Extending helping hand to the hapless

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 7

“If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” goes an age-old saying. This stands completely true in the case of Manju Kalra (68), a city-based academician.

Having served as an educator for over 47 years, she believes “Education is educaring”. A teacher should focus on the overall growth of students. Education comprises both mental and societal growth, she says. Owing to her contribution in the field of education and the entrepreneurial journey, that she embarked last year, she has been awarded with ‘Alpha Fearless Women Award 2021’ on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The award is conferred upon women who make a difference in the lives of other women socially and economically and serve as a mentor and role model to lift and inspire other women and young girls. Elite Women Around the World (EWEA), a USA-based organisation announces the award every year, for which nominations are received from around the world.

After making her contribution in the field of education, she has established Mink Organics in the city. Apart from providing health and organic food to the residents, she is also giving employment to the women from villages. “It was my son-in-law’s idea to open an organic store in which people would be served with natural products to either cure their illness or provide them a healthy lifestyle. I joined Mink Organics as its director in 2020 and since then, I have been actively operating my store here. Besides, while setting up the store I had made sure that I would only hire women employees. Apart from making them financially independent, I ensure developing their personality too,” added Manju Kalra.

A resident of the Cool Road here, she says, female teachers provide an important solution to ensure equal access to learning opportunities for both girls and boys.

About EWEA

Women’s Business & Leadership Development Centre is a global network of individuals, leaders, organisations, businesses, coming together with a shared mission to develop, grow and support the economic and social stability of women and girls through entrepreneurial and leadership programmes, creating a worldwide platform for leadership, mentorship, economic advancement and empowerment for women; Job creation and collaboration among women businesses; Educating and developing the next generation of women leaders; Building of alliances that encourage and embrace gender equality, diversity and inclusion; Education and insights on business issues for global opportunities; Strategic networking among local, national, and global leaders.

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