THE NAVARATNA NARIS OF NAVI MUMBAI
International Women’s Day (IWD) – March 8
By Lakshman Sundar
A woman is the full circle.International Women’s Day is a global celebration held annually on March 8 to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also serves as a call to action for accelerating women’s equality and addressing the challenges they face worldwide. The first IWD was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany, following a proposal by Clara Zetkin, a German socialist. In 1913, IWD was moved to March 8, and since then, it has been celebrated on this day. This year’s theme is Accelerate Action which emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. Women are marching forward, surging ahead and soaring high. They are becoming bolder, braver and brighter. Empowered women empower the world.
Navi Mumbai is studded with many women achievers in various fields . I selected nine of icons of Navi Mumbai called ‘Navaratna Naris Of Navi Mumbai’ which I present below:
Dr. Mrs. SHAKTI BAJPAI AWASTHI
Dr. Shakti Bajpai Awasthi is an exceptional academic, a trailblazer in the field of research study whose remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on many institutions and the academic community at large.
With a career spanning three decades, Dr. Awasthi has consistently demonstrated a passion for knowledge, a thirst for innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Her impressive works include numerous research papers, publications, and presentations that have not only advanced our understanding of various fields but also inspired a new generation of scholars.
Dr. Awasthi’s academic prowess is matched only by her dedication to mentoring and guiding students. Her r ability to balance intellectual rigor with empathy and kindness has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike. Her Qualifications include PhD in Management from University of Mumbai, Master in Business Administration (MBA) in Human Relation and Marketing from Pt. RSSU Raipur (C.G) M.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Solid State Physics & Communication Electronics from RDVV Jabalpur (M.P) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) from RDVV Jabalpur (M.P). She is presently working as an Associate Professor (HRM) at Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management, Mahalakshmi Mumbai. .She received her PhD from University of Mumbai in Management.
Her areas of expertise include Research Methodology , Marketing Research, Teaching, Training & Developing HR Manuals, Objective Analytical Ability, Marketing Strategy, SHRM (Strategic Human Resources Management) Team Management and Development , Leadership and Training. She has presented several research papers on a variety of subjects
She has published many research papers such as Supply Chain Pulse, Impact of Emotional Intelligence On Employee Engagement, High Performance Work Practices- An Understanding” ,Perceptive Differences in Social Responsibility Among Executives And Management Students , Psychological Contract Breach- A Challenge or Engaging Employees And Managing Talent, Role of Social Media In Developing The Employers Brand- A Study in Indian Scenario” “Women Entrepreneurship At MSME And the Impact Of Cultural Norms
Many events and seminars were successfully managed and conducted by her .
Her published books include : Marketing Management – Thakur Publication YEAR 2012, Human Resource Analytics for Decision Making – ISBN 978-93-95978-31-6 2022 and Challenges of Mastering in Research Methodology.
Her Achievements include Best paper presentation award at an International Conference. Guided Students in a live marketing research project, published a book in Marketing Research under Thakur Publication, Editor to the ISSN Journal, Writer and Co-Writer of three books in management
Rohini Aranake Tambwekar
Rohini Aranake Tambwekar is a dedicated Assitant Sub Post Master at Vashi Post Office.She has been working in the postal department since July 1, 1992. She is always positive ,warm, friendly, considerate and concered . She solves people’s grievences fast.By qulaification she is a MSc( Botony) post graduate from Shivaji University . She was a merit scholarship holder. Her hobiies include singing, travelling , gardening and nature walk.
She chose this profession as she firmly belived service to mankind is service to God and she got this opportunity to fulfill her noble belief through her postal department. She admits modestly that without her family’s and her department’s solid support she could not be what she is now.
Her duties and key responsibilities include providing excellent customer service, responding to queries, and resolving issues related to postal services, assisting in managing postal operations, processing mails, including sorting, scanning, and tracking, maintain accurate records of postal transactions, preparing and submitting reports on postal operations, customer service, and other relevant metrics and ensuring compliance with postal regulations, policies, and procedures.
Other responsibilities of hers are ensuring the security and integrity of postal operations, including safeguarding customer data, and preventing mail theft, maintaining a safe working environment, adhering to health and safety policies and procedures and
participating in community outreach and engagement activities, promoting postal services, and building relationships with local stakeholders. She has been silently efficient that has received many plaudits. What stands out conspicuously is her immense patience to hear complaints and readiness to help others with every smiling face.
Smt. Meenakshi Venkatesh
Smt. Meenakshi Venkatesh is a multi-dimensional persona. She is an academician, a translator, and a public speaker. She is an M.com & M.Phil., Gold medallist from Madras University. Besides, she did P.G. Diploma in Journalism and Mass communication, Madurai Kamraj University, P.G. diploma in Guidance and Counselling, Annamalai University, and a Certificate course in Women’s Studies from SNDT University, Mumbai.
She well served SIES college of Arts Science & commerce Sion (West) for 33 years as the Head of the Department of Commerce. As a seasoned academician, Meenakshi Venkatesh has several research papers and publications to her credit. One of her unique contributions in this area has been to show case literary masterpieces like Thiru Kural and their relevance to national and international scholars. She has won both international and national awards for adding new content to the existing field of knowledge in management. Bilingual translation from English to Tamil and vice versa has been her parallel profession for the past three decades.
She is an ‘A’ grade translator of the Films Division of India and has translated several documentaries from Hindi and English to Tamil. One such documentary titled Bhiwandi tragedy won the National award in 1996. She won Sahitya Academy golden jubilee award for her translation work in the year 2011.
Other her noteworthy translations include spiritual book ‘the Immaculate Saint of Shridi’ By Dr. Rao, from English to Tamil Published by L.K.M. publishers Chennai in 2007. Tamil to English the book ‘Vetri Nichayam’ (Success is Certain) by Kalai Maamani Suki Sivam. She has been an A grade translator for Discovery channel. She has translated and transcribed more than 1000 training audios for AMWAY. Translated the English book on the three Upanishads Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya’ into Tamil in 2019. Translated the Tamil book Minnal Suvai’(‘Taste of Lightning’) a compilation of research essays on Poet Bharathiar’s works by Poet Vaanavil Ravi into English as ‘The Taste of Lightning” in December 2020. She has been the writer for hundreds of advertisement jingles, copy , radio scripts for pioneers like ‘words and voices’ of Mumbai
Public speaking has been the third arena of interest right from her student days. Meenakshi Venkatesh has been the Madras university Best Speaker award for both in English and in Tamil competitions. She was also the recipient of gold medals and cash awards for being the best speaker in inter collegiate competitions. .In Mumbai she has been participating both as a speaker as well as the chairperson for several literary and social debates organized by various Tamil organisations. At present Meenakshi Venkatesh is the Secretary Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam and is associated with the coordination and conduct of events for the Sangam since 2016 and she continues to teach as visiting faculty for post graduate courses.
Nisha Gilbert
Nisha Gilbert is a Bharatanatyam exponent, guru, choreographer, theatre artist, actor, and columnist. She is a gold medallist graduate and holds a master’s degree in Bharatanatyam from Bharata College, Mumbai.
Nisha commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four and performed her Arangetram under the guidance of Guru Smt. Kalamandalam Sudha. Over the years, she was trained under various esteemed gurus. She is currently learning Carnatic music under Guru Smt. Praveena Gouthaman. She has won many awards including the Nritya Ankur Award, Prawasi Nrityashree Award, and Best Vanita Award to mention a few.
Her silver screen debut in the movie Shabaash Mithu was noted for her role as the dance guru to Mithali Raj. She has also worked in several commercials and is part of the Guinness World Records, where more than 500 dancers performed online from across the world.
Nisha is the Founder-Director of Nupur School of Dance, established in 2009 with the objective of teaching and promoting the classical art form of Bharatanatyam. She and her disciples have performed at various prestigious venues and events across India.She has also performed at corporate events
In 2024, the students of Nupur School of Dance performed at the grand pre-wedding celebration of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. This prestigious opportunity allowed her and her school to showcase their talent and add cultural elegance to the glamorous event. Nisha also organizes an annual day celebration and has conducted several Arangetrams. “
Deepa Subramaniam
Deepa Subramanian is the Founder Principal of Sanpada-based Malhar Music Academy in Navi Mumbai. She has completed her Alankaar in Hindustani Classical Vocal from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She will be pursuing her doctorate in the field. Malhar Music Academy is rendering training on Hindustani Classical Vocal Tabla Keyboard and Carnatic vocal to over 100 children of age groups above 5 years with the support of learned faculty members who are Visharadh and Alankar in their respective genres. Malhar Music Academy is associated with Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Vashi and follows the curriculum prescribed by Gandharva. Children also give their respective examinations from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Deepa Subramanian is also a sports enthusiast and a philanthropist
Dr. Namita Agarwal
Dr. Namita Agrawal is a Dentist, Dental Surgeon and Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai and has an experience of 20 years in dental field. Dr. Namita practices at Shree Dental Clinic in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai. She has completed BDS from Government Dental Collage (GDC) Mumbai in 2004.
Dr. Namita is a member of Indian Dental Association. She regularly holds dental camps for children and gives lecture on dental hygiene at various prestigious schools. Some of the services provided by her are Cosmetic dentistry, Restoration Aesthetics, Dental Implant, Dentures, Periodontal, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Metal Braces Fixing, Dental X-Ray and Tooth Coloured Fillings etc.
Paridhi Pramod Gharat
Hailing from Fanaswadi in Uran, Paridhi has made
headlines by swimming across the
12-kilometre stretch of sea from Ghar-
apuri to Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of
India. Paridhi, a first-grade student at
Uran Education School took about six hours to finish the challenging swim.
She practised very hard putting four hours every day. February 4th this year was a her glorious day. Staring at 430 am in pitch darkness she splashed into cold water of Gharapuri Island and unmindful of numerous hurdles miday with courage and determination she continued and around 1030 am she was at Gateway of India. Soon news spread about her remarkable feat and she ever since she has become a celebrity of Uran. Sports enthusiasts, local leaders and the entire Uran burst into jubilation . Paridhi’s journey is an inspiration to many young swimmers in India. What is noteworthy about her achievement that it came just a year after she began training in Uran’s Municipal Swimming She has proven beyond doubt that age is a mere number and if one has will power one will achieve what one sets out to . We can look forward to her daring aquatic feats in the coming years.
Richa Sameet
Richa Sameet is a fashion designer. She is also the. Founder of the charitable trust Let’s Celebrate Fitness(LCF) which she started a decade back, to inculcate fitness in everybody’s mind and soul Team LCF was formed by Richa Sameet with a group of passionate runners who have stood by her in her exciting journey..
She is 48 years old and mother of two daughters…She has been an athelete from the age of 5. A .swimmer and sprinter .She ran maximum distance of s 100km She ran 42km in sari to promote the Indian culture.. ..So far she has completed 48 plus marathons across the country. She will be running the 6 world majors at New york,Tokyo,Berlin,Chicago,Boston and London Marathon in sari. .
Three years since the pandemic, Richa Sameet started social initiatives from feeding people on the streets and helping them with clothing, food and shelter and much more. Sinch march 2020, she has been into feeding the less privileged, during the pandemic, she was feeding more than 2000 people for more than 1 and a half year. So far, 80 lakh meals have been distributed and more than 60 thousand grocery kits have been given to the needy families. At present she is taking care of a food bank, book bank, cloth bank and a toy bank for NMMC.
During COVID 19 times , Richa and her team took up yoga sessions for 1400 covid patients They have provided unconditional educational & medical support to the less fortunate in every way they could.
Her organization also supported to the Mahad and Chiplun flood victims with a generous amount of 50 lakhs.!
Right now the vision LCF has is, to uplift the transgenders and introduce sports to street kids to bring them in the right path and encourage them to be fit and healthy in life. Even today, they feed around 300 homeless who live on the streets and street kids everyday to make them healthier and get them a healthy meal!
LCF has set up 5 charity kitchens across Vashi to support the beggars and homeless with job opportunities and provide shelter.
LCF celebrates every festival, with feeding more than 1000 kids!
It helped NMMC to set a national record by bringing in 207 transgenders all together for a cleaning drive! Her organization played a pivotal role in helping Navi Mumbai become the third cleanest city in India and a five star city in Maharashtra. She also organises tree plantation drive to promote greenery which she initiates every year before Holi .
Vimala Nandakumar
Vimala Nandakumar is a teacher par excellence. She is an MSc , MPhil, Bed has rich experience of more than five decades of teaching mathematics for students of grade 6 to 12 in various boards like CBSE, ICSE, Maharashtra Board and IGCSE (University of Cambridge). She has been the Principal of international schools in Mumbai and Jakarta, Indonesia apart from being a Principal of Arya Vidya Mandir at BKC, Mumbai. In addition, she has worked as an education consultant at Agha Khan Education Service and Birla Edutech. She did a brief teaching assignment at Avasara Leadership fellows at American School of Bombay, where girls students from Dharavi schools are enrolled .At present she is the chairperson of her own NGO -Shaktii Girl’s Education Trust which runs anafter- school programme for girls of the underprivileged society which she started in 2015.
She has authored a book “What Ails Our Schools?” which gives first hand information of various issues plaguing our schools, includes case studies and offers solutions to the ailments. The book reinforces the most important aspect of education, viz., keeping children in focus.
Vimala Nandakumar. She has travelled extensively in India barring a couple of states. After exploring India . She is a globe trotter too and travelled to33 countries in an attempt to understand the flora and fauna of them. She believes that travelling is the best way to learn and enrich one’s life. She recently published – “ Off the Beaten Track “ and “Gateway to our Oyster” Singing, reading , painting and swimming are her hobbies. She held an exhibition of her paintings at the Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai for raising funds for laptops for the girls at Shaktii.
Smt. Sujtha Ramesh
Sujatha Ramesh, a resident of Vashi , Navi Mumbai, is a lawyer by profession . After more than a decade as a corporate lawyer, she spurned the lucrative field to pursue her true passion: Music. Sujatha hails from a musical family. Her father (late) Kalathur Raghavan was a well known Mridangam artist. So music is in her DNA. She was extremely fortunate to have trained under eminent gurus, Smt.Sarayu Srinivasan, Bangalore Smt Vijayalakshmi and Smt.T.R.Balamani, Matunga, Mumbai.Music, to her is life and breath without which her day is incomplete.
Sujatha performs extensively across various sabhas in the country. Some of her most memorable concerts so far have been at the Chidambaram Arudra festival, Thiruvaiyaru Sri Thyagaraja Aaradhana, Sri Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mumbai, at the NCPA, Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha, Vashi Fine Arts, Vashi Tamil Sangham etc, as also several online performances. Her concerts have been very well received by rasikas. She is also adept at singing Abhangs and Paasurams. Blessed with a melodious voice Sujatha is a stickler for tradition and bhava laden renditions epitomize her music. She has also adjudged several music and dance competitions across the country. In 2023, she was approached by the prestigious Shri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha to conduct a 30 session music workshop under NEP at the SIES college,Mumbai. Her musical journey goes on .