Best Of Brew Women

Maheen Afshan. F

March 8th may be the one day for the celebration of Women, but it’s no surprise that Brew celebrates Women every chance it gets. In the past year, Brew has had a chance to interview a variety of women with various cultures and lifestyles. But you know what’s the best thing about each and every one of them?

All of the women have fascinating stories to tell. Hence, Brew put together a collage of smart, strong and inspiring women; all in all – The Best of Brew!

ANANNYA PAREKH

She is called the Big Sister and rightfully so. Anannya Parekh started working towards women empowerment back in 2016. A year after her journey began, Anannya visited an Islamic orphanage in Chennai where she learnt how curious girl children are to learn and explore. This was enough for the bright eyed Anannya with a fierce smile to take the first step towards women empowerment – Education!

With the help of the social media application; Instagram, Anannya had girls to volunteer and teach children free of cost. Moreover, Anannya stands as an unshaken warrior, empowering and empowered.

She quotes, ‘Through all this, the most empowered woman is myself.’

SUNDARI AKKA

Back in August, during Madras Day, Brew dug deep into the sands of the Marina and reached the infamous Sundari Akka! Sundari Akka, a middle-aged woman runs a small eatery which goes by the name – ‘Sundari Akka Kadai’ on the banks of Marina Beach.

Sundari Akka first came to Chennai in 1976, in the hunt of a better life and to meet MGR, whom she did. Later, Sundari Akka married her betrothed cousin with whom she later had 2 beautiful children. She might’ve started her eatery to support her husband who was working labour but soon it became clear that Sundari Akka was no less than a mother who made it her life’s mission to feed people to their hearts content.

‘My day starts at 4/5 in the morning and ends at 10. I’ve to be on my toes because if I slacked one bit, Sundari Akka won’t be Sundari Akka!’

ADITI MITTAL

She makes a person laugh their hearts out but, in an industry, which is dominated by men, it was definitely challenging for Aditi because no lady was doing it. And this made her more determined to change it. Aditi claims that hard work is the key. One has to struggle and try out open mics after open mics. Only when a person tries out their jokes and pays attention to the audience do they become successful as a comedian. She is keen on breaking stereotypes where women are pitted against women or where women aren’t praised on their accomplishments. Kudos to you Aditi!

‘Aditi is funny is how I’d like to be known. You have to love everything that you talk about. For me personally, the moment I don’t understand something or fall in love with something, I start talking about it whether I write about it or not. So yeah, these are a few things that make you a comedian.’

DEEPA AATHREYA

Deepa Aathreya may be called the successful Founder and CEO of the School of Success, but success did not come to her easily.

Growing up, Deepa’s story tells us that she wasn’t any different than the other girl. She was bullied in school for being overweight which took a jab on her confidence. But a motivational speaker in her middle school inspired her to take charge of her own life.

The same year, Deepa was asked to read something out of an English textbook by her teacher and when she did, the

teacher complimented her on her communication skills. That small achievement made a massive difference in Deepa’s life.

Yet again life wasn’t easy for Deepa as she nearly faced death not once but twice, underwent a financial disaster and hit by poverty so badly that she had to sell balloons on the beach. Nonetheless, Deepa rose from all this and is one of the best entrepreneurs of the day.

“Whatever I did or struggled for in life has been for money but now my dream to try and help change children’s lives” says Deepa who’s helped transform the lives of lakhs of students.

NAMITHA – MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN

In 2019, she was titled the Trans-queen India Brand ambassador. She was the first trans-person to represent India for Trans International Beauty Pageant. She has won Miss Popular voted by the public.

But all of this had a cost since belonging to a different gender was not easily accepted. She was thrown out of her house when her parents came to realization that Namitha belonged to a different gender.

When she was all alone with no accommodation, Namitha Ammu met Ms. Sudha, another transwoman who became her foster mother. She helped Namitha through the phase and also counselled her parents. It was in 2014, when Namitha participated in a community function and won as a model.

Realization hit Namitha that if she could win weighing 120 kgs, then she could definitely do more. 2016 was her big break when she won Miss Chennai and the rest is history!

Keeping her head high Namitha states, ‘I consider myself the queen chosen by the people.’