Anupama Vaidya

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...

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...

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...

By Anupama Vaidya  As we honor the essence of womanhood within each of us this International Women's Day, we celebrate our strength, resilience and limitless impact we create  This year felt especially powerful as I immersed myself in the energy of diverse, strong, and unstoppable women and allies across organizations. Experiencing three unique gatherings in a single day was more than a celebration — it was a journey of learning, inspiration, and reflection that continues to shape my perspective and my path forward. As we came together to mark International Women’s Day , I shared my perspective across these moments of connection, reflection, and empowerment. And now, I share it with you. 💜💜💜 Today is not just about marking Women’s day; it is about honoring, celebrating and embracing the very essence of womanhood - a journey woven with privilege, responsibility, unwavering strength, and boundless grace.  One tiny chromosome makes the difference,  shapes an entire i...