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The Powerful Path- Future Forward with Ace Astro Gemologist Abhijita Kulshrestha
The Powerful Path- Future Forward with Ace Astro Gemologist Abhijita Kulshrestha There are few women who have made inroads successfully into domains that have been traditionally owned and run by men folk. Deep-diving into the world of Vedic astrology and planetary gemology was a conscious choice for this exceptional communications professional.She quit a regular career knowing well that it may take years and rigorous work to carve a name for her. But fate had other plans and she soon rose to fame as one of the most accurate as well as empathetic professionals in her field.Meet Abhijita Kulshrestha, the well-known and highly sought after Vedic astrologer, planetary gemologist, author, mentor and life coach who was recently feted by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce Sh. Som Prakash and the Confederation of All India Traders on the occasion of Women’s Day as a dynamic persona who has contributed in her field of work as well as brought positive change and transformation in people’s lives. She’s the director of Gemstoneuniverse – India’s premier organisation exporting coloured gems across the globe and the benchmark when it comes to planetary gem therapy specializing in Jyotish Gemstones. She is a thought leader and an ace mentor helping human beings in transforming lives. In the year 2020, she was on the cover of the Global Millionaire Magazine and was listed as one among the top 35 successful female entrepreneurs in India. She has authored two books and the most recent one – Cosmic Sutra is an incredible manual to healing and meditative practices that anyone can embrace irrespective of race or religion. In the year 1999, she had won the coveted CSR Ms. Super Brain of India award- in a national level competition, establishing her genius and mental prowess. She is easily one of the most sought after astrology, Astro gemologist and life coach consultants, shining light on the path forward for some of the most illustrious industrialists, leaders, business heads and celebrities among others. It would be really interesting for our readers to know how you decided to venture into this field… Well, there is a carefully crafted order to the universe but we as mere mortals may not be able to perceive it, as we regard our judgment and thinking as the best. It was a conscious decision to take the path of studying Vedic astrology and planetary gemology. I have always had an academic bent of mind, so poring over several astrology related books and texts was quite interesting. Also empathy and an ease with which I could embrace a spiritual regimen also helped with growth. There were definite watershed events that presented either/ or choices but fortunately I was brave enough to say yes to the right ones. In retrospect I do realise that the value systems and demands of my current profession is in sync with who I always have been. Kindness, empathy, honesty, spiritual growth – all these have been the pillars of our work and that is why I have been able to walk with ease thus far. What according to you are essential qualities for women to be successful? This is a tough one that I get asked, and there is no one rule fits all answer over here. Each woman is unique and can bring something incredible to the table in her area of work. The qualities that define success are actually specific to specific roles. If you really enjoy something, and as I mentioned earlier share similar value systems, success is a foregone conclusion. However, in any line of work, integrity, compassion, patience, emotional resilience and focus on sustaining quality of product or service offered are a must for moving ahead. Can women have it all? A successful career as well as a satisfying family life? That’s a very interesting question and I believe that women across the world pressurise themselves into extremely demanding situations trying to live the dream of having it all. There is an internal desire to succeed professionally but also DNA level programming which is unforgiving if the role of mother or spouse or daughter or daughter-in-law is found lacking in some way. I think, quite practically speaking, that mostly, it is possible to have one thing at a time. It is almost impossible to multitask (a big myth) because the mind can address only one question at a time. Imagine – to juggle between the absence of an employee on a day with an important meeting, a sudden crisis hitting the life of a client and at the same time making sure that you have not missed out on any of the things to be packed for your child’s first trip out of station – it is quite mind-boggling. So between judging yourself for your performance as a career woman and wondering if you have been the ideal mother, or have you done right by your parents – it is like finding yourself between a rock and a hard place every other day. Any successful person understands this and at the same time is kind enough not to impose exacting standards on oneself. The first rule of success is to extend compassion towards self – knowing well that some days you will have a laurel wreath on your head for your good work and the other days it may only be a warm embrace from your parent or your child – a generous reward falling in your kitty. One has to learn to operate in the space that lies between all and none. And quite happily at that. That is what being a real person is about and not what that over achieving everything a successful person is made out to be! How can people benefit from Vedic Astrology and by using jyotish/ planetary gemstones by using them? Does it really make a difference? A person may be seeking help, a solution or a breakthrough in any area
“BY WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A POSITIVE GLOBAL CHANGE “ PARIN SOMANI
How a constant support from your father or any particular person inevitable in your journey? I am very fortunate that I have constant support from my father and mother; I view this as a blessing. Despite our physical distance, I know that when I require support from my parents despite night or day, they will always be there to support me. I believe that it is through their prayers, that I am with you all today. I was supported by my father from a young age to carryout community service, excel in my education and pursue work in the media. The love my parents have for me is unconditionally and they understand my pure intentions to serve the world. My parents have always trusted me to make the right decisions in my endeavors; they appreciate me as a person and my goals in life. This element touches my heart, because my parents will only support truth and justice. With the knowledge that my parents are always there to support me, provides me with the strength to embark on my journey to achieve my goals with happiness and immense motivation. How did that constant motivation give you the courage to fight against all odds and achieve your dream? The constant loving motivation that I have been fortunate to receive through my parent’s support has created firm self-belief and confidence. This in turn has facilitated my progress onto achieving goals that seemed impossible to me. When I underwent serious health battles in my life, my parents never gave up hope. This fuelled my motivation and progression towards recovery, together with my faith, positivity and self-belief. Through this traumatic experience I learnt the true value and preciousness of my life through a different perspective. Currently, I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to rise every morning and transcend towards my dream of serving mankind. I spend every waking minute expressing gratitude for this wonderful gift that we call life. This reminds me of a quote by Aga Khan III, that my beloved father-in-law used to motivate me with ‘struggle is the meaning of life.’ This quote has created an imprint in my heart helping my motivation when I encounter struggles. It has provided me with the realisation that every individual faces struggles every day within our lives, but this struggle makes us stronger. This realisation is enough to provide me with the motivation to fight against the odds in life and ‘serve mankind until my last breath’ which is my dream and biggest achievement. Your personal bonding with your father or anyone in particular? I view the personal bonding with my father as very special and unique. He is not only my father, but he is my friend and biggest supporter, just as I am his. We have the type of bond where we can guide and inspire each other. I was the long awaited first daughter in my family, after a whole generation of boys. I think an automatic special bond was formed from my birth,that was filled with deep love and affection flourishing to present day. I am truly blessed to share this amazing father daughter bond; each moment is precious in life therefore I cherish it. Any lesson which u have embedded in yourself which makes you a good citizen of your country? I feel that it is imperative to live by good ethics and values; being respectful, trustworthy, honest, compassionate and responsible. I believe that it is our duty to provide service to humanity and give back to society. This can be achieved through voluntary work within our capacity and obey the law. These are qualities that I have embedded within myself with the aim of being a good citizen. I feel that every individual can aspire to be the best citizen which can be attained through adhering to the notion of: Always treat others how you wish to be treated. Together with abiding by these mentioned principles, I seek to understand diverse viewpoints and aim to build bridges between communities, cultivate tolerance, peace and harmony. We should remember that there is strength in diversity, therefore always treat others with respect. I have personally ensured that I do not forget my culture and heritage as this is a vital component of who I am. Residing within a multicultural society, has allowed easy integration and acceptance within society globally. If we all aspire to be good role models and help each other, through our good intentions and actions identified through, proper behavior, trust and understanding; we can aim to live in a world filled with peace and happiness. Being a daughter how do you support your father when he is not in his positive frame of mind / dilemma? Both my father and father-in-law are generally positive individuals. They always strive to turn every negative situation into a positive. However, we are human, and I cannot expect both my father and father-in-law to be positive all the time. This is because, the world that we live in is ever changing and the challenges that we encounter in life alter. Therefore, I gently remind them both, that they are both worried about the future consequences of an event, something that has not happened yet. If something has not happened yet, then why do we worry about it? Yes, we can discuss contingency plans, if we know that something may affect our future, but that is positive. I also remind both that the past has gone, and we cannot change it, thus possessing a negative mindset is futile. We can learn from our past experiences and from it create a better future. I feel that by creating positive energy around my father and my father-in-law during his difficult times; by being cheerful and positive; the distressing task of solving a dilemma or transforming negative mindsets becomes easier for both of them. One lesson of his which you will never forget throughout your life? There are many lessons that
NATURE’S NEST BY SADHIKA MALHOTRA
The Nature’s Nest, Unit of Innovadors By Sadhika Malhotra -The Multiple Store. There is one common aim of each and every one- and that one aim is to look beautiful. Beauty is utmost concern of each and everyone and any problem related to it becomes worrisome situation. Are you facing any problem with your Skin? Are you hair in good texture? Are you worried about freckles on your skin? Or if you skin is dry or any other beauty concern bothering you? To all your beauty concerns- there is solution in ‘Nature’s Nest by Sadhika Malhotra’ the brand that solves all your problems with natural care. Sometimes passion grows into profession and that’s when you enjoy each moment of your work. Such is the case with 23-year-old young entrepreneur Sadhika Malhotra whose inclination towards Beauty gave the birth to The Nature’s Nest, Unit of Innovadors by Sadhika Malhotra. Beauty and Best in conversation with Sadhika to know more on her journey and brand insights… Tell us about yourself as a person, your educational background and as an entrepreneur? I would describe myself as Cheerful, Mindful, fun loving girl who has always been focused studies and Work. I don’t mind calling myself as a Go-getter who believes in fulfilling her dreams with my sheer dedication and hard work. I finished schooling from GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj. I am graduate from GD Goenka University, Sohna Road and I did my course in entrepreneurship into cosmetology into beauty products and into perfumes. After that, in year 2017 I did an internship to start practice in beauty products then my family helped guided me hire machines then I learnt and started the art of making the products for nature’s nest as well as the scent studio our culture nature is considered as a mother for every need of ours we look at the nature as a solution so from the house of Mother Nature we take pride in introducing The Nature’s Nest. The large and researched range of nature’s nest helps protecting the hair, body and skin of every individual as per their body types. The Nature’s Nest is a nest of naturally made certified products specially made with all natural herbs and extracts of all natural fresh fruits and we make sure that all the products manufactured by us as free from parabens, mineral oil and harmful chemicals. “My father has had a tremendous impact on my journey. Despite being born in a very wealthy and conservative family, where women are not expected to go out and work, he has always pushed me to start something on my own.” How did your company’s journey as a pre-eminent brand begin? What was the underlying bed rock idea behind incorporating the company? What made you choose this type of business? Since childhood, I have seen that my parents utilizing the bounties of nature for staying healthy and looking beautiful. My father used to go to great lengths to procure the purest and best quality ingredients – be it the Shikakai and Amla or purest Chandan and Kashmiri saffron. We grew up witnessing the miracles of nature and the importance of purity plus quality. As I grew up I started looking for ready-made natural products. However, I found that most products that I used were not a patch on the homemade beauty products. That is when I decided to launch Nature’s Nest. Please let us know about your various product ranges? We are making around 300 types of products. We have Massive product range where in anything and everything you can imagine in beauty segment is available. Right from body wash to shampoo to under eye gel to face wash to creams to face mask to hair oil to moisturizers to soap bars to face massage gel and lip balms… etc. Our product range is solution to all your beauty worries. What are your 5 best Hostellers? Here are 5 best hot sellers that nature’s nest users swear by: Nature’s Nest Under Eye Gel: It helps to keep the beauty of eyes by reducing puffiness and dark circles. Refreshing Gel for rejuvenating exhausted eyes. It targets all 3-problem areas around the eyes – dark circles, eye bags and wrinkles. Natural ingredients keep the formula gentle enough even for the thin and sensitive skin of the eye area. Its Great for daily use For women & men Of all ages groups. 2.Dead Sea minerals shampoo: This shampoo has a unique blend of natural herbs like ginko biloba, Dead Sea salt. It is based upon minerals from the Dead Sea. It cleanses pores on the scalp and dead cells on the scalp. It rejuvenates damaged hair and also detoxifies scalp Certified product can be safely used by both men and women. Dead Sea Minerals Increase Blood Circulation, which reduces Hair Loss. Unique charcoal body wash: Say goodbye to dirt and blemishes. We have harnessed the cleansing and detoxing power of unique charcoal to help you remove toxins and impurities, unclogging pores and breathing life back into skin in need. Our keys ingredients help extract toxins from your skin’s pores while also removing dead skin cells. Intense moisture makes it a great acne body wash and a great sensitive skin body wash. Tea tree face wash: Everyday Use Tea Tree Face Wash with Neem helps to control and prevents the Development of new acne and Pimples by controlling excessive oil secretion Removes excess oil. Tea Tree Extract helps purify the skin and improves its Resilience, it gently Removes Clogging Dirt, Oil, and impurities from skin, making skin Clean and Healthy enriched with Tea Tree extract and Tea Tree Oil Famous For Their Natural Anti Bacterial and Cleansing properties, prevents the regular breakout of acne and pimples. Herbal skin renewal cream aloe Vera: When skin health matters, there’s nothing more vital and pampering than an herbal daily moisturizer that’s light and non-greasy, and also a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals to provide complete
PERSONALITY MENTOR – SAHIBA SINGH DHUPAR
Sahiba is a Corporate Trainer, Image Consultant and an Etiquette Coach who carries a wide spectrum of International certifications in all arenas. With a proven ability to organize and facilitate training programs on Soft Skills, Image Management and Etiquette Grooming for Educational Institutions, Corporate, Clubs, Individuals and Beauty Pageants, her endeavor is to make an everlasting difference in the lives of those she grooms, thereby helping ambitious professionals achieve both their business and personal goals faster by scaling new heights in life. She has been awarded with the Women Excellence Award, Bharat Drishta Award and Top Soft Skills Trainer Award in 2019. Having trained thousands of students and working professionals in the fields aforementioned, her main motto for her mentees has always been, “Work on YOU, For YOU.” Her service driven approach and empathetic demeanor makes her a hit in her group and one on one trainings. Being an effortless public speaker since her childhood days, empowering others towards enriched personalities and fulfillment of their goals came naturally to her. Her work for Rotary Club, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra has also been featured in newspaper dailies like Gokulniti and Lokmat times. Recognising her life story as an inspiration to many, she has also been featured by Humans Of Delhi, a famous blog that publishes handpicked stories of real people. Additionally, One World News featured her story in their Women Talk section under Inspiring Women stories. Sahiba is a true example of someone who breaks stereotypes and rises to every occasion with grace and dignity. She has been vocal about her stand against Gender Discrimination, Gender Roles and openly propagates Body and Colour Positivity. Her endeavors to make people acknowledge their self worth have found a place through her Self worth Workshops. Being an Etiquette Coach, she is candidly upfront about how important is Basic Etiquette in our country let alone Global Etiquette. Through her trainings, she shoulders the responsibility of making Etiquette as important as curriculum for the youth. She proudly claims that her profession is a passion that has turned into a purpose. M: +91-9711869567 Email: personafiedwithsahiba@gmail.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/personafied.with.sahiba/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Personafied-with-Sahiba-173819923237655/
MANYA PATHAK – THE QUINTESSENTIAL DIVA
The scintillating beauty Manya Pathak is the life of the Zee TV Dilli Darlings serial. The beauty with brains has been a brilliant orator since her days as a panelist and speaker at the Delhi University. The Diva has been prominently featured in the socially relevant movie Acid Aakraman that was screened at the Indogma Film Festival and the Khajuraho Film Festival. She is also the star in an upcoming short movie for premier film festivals and the OTT platform. The talented and versatile actress has an excellent ear for music as well and has mesmerized audiences with the music video ‘Tauba Meri Tauba’ on ShowboxTV. The appreciative audiences will be treated to superlative performances from her ‘Yeh Raastein’ and ‘Wedding Wala Song’ too. She has grace and style and rules the world of entertainment. The fashionista has been seen in various popular print ads for famous designers, jewellery chains, Salons, restaurants, and even colleges. She is articulate and has had her articles and interviews published by newspapers, magazines, TV, news channels. Her intellect and strong opinions have made her a media favorite and she has appeared in interviews and in special segments on India TV, CNBC Awaaz, News One and Navtej TV. Radio Mirchi has broadcasted her interview too! The lady has a strong political voice too and has shown solidarity with the Aam Aadmi Party. She was seen on vociferous campaigns for the party in Delhi. The Winner of Promising Indian award for outstanding contribution to entertainment industry, Manya Pathak is the quintessential beauty that possesses the will, strength and grit to be herself. The rising star has heralded the shift from being just a face in the artist community to being a presence that makes itself heard on the various social segments too.
PRAGATI NAGPAL – THE KITTY QUEEN OF DELHI
The Zee TV show Dilli Darlings has brought many stars to our homes. The beautiful and successful celebrities have become known faces due to their sensational talent, passionate zeal and the hard work of many years. Pragati Nagpal is one such wife and mother of two who rules her segment. Her areas of interest apart from designing are cooking and make-up. The mother of two has a soft spot for her parents and prays for their longevity. Her unbridled creativity and aesthetic sense has culminated in the creation of her label,’Mastaani’. The imaginative and versatile fashion designer curates and creates a vast range if luxury clothing. Her couture and pret collection has a kaleidoscope of western, indo western and traditional apparel. Pragati believes that the next fashion trends would be oversize dresses or shorts with sneakers. She has a special fondness for sequins even as she strives to be regularly updated with global fashion trends. The aim is to provide affordable luxury couture to women who want to look good. The last fifteen years has seen her rise in the industry as a strong presence. She has dressed the crème de la crème of Delhi. She advises brides to wear light lehengas, go beyond reds and focus on heavy jewellery. The Kitty queen of Delhi has a select group of individuals who have been invited to the coveted kitty group she manages. Pragati would have probably been an actor if she had not chosen to be a designer. The talented Pragati has been an inspiration for many and inspires many young women to follow the path of success. Her clothes are a reflection of her own self, confident, well fitted and exclusive. She has become the flag bearer of success in the fashion world. The very articulate and dignified lady has made a mark in the social fabric of Delhi as no one could before her! The name Mastaani suits her passion that escalated her into the ranks of very successful entrepreneurs. Her autobiography would proclaim the tag line, “I did it my way!”
INDIA’S BEAUTY AMBASSADOR – SHAHNAZ HUSAIN
To her exclusively goes the credit of bringing out the therapeutic value of herbs from the mists of antiquity and legend, combining them with scientific research and practice. Shahnaz Husain has done so much for her country’s image abroad that she truly deserves the sobriquet of India’s Beauty Ambassador– Washington Post What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and what is your long term vision? Translating my dreams and ideas into reality inspired me to become an entrepreneur. During my training in London, I came across instances of damage caused by chemical treatments and products. I was determined to find a natural alternative. I decided to evolve treatments that are safe and without risks. My idea was to provide herbal beauty care, based on the principle of “care and cure.” I knew that I must have the freedom to implement my ideas and this can only be done in one’s own enterprise. An entrepreneur needs a vision, in order to make dreams a reality. I have promoted Brand India and Ayurveda internationally, with a crusader’s zeal and succeeded in putting India on the world beauty map. Who has been the greatest influence in your life and why? My father has been the greatest influence and inspiration in my life. I come from a conservative family, but I was fortunate to have a broadminded, Oxford-educated father, Chief Justice N.U. Beg, who put me through schooling in an Irish convent and instilled in me a love of poetry and English literature. He also encouraged the right combination of traditional values and progressive ideas and I learnt to love and respect the rich heritage of India. My father inspired me to follow my dreams. You became a Case Study and then a Subject for Harvard Business School. Tell us about it. I was invited to speak at Harvard Business School on how I established an international brand without commercial advertising, becoming a Harvard Case Study on Brand Creation. Now I am a Subject in Harvard for “Emerging Markets” in recognition of the international market created by me for Indian Ayurvedic beauty care. The Quote by Harvard Professor Geoffrey Jones, Professor of Business History, mentions the reason why they chose me. He says, “We felt compelled to include Shahnaz Husain in Harvard Business School’s Creating Emerging Markets project, both because of her entrepreneurial role in creating India’s natural beauty market and her strong belief in the importance of corporate social responsibility.” How was your recent visit to London and the Ayurveda Conference? London is like a second home for me. We have established brand loyalty in the U.K and our products have sold at prestigious locations, including Harrods and Selfridges. Our success and goodwill continues to generate an increasing demand for our products. The High Commission of India in the U.K. also organized a Conference on “Ayurveda – a Power for Health & Beauty” at India House. I was invited as “Special Guest.” I spoke on Ayurveda and said that the western world is fighting with its back to the wall. With the dangerous side-effects of chemicals, they have no option but to turn to Ayurveda and India. The High Commissioner of India, Ruchi Ghanashyam, spoke about my contribution in popularising Ayurveda. Indeed, I believe that India must and will lead the entire world into the next century with the plant power of Ayurveda. Your products have sold at international stores in London. Tell us about it. Shahnaz Herbal is the only Indian herbal cosmetic company that has sold at leading international stores, like Harrods and Selfridges in London, Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Bloomingdales in New York, La Rinascente in Milan, El Corte Inglis in Madrid and the Seibu chain in Japan. In fact, when there was an announcement of free consultation by me at the start of sales of my products at Lloyds Pharmacy, Selfridges, all the products were sold out before the inauguration! Within two weeks of the opening at Selfridges, the Shahnaz products posted record breaking sales, touching ₤1000 per day. In fact, Shahnaz Husain range touched record breaking sales again at Selfridges where a single customer bought products worth ₤4,334 in a single transaction. You have received the Success Award and the Padma Shri. What about other prestigious awards? Yes, I became the first woman in 107 years to receive the “World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award” from Success, the New York based business magazine and was also honoured with the Padma Shri Award. Recently, I received two prestigious awards in the British Parliament for “Pioneering Ayurveda Worldwide” and the “Ayurveda Excellence” award. What is your opinion about Artificial Intelligence? Artificial Intelligence is ideal for us, as our treatments are customized and prescribed. My experience has been in Ayurvedic beauty care. Ayurveda may be an ancient system, but it is relevant to the modern world. Today, we can combine Ayurvedic Inheritance with Artificial Intelligence. We can prepare a data base and make an online program, taking individual details into account, like country, climate, skin tone and texture, allergies, blood picture, haemoglobin, past and current treatments, etc. The customer can refer to an Online Form and fill in the details. Thus, with the help of Artificial Intelligence, we can formulate a custom-made product for each individual, while the customer finds a personal skin or hair profile and buys a personalized product online. In a world dominated by Artificial Intelligence, Ayurvedic Inheritance is India’s gift to the world. How is your brand positioned in the Indian cosmetic market? Tell us about your product innovations. The Shahnaz Husain brand is positioned as the leader in the premium segment of Ayurvedic beauty care. We have evolved over 375 organic formulations for beauty and health care, using 1500 different plant ingredients, essential oils, even precious metals and gems. We have launched some revolutionary products, which include the famed Diamond Collection, Plant Stem Cells, the Flower Botanic ranges, as well as the Chemoline range for cancer patients, to







