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Ahilyabai Holkar: The Philosopher-Queen Who Led with Wisdom and Grace

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By Anupama Vaidya.    A few months ago, as I landed in Indore and drove toward my hotel, a striking sight caught my eye — a long, beautifully etched wall bearing the name “Ahilyabai Holkar.” It stood not just as a landmark, but as a reminder. Later that evening, in the gentle breeze of twilight, a few friends and I gathered around her statue in the heart of the city. In that moment of silent reverence, I couldn’t help but reflect on the magnitude of this woman’s legacy — a legacy carved not in conquest, but in conscience. In the records of Indian history, where the tales of kings and warriors dominate, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar emerges as a rare exception — a ruler whose might lay in her mind, whose governance was guided by dharma, and whose leadership was rooted in humility, clarity, and service. For me, Ahilyabai’s story holds something deeply personal. My mother, an alumna of Ahilyabai High School in Pune, still speaks of her with glowing reverence. I have seen her face l...
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"Between the Lines, I Found Myself": A World Book Day Reflection.

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By Anupama Vaidya.  A soul searching on the pages that shape my life of purpose and passion; A celebration of stories that build my soul and spark silent revolution; A dedication to the timeless source of knowledge, wisdom, and imagination; A tribute to the books that shape my mind, move my heart, and anchor my mission; An ode to the quiet teachers who guide me gently - one chapter at a time, one verse, one revelation at a time Books have long been our quietest, yet most profound companions - whispering wisdom across centuries, kindling revolutions, and shaping the inner landscape of countless generations.  World Book Day, for me is not just a celebration of literature. It is a heartfelt homage to the transformative power of stories, to timeless wisdom passed from hand to hand, and to the limitless reach of human imagination. Today, as I pause and reflect, I think not only of the books I’ve read – but of those that, in their own way, have read me. The ones that soften...
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Leadership Alchemy No. 11: Reclaiming the Creative Core

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By Anupama Vaidya.    On World Creativity and Innovation Day Recently, I was facilitating a workshop with a group of senior leaders I’ve been handholding through a complex transformation journey. In the initial stages, there was a subtle but persistent undercurrent of complacency — laced with quiet skepticism. Few Ideas floated but didn’t land. Conversations revolved around familiar territory, tethered to comfort zones and guarded by cautious commitments. Change was discussed in theory, but the energy to act felt restrained. The spark wasn’t quite there — and the culture mirrored that inertia. But something shifted. In our latest session, the energy shifted tangibly. There was a sense of play in the problem-solving. One leader reframed a long-standing issue with a simple yet bold question. Another used a storytelling approach to unlock buy-in from the team. It wasn’t just about solutions anymore. It was about imagination. The safe zone had cracked open and made way for ideas t...
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Resonance with Divinity: Embracing Virtues and Values through Ramazan

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By Anupama Vaidya.      Growing up in a neighborhood brimming with religious diversity has been one of life’s most treasured blessings. It profoundly shaped my worldview, infusing it with empathy, cultural respect, and the spirit of   harmonious coexistence, celebrating the very essence of being human. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply value the rich tapestry of backgrounds, beliefs and experiences that my family, friends and teams have brought into every space of life including my workspace. It’s truly enriching to embrace and celebrate our unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; each thread contributing to a more inclusive, compassionate and understanding whole. As we commemorate Eid al-Fitr, also known as Ramazan Id, I am drawn into a whirl of cherished memories –  of fragrant sheer korma , delicious biryanis, and lovingly packed treats sent by our thoughtful neighbors. In childhood innocence, Eid meant celebration and sweets. It took growing up t...
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Resonance with Divinity: Within the Gudi Resides the Everlasting Cycle of Renewal

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By Anupama Vaidya From my balcony, as I tie the Gudi on this auspicious day, I’m greeted by the golden cassia blossoms and bursts of gulmohar defying the summer hear.   A quick market visit reveals the season in full swing - mangoes now dominating the fruit stalls, while special carts   brimming with the season’s treasures: jackfruits, ice-apples, jamuns, rose-apples… each evoking cherished childhood memories. An early morning visit to our family Goddess temple delayed the ritual slightly, but as I raised the Gudi, I felt a surge of energy and a deep, grounding connection. This is no ordinary day — it marks the first day of Chaitra, the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar and the arrival of Nav-Varsh, the new year. As per mythology, it was on this very day that Lord Brahma - the divine architect & creator – initiated the grand design of creation thus setting into motion the cosmic rhythm of days, weeks, months and years - initiating ‘Time’ itself. In that divine rhyt...
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15 March 2025 – Two Decades of Courage, Strength & Transformation

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By Anupama Vaidya.    Two decades. Twenty years since I chose myself. I walked away from a life that no longer served me and stepped into the unknown — alone yet determined. With nothing but faith in myself and the unwavering responsibility of raising my 4-year-old daughter, I embraced uncertainty, not knowing what lay ahead but determined to carve a new path. On 15 March 2005, I made a decision that altered the course of my existence. It was not an easy step. It was not a loud declaration. It was a quiet, resolute whisper to myself: I deserve better. A whisper that turned into an anthem of resilience. But I was never truly alone. I had her. My little soul, my daughter, who looked up at me with eyes full of trust – believing, without doubt, that I would shape a world for her where she could thrive. And so, even in my hardest moments, I found my strength in her. Every battle I fought was not just for me, but for her future too. The world around me questioned, doubted, and perha...
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