Amrita Rajpal shares her story with our Kuel Life community all the way from India.
Amrita is the founder of Edu Learn Grow and the co-founder of THE ABCD SHOW. She is passionate about creating learning environments for the early years that are engaging, meaningful and fun. Amrita is set out to help India, her homeland, achieve literacy.
Amrita’s share is special in that it once again reminds us all, that we are far more similar to our sisters than not. Fundamentally changed by motherhood; finding her entrepreneurial wings after 50; and more, we see a common thread amongst so many of us KUEL midlife (& beyond) women.
I am proud to say Amrita Rajpal is our Share Your Story for this Sunday.
KUELLIFE: What are you pursuing now, at this stage of your life, that surprises you or might appear to others as if it comes out of left field?
AMRITA: I am a passionate educationist that has been teaching for 22 years but learning my whole life.The pandemic helped me give birth to THE ABCD SHOW, an online platform where eminent experts share best practices, discuss mental health and wellness, parenting tips and explore tools and strategies to teach children in the early years effectively. This was a real surprise to me and everyone who knows me and my appalling relationship with TECHNOLOGY. The show has been a great hit and we are branching out to organizing online learning courses, workshops and summits for both parents and educators.
KUELLIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?
AMRITA: Well I’m very passionate about fitness and health and I’m also a sports nutritionist. So I start with an online yoga/ fitness session with a couple of like-minded friends. We take turns in conducting the class so we get a varied workout everyday . This sets the tone for a productive day. I usually start work around 11 am and end around seven. I learn vocal Hindustani Music, dance, and I also write. So every day is packed with work and pursuing my interests. I also travel a lot to get quality time with family.
KUELLIFE: With what do you struggle?
“what it would take to make all the states of India literate and how can I contribute?”
AMRITA: India is the 2nd largest populated country in the world. It has 28 states and eight union territories. Kerala is the only state which has attained over 95 % literacy. Everyday I struggle with thinking about what it would take to make all the states of India literate and how can I contribute to this happening.
KUELLIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?
AMRITA: I have a routine of listening to inspiring speakers everyday. Seeing what they have caused in their lives makes me look at the untold potential my life has. My husband also is a motivational/inspirational speaker and having a real life example in front of my eyes is very motivating.
KUELLIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?
AMRITA: I think age has been a wonderful part of my life. I have come to appreciate the smallest of things and value health and relationships. I’m going to share some incredible lessons that I have learnt with all my experiences in the process of growing.
- This too shall pass – everything in life passes good, bad or ugly ,so just wait it out.
- Choose the battles you want to fight – Give your energy to big battles that are worth your time.
- Accept people and things the way they are. It’s easier to change yourself than anyone else.
KUELLIFE: What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?
AMRITA: Vulnerability for me is a state of being able to listen and be with other people so that they get to be a part of your world and you being present to what is happening in their world. It means that you lay yourself open to others without being afraid of being judged. It means taking a stand and doing what is required to accomplish my vision of a literate India.
KUELLIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?
“Taking up my studies at the age of 40 made me realize you are your only stop.”
AMRITA: My life has been full of twists and turns and with every twist and turn my life has only been better. These three events have really shaped my life:
- The day my son was born – This was the day I realized love has no boundaries and is unconditional and there are no limits to what a mother can go to for her child.
- My journey of education stopped when I got married at 18 years. Taking up my studies and completing my graduation at the age of 40 made me realize you are your only stop. Anything is possible if you want it enough. I have done my post graduation and various other educational courses since then.
- Taking the bold step of starting my own company after being in service for 12 years got me to understand that if you have a big vision, it is worth getting out of your comfort zone. My company since then has empowered more than 250 schools with professional development for educators and curriculum for schools.
KUELLIFE: Who influenced you the most in life and why?
AMRITA: My husband has been my biggest influence. He has been my friend, support, mentor and guide. He is an inspirational speaker and his belief in me has driven me to go beyond myself.
KUELLIFE: What is the best advice you’ve been given from another woman?
AMRITA: You are BIG woman with a BIG life. Live it!
KUELLIFE: What woman inspires you and why?
AMRITA: My mother is a very strong woman whose motto is ‘ LIFE IS FUN , ENJOY EVERY MOMENT’. When I reminiscence about my childhood I’m filled with memories of mom taking us for camel rides in the desert, running through the rain, watching two movies simultaneously, and contributing to society by cooking for 80 people. She is 76 years now and enjoys her life with as much zest and enjoyment as when I was a child.
KUELLIFE: Are you grown-up?
AMRITA: I’m work in progress. I’m growing every day -as a person, as a contributing member of society, and as a citizen of the world . I’m expanding with understanding people, valuing relationships and participating in life. I’m realizing what it takes to be childlike and not childish. Every day is a new day with so much to learn and do.
KUELLIFE: What do you do for self-care?
AMRITA: In India we are of the belief that the body, mind, and soul are connected. So I take care of my body by doing regular exercise and eating food that is good for my body. I stay positive and hear inspiring stories of people. I also take time out to connect to the universal power of the universe by doing meditative yoga and singing.
KUELLIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
AMRITA: The three things on my bucket list are:
- Speaking on TED Talks.
- Writing a book ( short stories ). I have written academic books.
- Taking a sabbatical for three months.
