A tribute to Nanhi Chaan’s woman empowerment initiatives by jewellery deisgner Neety Singh
Featuring profiles of 20 power women the book is photographed, written, designed and styled by an all women’s team
New Delhi, April 03, 2013: There couldn’t be a better compliment to women than an editorial team of all women presenting their life’s story. ‘Woman – The Real Jewel’, an ode to Nanhi Chhaan by jewellery designerNeety Singh was released today by Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Member of Parliament, Bhatinda and Founder, Nanhi Chhaan) and craft revivalist Padma Shri Mrs. Ritu Kumar.
Neety Singh, a young and talented jewellery designer not just pledged the book to Nanhi Chaan but also promised to train women working under the NGO’s empowerment programs to design jewellery and learn beading.The book is written, designed and photographed by an allwomen’s team.
A compilation of 20 profiles of power women, WOMAN THE REAL JEWEL has celebrated people’s photographer Avantika Meattlephotograph these as Anshu Khanna, a writer and journalist creates sumptous profiles.Avantika, born with an impeccable third eye, makes everyone she photographs look ethereal. A gifted yet modest photographer she has shot stills for films like Umrao Jaan and Dostana.
The women profiled are catalysts of change and development in their respective field. The chapters delineate stories of courage, grit and determination, each personality tells you ‘where there is a will there is a way’; a path that the lord himself carves for the girl child helping her achieve success. The book features wellness entrepreneur Vandana Luthra, danseuse Shallu Jindal, Sarpanch Chhavi Rajwat, royal scion Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, media professional Shereen Bhan, social activist Pravin Nair and Kiran Modi, designers Madhu Jain and Payal Jain, sufi gospel singer Sonam Kalra and many others.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Badal said, “My primary fight and that of my NGO Nanhi Chhaan is to empower every woman with the dignity of self-sustenance. We wish to acknowledge the mother’s selfless role in not just giving birth to life but also in nurturing this life till her last breath. We try to help every woman to become self-reliant so that society perceives her as a boon rather than a burden.”She further adds to her point “It is with this thought, I collaborate with this book.”
In the course of the launch whilst speaking on the book, Neety Singh said, “I take immense pride in my being a woman and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Nanhi Chhaan, an NGO that supports women empowerment with great commitment. Whenever I have designed a piece of jewellery it’s always been with a vision of the strong, independent woman. So, today unveiling this book that talks about distinct personalities and further dedicating the same for ‘Nanhi Chhaan’s’ women empowerment projects is indeed one of my act as a successful and independent woman”
In the course of the launch Anshu Khanna added, “The women profiled are self made individuals who have lived by their own norms. The book salutes them for their courage, their rounded persona and their inner beauty. It is a book that instills courage in every woman to push the bastion of her world.” Avantika the photographer added that, “ It was an absolute pleasure capturing these vibrant women on camera.”
About Nanhi Chhaan
Nanhi Chhaan is a not-for-profit organization spear-headed by Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member of Parliament from Bathinda, Punjab, who believes that the success of a society depends on thedignity it accords to its women. Nanhi Chhaan came to life in 2008 with a mission to not just empower women but also educate people on the vital role a woman plays.
The foundation has worked considerably in strengthening women and making them socially, politically and economically viable. From curbing female infanticide/foeticide to providing vocational training, education and economic benefits the NGO works on all fronts to better the lot of women. Nanhi Chaan has diligently worked towards harmonizing the male female ratio. It has also helped women stand on their own feet through numerous self-help projects that further the cause of women employment.
The women empowerment mission of Nanhi Chhaan is led by three self-help projects including durrie (kilim) making workshops, phulkari (tapestry embroidery) making workshops and silai (sewing) schools.