Love Is Selfless, Relationships Are Demanding - Vineeta Asthana
About Vineeta
Vineeta Asthana is a noted name in the field of Media Academics. She has worked with top media institutions, including, Indian Express Group, Network 18 Group, Dainik Jagran Group, Dainik Jagran's institute, Indian Institute of Mass Communication among others. As An Author, Blogger, Journalist, Educationist, International Relations Expert, Media Relations Consultant, Trainer and Expansion Expert, Vineeta has many feathers in her hat.
Vineeta is now, working with Prestigious IIT Delhi as Project Coordinator for ASEAN PhD Fellowship Programme. Vineeta joined this project looking at the possibility of establishing Education Diplomacy in India. This programme will be a game-changer and a milestone for India to establish its name on the International map in the filed of higher education, starting with a research fellowship. Vineeta is coordinating with the Top Educationist and Diplomats of 10 Countries through MEA to create awareness about this ambitious project of Government of India, sponsored by Ministry of Education and Supported by Ministry of External Affairs.
Her expertise in strategic expansions and partnerships make her the popular choice for people, wanting to launch or introduce innovative pedagogy and experiential learning in their institutions. Her professional network consists of Academicians, Journalists, Communication & PR Professionals, Corporate Heads among others. Industry stalwarts from Media, Education and Bollywood to be precise. She has a fulfilling and flourishing career and worked with leading Media Houses and Media Institutions.
Behaya!
'Behaya!' is Vineeta's first Hindi novel. Behaya! means shameless in English. That is how our society calls out on women with a career, women with an opinion. Every independent and free-spirited woman has been through this character assassination and name-calling at some point in time in her life. This book celebrates the spirit of a free and independent woman and encourages her to live her life happily and guilt-free.
Behaya! represents the working women, from every walk of life. Behaya! tells the story of every woman who steps out to earn or to make a career, from the maids to the madams, from the illiterates to the educated ones. These women challenge the patriarchal mindset of our society, hence they face the ugly scrutiny and constant scanning from the people around them. Women have to prove themselves every single day, at work, and at home.
The book is inspired by the real-life story of a few common working women. The story of the book is inspired by true-life events and stories of real people based on wide research.
Siya In Exile
'Siya in Exile' is the first work of fiction by Vineeta, the book is inspired by true-life events and stories of real people. Vineeta conducted wide research to be doubly sure about her plot of the story. This research gave her clarity, that her plot and book is not about any 'venting out the frustration or prejudice'. It helped her understand the fear and insecurities of women from diverse backgrounds and orientation. This research gave her an insight into the reasons for suffering and approach to tackling those fear by women.
Rape topped the list of crimes, women are petrified of, followed by an acid attack, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Women from different age groups, ethnicity, and backgrounds also had similar answers. Shockingly, precautions and safety measures opted by the women of different origin, and countries were almost the same.
The book is a very well researched subject, that you can relate with. Her book will make you a co-traveller in the journey of her characters, you will feel their pain and happiness while reading.
Roots of Writing
Writing came naturally to Vineeta in the form of poetry. She started to write poems at the age of 12. She started writing her views on the 'Babri Masjid demolition' when she was in 8th standard. That is when her teachers and parents realised that her writing isn't just about birds and bees. Her zeal for expressing her views in the form of writing was very well motivated and recognised by her family and friends. Her interest in writing inspired her to take up journalism for her higher studies and she moved to Delhi to pursue that. She chose Reform at Tihar jail over softer and easier topics, to produce her final audio-visual project in the college.
As she does not like it easy, she left her well-paying desk job with a well-established newspaper to become a trainee reporter with The Indian Express Group. Her first story was published on the very second day of her joining. Working for print media has been her first love ever since. In her career from active media to passive media, she has always kept content intact. Be it writing for the websites or brochures or writing for students' projects and documentaries, Vineeta always has a story to tell and write about. From controversies to politics to films and campaigns, her writing has a variety of subjects covered. She finds her contentment in writing.
Don't be surprised, if you identify with the characters of her books around you while reading the novel. Siya isn’t just a character of these stories, its a journey. It took Vineeta about 10 years to realise that she must introduce Siya of 21st century to the world. Her characters are chosen from the people and situations around her. Vineeta believes if reading her books can change one person's perspective towards their fellow human being, if it can help someone sort their life; her goal it acheived. This will give her more happiness than receiving any award or recognition.
You can follow her writings on https://vineetaasthana.wordpress.com/ and read her poems on facebook.com/ankaheepoems