Boost India
'Make In India', 'Create In India', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Vocal For Local, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – these are not mere hollow slogans echoing through political corridors but genuine game changers reshaping our nation's trajectory. And if we reflect on the devastating Pahalgam attack and the increasingly concerning Pakistan-China nexus, we're reminded why we must strive relentlessly to forge a more united, economically resilient, and culturally vibrant India.
It was precisely toward these lofty ideals of unity, skill development, and sustainable growth that the visionary Convener Rashmi Upadhayay meticulously orchestrated 'Boost India' – a truly path-breaking day featuring free-flowing panel interactions and intimate fireside chats that broke conventional conference molds. My own fireside conversation with Rashmi and the dynamic Asif Bhamla transcended the ordinary – becoming an invigorating discussion about skilling India's diverse population, accelerating women's empowerment initiatives, and the transformative potential of the 'One State One Product' scheme.
We discussed how to scale and help skilling and manufacture, funding solutions for small businesses, building trust through clear communication, making the leap from small to large orders (when a big company suddenly wants 10,000 pieces instead of 100) , women's groups as economic powerhouses and their responsibilities and ofcourse nothing in this day and age is enough without the power of of Technology that actually helps scale up any initiative.
This wasn't your typical superficial dialogue – it was an intellectually stimulating, in-depth exchange that left participants, myself included, fired up and revving to contribute meaningfully to our national fabric. These are the conversations that ignite the collective consciousness, shifting focus from personal advancement to national prosperity. When minds unite around nation-building, magic happens!
Friendship-filled afternoon
The ever-gracious Abha Singh's intimate lunch celebrating the arrival of her cherubic grandson at an exquisitely appointed SoBo restaurant proved delightful, primarily because I had the pleasure of sitting with some of my favorite confidantes and powerhouses – the brilliant Swati Mayakar, insightful Alka Chaturvedi, and the formidable lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh, who, much like myself, arrived late what with work pressures.
And although commitments to an award ceremony across town curtailed my time with Abha, whom I consider family more than friend, we still managed to carve out quality moments together, exchanging meaningful conversations amidst the celebratory atmosphere. Some friendships transcend time constraints, and ours certainly belongs in that cherished category.
Night of inspiration
I was genuinely delighted, motivated, and inspired by the recognition bestowed upon me at the prestigious Brilliant Awards, graciously extended through Haresh Mehta's invitation. My intention in sharing this isn't to trumpet personal achievements but rather to offer an observation about award ceremonies and stage presence that might resonate with many.
Curiously, every individual who graced the stage seemingly felt compelled to share fascinating snippets from their life journeys while delivering impromptu motivational sermons. While such personal insights can certainly enrich proceedings in measured doses, perhaps we'd do well to remember that audiences aren't passive receptacles and that human attention spans have their natural limitations – the mind inevitably begins to wander after a certain threshold.
Despite this minor observation, the evening remained an invigorating celebration where the organizers thoughtfully felicitated several luminaries alongside me, including the distinguished top cop KP Singh and the benevolent philanthropist Manju Lodha. I couldn't help but notice one organizer's mounting anxiety regarding time overruns – a familiar sight at such gatherings! Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained buoyant with collective motivation and well-deserved pride in accomplishments recognized.
Wedding that wowed
I would be terribly remiss not to mention Seema Singh's daughter's wedding extravaganza – not merely for the extraordinary effort invested in its creation, but because it epitomized the quintessential "Big Fat Indian Wedding" that unfolded over five spectacular days like an opulent cultural festival. The meticulous planning by an army of wedding consultants, coupled with Seema's legendary eye for detail, was evident in every nuance of the celebration.
The absolute pièce de résistance was the creation of five magnificent temple replicas within the wedding grounds, where guests were encouraged to offer prayers at the altar of beloved deities. I found this concept uniquely magical – being able to connect spiritually at the lotus feet of the divine without the usual experience of navigating through entitled pandas or being jostled amid throngs of fervent devotees elbowing their way toward perceived salvation.
Another highlight was the bride Meghna herself, who embodied warmth and graciousness, engaging with me throughout the festivities without a trace of the self-importance that sometimes accompanies brides in the spotlight. Having known her for years and cherishing her as I would a niece, I've always been drawn to her welcoming and gentle nature. Yet wedding pressures can transform even the most grounded individuals – remarkably, Meghna remained authentic. In a year where I've attended countless wedding celebrations, she stands out as one of the least self-important brides I've encountered – a refreshing reminder that genuine character shines through even on life's grandest stages.
(Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com)
