Soaring high and higher: Reeti Mishra

A pioneer in the use of social media for promotion of Indian culture and intercultural
communication and dialogue, Reeti is an intercultural and interpersonal behavioural
analyst with extensive global experience and a motivational speaker on various
themes of human interests and contemporary relevance. Here is how our
conversation went with Ms. Reeti Mishra :

Q. You are a well-travelled woman. What impact has global travel made in
your life?

RM: Travelling is equivalent to learning from books. My grandfather, a great social
worker used to say that one should either travel more or study well. He was right.
Travelling and living in many countries has enriched me with the knowledge of
many international cultures, history and languages from all over the world. I speak
many languages and have lived in many countries like Ireland, Canada, Tanzania,
Nepal, Italy, the USA, The Maldives, Peru, etc. One develops a deep appreciation
for foreign culture. Same time, it has also deepened the bonds of who I am, my own
entity. As it has helped me to appreciate more our rich Indian cultural heritage and
its diversity which has always given me so much pride. I have projected and
demonstrated my cultural values wherever I have been.

Q: According to you how can women “Work across the divides” of opinions?

RM: आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।
An individual should lift oneself by self alone because this self alone is his friend
and this self alone is his enemy.
Women need to remember who they are, and their strengths and focus on their
goals. Firstly women need to make their goals and work towards it, they need to
come out of their comfort zone, add skills, have their own social network and
personal support system, stay away from negativity, trust themselves to make
decisions, using every opportunity on their way, remembering their personality does
not depend on how they look, feeling the pain and happiness completely and
realising that they are not just feelings.
In case of divides of opinion, you have to come out of the imposter syndrome.
Change the way others think, need to communicate, and stick to what their heart

says as nobody knows her better than herself. They need to voice their thoughts
and accept their equal importance. Being bold as no boldness is like a muscle, it
grows the more one exercise it. More importantly, being kind to themselves and to
others. Asking for help and practising gratitude are important attributes.

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Q. You have been the President and Founder of India Maldives Friendship
Women’s Group. According to you how can women support other women in
their organizations?

RM: Women need to celebrate themselves, the obstacles they have overcome, the
silent battles they have fought and the hard decisions they have taken to become
strong and resilient. This helps them to appreciate what other women are doing.
Always remember that it is not possible to fall behind in one’s life because everyone
is on their own path at their own pace with different goals and aspirations. You are
the only one who can set the direction and pace of the journey. Never let anyone
else convince you otherwise.
Women can support other women by helping in overcoming their fears, teaching
them about self-care, self-respect, embracing the past, self-evolving, failures are
the process of learning, trusting oneself, practising gratitude and kindness. Last and
not least ask for help.

Q. What efforts have been made for the betterment of the blind girls you have
been associated with?

RM: The Group of blind girls live in a hostel. Their food, clothing, safety and
education is well taken care of through charity and voluntary help. It is amazing how
even small help can mean so much in someone’s life. People help with donations of
food, medicines, toiletries and clothes. Their marriages are done through donations
and voluntary help. I fondly remember when I was there for one of the weddings
and felt so touched. It is overwhelming and very difficult to explain.
Q. You have spoken on the evolution of a handwoven saree in India. How do
you think The Indian textile industry has changed over the years?
RM: Indian textile industry has seen a golden era in past. Glorious years from Indus
Valley Civilisation till Britishers colonised India and destroyed our cottage industries.
The story of its revival is fascinating and empowering. Khadi was used as a symbol
of self-reliance, cultural awakening and a power statement against British rule.
Women and men wore hand-spun khadi clothes on their March for India’s freedom.
An Irish woman, Annie Besant who was part of our freedom struggle wore khadi
sarees.

Today Indian textile is valued all over the world and its rich history of weaves and
different design techniques fascinates the people. It has inspired not only Indian
designers but also many International designers.
On the international level many saree-inspired garments can be seen by many
known designers. Saree is now a global and the most ancient unstitched garment in
the world!
I promote wearing sarees in India and abroad as I feel there is a need to wear
saree more and to wear handwoven sarees to promote our weavers who work
under many stressful conditions. We all need to work to save our heritage and
heirlooms otherwise they will become distinct.

Q: You are an avid practitioner of yoga, how does it help in your overall
wellness?

RM: समत्वं योग उच्यते
The evenness of mind is known as Yoga.
Yoga has given me mental, physical and emotional strength. It grows on you. I
believe that a yogi’s journey is an unending path. Yoga is about self-care and brings
the feeling of gratitude. It is also about how you care about others and have
empathy and compassion. It heals you and everyone around you.
It teaches you not to be baffled by setbacks and failures but to remain the same
during happiness and sadness. This uplifts you and you start living on a different
plane.

Q: What advice would you give to women around the globe for their personal
and professional well-being?

RM: Don’t be afraid of disappointing others if it is about your goals, your self-
respect and being true to yourself. Remember positivity is not about ignoring your
negative thoughts. It’s about overcoming them. It is definitely not about how you fall.
It is only about how you get up. Setbacks are just a test of your resilience. Be just
you and you will soar higher and higher !

Interview by : Aditi Gupta