Past EventsKolkata

Ms Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director Hindustan Times Media, one of the largest newspapers and media houses in India, was in conversation with LSG President, Ms Diya Jaiswal on ‘The Power of One’ for Ladies Study Group.

Ms Bhartia, born to Mr K K Birla said she imbibed his strict disciplinary values and interest in global affairs as he travelled vastly. She said, “My professional memories are created out of Delhi; I love Calcutta as the memories are all of a personal nature.”

The Indian media baroness, who inherited HT, said at the age of twenty-nine, she joined Hindustan Times and spent six months each in variousdepartments—circulation, sales and editorial. To understand the mediabusiness, she took guidance from Katherine Graham of Washington Postand spent time with legendary Post editor Ben Bradlee, said media baroness.

The Padma Shree awardee said, ”Hindustan Times was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi in 1924. It played integral roles in the Indian Independence Movement as a Nationalist and pro-Congress daily.”

Shobhana said with technological advancements, social media, like Twitter being popular, print media is facing challenges. She voiced, “Quality journalism is the unbiased truth, which is presented with integrity in an acceptable manner” and “I find the job exciting also because one is playing a meaningful role in terms of building a better society.”

The Rajya Sabha nominee was candid in saying, she did not root for women’s reservation; rather advocated the education of the girl-child in order to empower her for life!

The First lady of Indian Media won the hearts of the LSG forum by her forthrightness, passion, confidence and dynamism.

Dr Shashi Tharoor, former diplomat, three time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and author was in conversation with Anuvab Pal, 'India's most intelligent comedian', according to New York Times.

The book title of his recent book, Tharoorosaurus, Dr Tharoor insisted "is a combination of my name with the words tyrannosaurus (since so many are terrified of difficult words) and thesaurus (since people want to be able to look them up)," and was not taken from an Amul advertisement. However, he did share that his sisters were the first b&w and the first colour Amul babies and he had advertised for Amul chocolates.

Answering Anuvab, Tharoor explained how his father instilled in him the conviction that, "words are what shape ideas and reflect thoughts," and how his Kolkata school, St Xavier's, embedding in him the love of knowledge. He joined politics because, "in any democracy, the best way to make a difference in people's lives is through politics"; and "I am genuinely a believer in the freedom of press, yet journalists appointing themselves as a witness, judge, jury and executioner, is a troubling trend," about his run ins with the press.

"Muliebrity" (the quality of being an ideal woman) he said would best describe LSG members – socially conscious and wonderfully able. This gift from the wizard of words is definitely going down in the History of LSG!!

As the world and India continue to struggle with the crisis situation created by the corona pandemic, Ladies Study Group had the privilege of listening to the very best in his field .. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, giving us the much-needed guidance and clarity on healthcare. As the LSG president, Ms. Diya Jaiswal rightly pointed out, Dr. Shetty has single handedly revolutionized health care in our country, making it accessible and affordable for all.

Dr. Shetty gave us an insight as to how six months back we were facing an acute shortage of medical supplies to now, when we are able to export the same.

He explained on how it’s up to the people of India now to prevent and slow down the pandemic, with special emphasis on masks, social distancing, washing of hands etc. He made us understand the importance of regular testing as well as monitoring our oxygen levels.

He got us a little bit of cheer and hope, saying its not the time for more lockdowns, albeit it’s the time to work hard and revive the Indian economy. Encouraging us to go about our work and chores, he combined it with the advice of being cautious and careful.

His comment, "beds do not treat a patient, it is the doctors, nurses and medical technicians who do so”, resonates so aptly in these trying times, when the medical practitioners have become our real-life super heroes.

The king of hearts, as he is so popularly known, showed us the silver lining amongst the dark clouds, that this too shall pass and we will emerge into the new world, much stronger and much wiser.

As we continue to deal with the Corona crisis, Ladies Study Group invited creator of Vedanta Vision, Smt Jaya Row, to speak to our members and help alleviate some of the stress and fear brought on by the disheartening news of the pandemic's spread.

LSG President, Mrs Diya Jaiswal reminded us of Darwin's famous saying - “It is neither the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

As Smt Jaya Row addressed the topic of the evening ‘Coping with Uncertainty’, she accepted that the pandemic has pulled the carpet from under our feet. It has increased uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships and of course physical and mental health. But she believes it is our “attitude towards life that makes all the difference. Nature is telling us to pause, correct, think, reflect and perhaps change the course of our life.”

A truly spiritual person, she stressed, has the inner strength and resilience to bear with life’s difficulties. Jaya ji advocated objectivity in dealing with the world and reminded that according to Shri Ramakrishna, the inherent value of the world and all that it has to offer - is zero. Smt. Row focused on the importance of building a circle of family and friends, investing in relationships and rising above the thought of self.” Live on faith and enjoy the present”.

“Pain is an essential part of life, but you can choose not to suffer,” "The intellect has the capacity to control the wavering mind and guide you. Look into your own higher aspirations, higher entities within you, which give you much more joy both qualitatively and quantitatively’, were some of the pearls of wisdom uttered by her.

Smt.Jaya Row concluded the session saying, “The Bhagwad Gita inspires you, saturates you with love and satisfies you with knowledge. It helps you achieve outstanding success, be tremendously happy within and get to a state of perfection.”

While thanking the erudite speaker, LSG Vice President, Mrs Sumita Roy, said that Jayaji leaves us spiritually motivated to lead a life of service above self. She encourages all to remain hopeful and resilient.

President, Diya Jaiswal, welcomed LSG members to the Zoom meet with Ira Trivedi, pointing out that, "the Lockdown has come with its own challenges to our health and happiness. To combat this Ladies Study Group had invited Yoga Acharya Ira Trivedi to curate a special interactive session for our members.

A Columbia University graduate, Ira Trivedi, is the founder of YogLov and has her own television shows on Yoga. Ira is also a passionate writer and says that both her roles as a yogini and an author have been blessings in her life.

Ira began with breath exercises that relax the mind and body. She followed this with long stretch exercises and then pranayama practice. She pointed out that the regulation of breath had a direct connection with our body's hormonal balance and mood swings.

She stressed that yoga practices should be made a part of our morning schedule. Her mission she said is to incorporate yoga into as many people's lives as possible. She believes we should take advantage of our rich Indian culture.

Ira beautifully ended the session with a short meditation and aum chanting.

It was indeed a wonderful afternoon with all of us feeling motivated and energized. "The session was so well received and I can say with complete confidence that while India has taken Yoga to the world, Ira has definitely brought yoga and good health to all our LSG members in lockdown," said Diya at the end of session.

LSG presented actor Aditi Rao Hydari and couture designer Gaurav Gupta’s ‘Power of Authenticity and Instinct’ as fashion influencer Sujata Assomull charmingly unraveled them. President Diya Jaiswal opened the event by wittily quoting GG , and introducing them as ‘Beauty and the Beast’, energising us with her trademark charismatic smile.

Aditi’s authenticity and passion shone as she spoke about the incredible power of stories be it on a grandmother’s lap or on celluloid that created immersive experiences. ‘In that short period between action and cut’ it was an actors’ transcendental emotive capacity that moved the audience to laughter and tears, transforming the moment into a reality, she said. Gaurav articulated that authenticity fuelled creative endeavours.

Assomull’s asked about instinct and decision making ,‘How does one know, that you are making the right move?’. Aditi said that even while ‘stepping into the unknown, one could be true to oneself’, gracefully fielding well-meaning opinions , while doing ones best and enjoying the journey, as controlling consequences was impossible. This was how she dealt with challenges presented in life and ‘the industry’.

GG defined his friendship with Aditi as a meeting of creative minds and enriching ‘conversations about art, film, philosophy and possibilities ’. He elaborated how overlapping arenas created infinite possibilities that minimized competition. His design philosophy embraced surrealism, fantasy and magic realism. A muse for him was someone who resonated and embodied his philosophy.

They both felt fame was incidental as craft , talent and instinct mattered , and the authentic conviction that art is greater than individuals.

This magical trio of an award winning multifaceted actor, an inimitable couture culturist, and a pathbreaking fashion journalist , left LSG enveloped in enchantment and enlightenment.

The LSG president, Diya Jaiswal introduced the internationally acclaimed actor , director , producer Padma Shri Shekhar Kapur in 'The Synergy Between Creativity and its Master' on 22/8/2020. His sister Sohaila Kapur, a reputed playwright, director, actor and journalist in her own right unraveled him through thought provoking questions.

The session opened with warm stories about how Sohaila was 'bullied' by her quintessential elder brother who with the passage of time became her icon. Mr Kapur shared that his unusual career trajectory started off as a Chartered Accountant in England . He humbly revealed that he literally had no prior experience in films as he went on to dazzle the world with an array of award-winning productions that ranged from emotional blockbusters like Masoom , to science fiction in Mr. India , bold narratives like the Bandit Queen to historical biopics on Queen Elizabeth to name a few.

Life's secret according to him is about, 'living in the now, and 'embracing our vulnerabilities' as we 'experience adventures' that the world presents. He philosophically defined success as , 'just seeing one's reflection in other people's eyes' and spoke about the 'transience of glory'. According to him art has no full stops, as it can be revisited and reinterpreted and continues to live in peoples' subconscious minds.

The siblings left us floored , as the 22nd of August turned out to be another august session for LSG indeed.

On the eve of the Indian Independence Day, Ladies Study Group celebrated our patriotic spirit by inviting the top commanders (retired) of the Indian Armed Forces along with their empowered wives. President, Diya Jaiswal aptly said, "Our Armed Forces act as a shield and sword and allow us the luxury of sleeping peacefully at night."

"The Indian Armed forces not only provides a career but is also a way of life," began Air Chief Marshall Raha as between them the commanders and their spouses they shared insights into both the courage and sacrifice of their chosen profession.

Vice Admiral P K Chatterjee said that commanding a submarine was the most challenging and gratifying part of his career. The gallantry medal winner spoke about the role the 'silent navy' played both during the Kargil and the IPKF operations in Sri Lanka.

China, Dokhlam and Rafale jets - were all touched upon. Lt General Praveen Bakshi explained that Doklam's geographical position, at the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China, makes it a strategically important area to protect.

Air Chief Marshal Raha pointed out that China, both economically and internationally, has been playing an aggressive role and has become a bully in the South China Sea. He also explained that the Rafale fighter jets were procured keeping in mind the military requirements of our country. "India is silently enhancing its military capabilities especially in the North East. We are ramping up our capabilities and our gloves are off," said Lt General Bakshi.

It was interesting to learn that Visva Bharati University has been roped to teach Chinese to our men in uniform.

The Armed Forces wives are the silent ranks, standing by their husbands and holding fort while the men are away on duty. Mrs Bakshi said that she was responsible for the well-being of 200 families when her husband was busy at the Kargil conflict. "I had a very interesting life travelling across the country and the world. I am truly grateful to the air force", said Lily Raha. Mrs Chatterjee mentioned that though spouses were not allowed to sail on a submarine, wonderful family parties were organised on the decks when the vessels were off duty and anchored at a port.

Anil Mukherjee rightly pointed out the equal importance of every region and religion within the forces. "The unity and diversity, which the Indian Armed Forces give us, is the moral fiber and strength of this country," he concluded.

Celebrity chef Asma Khan gave LSG members a peak into her Soho restaurant Darjeeling Express while she quickly tossed up a few very simple yet delicious dishes in her kitchen.

In 1991, when an arranged marriage transfer Asma from Kolkata to cold Cambridge, she continued her studies and now holds a PhD in British Constitutional Law, which made her feel highly empowered.

An immigrant who faced racism, Asma makes a special effort to empower immigrant women to earn and support their extended families back home. She uses her personal story to motivate others to dream big even when they start small. She believes that our first home is our mothers' womb and after that everyone is a migrant.

She is extremely vocal about the blatant mistreatment and sexism faced by women in commercial kitchens. Various cooking shows over the years have not only accepted but actually applauded bad behavior by celebrity chefs.

Her story is truly inspiring -- she and her staff earn an equal salary, uses largely local produce to reduce the carbon footprint, and her profits are all given to charity . She spent her 50th birthday setting up a cafe in a refugee camp in northern Iraq that employs Yazidi women recovering from the traumas of life under the Islamic State group. Her moto has been to "light a fire inside someone's soul."

LSG President, Diya Jaiswal says: Food is definitely the foundation of genuine happiness and Asma has used her passion for food to bring peace, harmony and hope in people's lives.

LSG President, Mrs Diya Jaiswal, brought together on the same platform for the first time the Ranjan ladies - beautiful mom Anu and her gorgeous daughters Anushka and Akanksha.

Anu Ranjan, President of ITA and CEO of GR8 Entertainment, spoke about the 15 years she spent in Kolkata and touched on her role in the industry and also as an extremely busy working mother.

Anushka Ranjan, who made her debut in Hindi cinema with, Wedding Pollav and starred in the web series Fittrat, is a believer of Buddism and says "I believe in me."

Akanksha Ranjan Kapoor, the younger daughter, starred in the web series Guilty on Netflix. She spoke about her body issues as a teenager and believes social media though a necessity has an "information overload" which is the root cause of many our problems.

The Ranjans also spoke about their work through their ngo BETI Association, which Anu founded.

Yes the lockdown has affected their lives too, but they been able to pull each other up and are eagerly waiting for better times soon.

The mother and daughters have a unique relationship of friendship and caring and their bond became evident in this frank and cosy conversation with one of Indian film and television industry's most glamourous and super successful families.

LSG president, Diya Jaiswal said, “Today’s global society calls for new habits of the mind, as there has been a fundamental shift from the emphasis on leadership in control to leadership in balance, and from a leader’s way of behaving to a leader’s way of thinking.”

Sanjeev Gupta, Board member, Markets Leader & Global Speaker, introduced the three panelists as women leaders of stature; global and yet practical, extremely ambitious but unbelievably human.

Carol Pineau, Filmmaker & Journalist, Talk Show Host, believes in stepping back and listening to people and reporting with honesty what is out there. Pineau said, “There is a significance lack of leadership, as people are constantly looking for an adrenaline rush, provided by the media, which is a money spinner, and focusing on their TRP ratings.

Vandana Poria, OBE, TEDx Speaker & Master Story Teller, confessed to being a victim of racism, sexism and ageism in her life journey. Poria said, “In Vedas, women are considered at par, if not superior to men. The self-proclaimed human alarm clock, believes humans need to reset their minds, to what metrics to follow, in order to save the human race and the environment.

Rama Yade, Former member of French cabinet, Teacher/Senior fellow at Atlantic Council, believes communities, traditions, and parents matter for people, evolving and becoming better human beings and great leaders. Yade said, “Convictions are the heritage of my parents and sky is the limit.”

Sanjeeev Gupta rightly said the three G’s - gender, generation, and globalization are the key to a leader’s thinking to operate in today’s world.