Emelda Gomez, a graphic designer, faced massive salary cuts after the first wave of COVID struck the world. She started exploring for alternative sources of income when she stumbled upon home-baking. Now, she manages both her job and her home-baking business.
M Jayant Kandoi, a 23-year-old boy from Ajmer, is the only person in India who has defeated cancer six times. Jayant is pursuing MBA and has written three books, launched two start-ups. He runs his NGO where cancer patients are given all possible help,
Mehreen Noor Rather, a 25-year-old, hailing from the capital city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, has been doing calligraphy since the last one year. Her childhood passion for calligraphy has translated her passion for art and calligraphy into a commercial venture.
Sumit Agarwal was born with cerebral palsy. His parents had to run from post to pillar to get him admitted in school and ensure that he receives education among others of his age. With time, he learnt more about his impairment and realized he could accomplish anything that he aspires. Now, he runs a successful PR firm and wants to make workplaces more inclusive.
Nikita Liya John, a 20-year-old undergraduate student who survived COVID-19 said that people should stay calm and not panic if they test positive.
Ashish Saini (31) was born with a rare congenital disorder called lymphatic malformation, which disfigured the left side of his face. Others always treated him with sympathy, ignorance, mockery, hatred, empathy and even, to some extent, guilt. It took him a long time to accept the reality of how he looked. Now, he is extremely comfortable in his own skin and pursues his passion for modelling through his blog.
Yashi Chowdhary prompted her Nani, Manju Devi Poddar to start her own venture during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her Nani has always been passionate about cooking and finally started her venture at 70 with assistance from her granddaughter. Through ‘Nani’s Special’, they serve varieties of sweets, snacks and other dishes, and have even made deliveries overseas.
Asmi Shah has been challenging societal norms —breaking one at a time. In her thirties, she is an adventure traveller owning a travel company and a delivery kitchen. Asmi, however, had to battle tough times to get rid of self-doubt and to embrace her truer self. Now, she is actively involved in sharing her days of struggle and spread the message of body positivity to inspire many.
Delhi-based Aishwarya Ayushmaan is a human rights lawyer by day and turns ‘Lush Monsoon’ —a drag queen claiming her own space at night. He had to fight inner battles to embrace his real self and says that one should never ponder over ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ and instead should simply listen to their heart!
The 33-year-old Satyavati who set up her stall to sell tender coconuts in Bengaluru’s Banashankari is a mother of two. She has been balancing her efforts to support her family financially and help her kids get a good education. But like any other businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic hit her day job badly. After one of her customers took her business online recently, it began recovering gradually.
