi Arundale – An Artist and a path breaker (1904 -1986) An idyllic afternoon in hot and humid Chennai. You see young girls and boys learning under a huge banyan tree. What are they learning? The ancient art of Bharatanatyam – propounded by Bharatha Muni and a dance form that Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati were fond of. Was this art form always available so easily to everyone? Was it enjoyed and admired by so many? No. This revolution was brought about by a single woman who made it her life mission and institutionalized the learning and practice of this art form – Rukmini Devi Arundale. Rukmini Devi Arundale , the founder of the great institution of dance ‘ Kalakshetra ’, a lover of  animals and traditional textiles and the one who turned down the highest office in the country – being President of India. “I was very intuitive from an early age. I responded to people just as I responded to art – through an inner feeling which is diffi

  Shakthis Who Shaped our Society #1 Bangalore Nagarathnamma – An Artist and a philanthropist (1878 -1952) Did you know that Bangalore Nagarthnamma was the first ever woman to pay taxes in the 1900s and was the first woman to go overseas to perform a concert and the first woman to have male accompanists for her concerts? This brave lady had many more credits to her name. She was a multi linguist, a singer, a dancer and also a writer. An interesting and talented lady even today but imagine what she would have been 100 years ago. Early childhood and career Nagarathnamma broke many barriers that were considered male bastions in those days. As a child she was abandoned by her father and found refuge with her uncle. Originally from Nanjangud near Mysore, she moved to Bengaluru where she learnt English, Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada. She also became very proficient in singing and dancing. Over the years, many princely states including that of Mysore, Travancore and Vijayanagara patron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8sTOjqDqHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8sTOjqDqHs Queen Velu Nachiar was an 18th century queen who fought against the British. Born in present day Ramnda district. She is known as Veeramangai (or brave woman). She was the only child of the Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandimuthal of Ramnad.   Rani Velu Nachiyar was trained in war match weapons usage, martial arts like Valari, Silambam (fighting using stick), horse riding and archery. She was a scholar in many languages and she had proficiency with languages like French, English and Urdu.She married the king of Sivagangai, with whom she had a daughter. When her husband, Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar, was killed by British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot, she was drawn into battle. She escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Palayakaarar Kopaala Naayakkar at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. Frustrated by the joining of forces aga