Vidya Lead Academy

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Fitness Amidst Smog: A Visiting Expert’s Reflection from Delhi NCR

By V. Shubham, Guest Fitness Expert, Bengaluru Recently, I had the opportunity to be contacted by the team at Vidya Lead Academy during my brief visit to Delhi NCR. I traveled from Bengaluru as a guest fitness expert and had the chance to visit several fitness centers, public parks, and also spend time at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The enthusiasm for fitness among people here is inspiring, but at the same time, I could not ignore a harsh reality—the alarming air pollution levels. As I prepare to return to Bengaluru later this week, I do so with mixed emotions. The air pollution in Delhi NCR is currently at its peak, and so are the raised voices demanding urgent solutions . Multi-agency responses are increasing, advisories are being issued, and restrictions are being placed. Yet, one sector that feels deeply impacted—though often silently— is the fitness and wellness industry. Outdoor Fitness at Risk, Indoor Becoming a Necessity Outdoor physical activities are now clea...

Reimagining Development Through Gender-Sensitive Ecosocial Work Practice

...For me, as a practicing social worker, this reaffirmed the value of embracing the unknown. Authentic narratives arise not only from what research already tells us, but from the discoveries we make when we step outside familiar frameworks and genuinely listen to voices that challenge, surprise, or even amuse us. The recent accounts of women in Bihar illustrate this powerfully—their lived experiences cut through political and academic assumptions, shaping a truly authentic, people-led narrative for change ." The 13th Indian Social Work Conference offered many powerful insights, but the session that stayed with me the most was the plenary on “Reimagining Development through Gender-Sensitive Ecosocial Work Practice.” I want to begin by acknowledging Dr. R. Nalini, Professor of Social Work at Pondicherry University , whose paper “Gender Suffering and Structural Inequality: An Ecosocial Analysis of Women in Substance-Affected Families” brought depth, clarity, and compassion to the...

Caregiving as a Social Workforce: Choice, Joy, or Just Economic Activity?

At Vidya Lead Academy, we believe caregiving is more than a duty or an invisible responsibility—it is the foundation of family well-being and a cornerstone of social development. Yet, society continues to debate whether caregiving is a matter of virtue and joy or merely an economic activity contributing to GDP. There is a big difference between cooking for one’s family out of love and cooking in a commercial kitchen for pay. Similarly, caring for a sick parent, child, or partner at home carries a personal connection that no commercial service can replace. However, when this role is undervalued and unpaid, it often leads to what experts call “ time poverty ,” especially among women. The Unpaid vs. Paid Care Work Dilemma In India, women spend an average of 137 minutes a day on unpaid caregiving, compared to just 75 minutes for men ( MoSPI Time Use Survey 2024 ). This disproportionate burden not only affects women’s mental and physical health but also keeps them away from formal e...

Khadi and Village Industries: A Pathway to Women’s Empowerment and Stronger Families

Khadi is not just a fabric — it is a fabric of resilience, community, and empowerment. By strengthening women’s entrepreneurship through khadi and village industries, Delhi can reduce the social costs of work, empower women, and nurture families that are both swasth (healthy) and shashakt (empowered). India’s labour trends present a paradox. While the overall unemployment rate is falling, female youth joblessness remains high. In Delhi, the participation of women in the service sector is shrinking, and average earnings show little improvement. At the same time, the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been remarkable—rising from 1.78 lakh in 2022–23 to 4.19 lakh in 2023–24. The story behind this growth highlights both a challenge and a solution. The social costs of going to work —safety, commuting, and the burden of unpaid care—still restrict women’s participation in the workforce. Yet, Khadi and Village Industries in Delhi are demonstrati...

From Prevention to Readiness – Building Healthy Campuses Beyond Diagnosis

This blog captures insights from an expert talk by Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, Nada India Foundation, during NAPSWI National Social Work Week at Central University of Jammu. The session emphasized drug prevention and treatment readiness as a continuum, highlighting student reflections on defining a Healthy Campus, emotional CPR, and meaningful engagement. It underlines the role of social work in fostering listening communities, unlearning, and bridging care with compassion. Extending the vision from campus to home, the blog calls for youth-driven initiatives to make good health a national priority. The Department of Social Work at the Central University of Jammu has a long and meaningful association with Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan , Chairperson of Nada India Foundation. His journey with the department began as a facilitator in workshops for police officers of J&K, focusing on their role in drug prevention. Later, he joined as a member of the Board of Studies, contributing his expertise in ...

When Addiction Enters the Family: The Unseen Burden on Women and Children

By Dr. Nikhil Sehra, Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Political Studies, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies Addiction continues to be framed in public discourse as an individual failing- an unfortunate but isolated struggle of a person against substance dependence. However, this framing overlooks the profound and long-lasting impact that addiction has on families. It is not only the individual who suffers, but also the women and children who must reorganize their lives around this crisis. During the recent webinar facilitated by Akansha Jhamb - and organized Nada India Foundation , “When Addiction Enters the Family: Unseen Battles of Women and Children” , these issues were explored in depth. The conversation highlighted how addiction reshapes family dynamics, reproduces gendered inequalities, and leaves children with emotional wounds that remain unacknowledged in mainstream policy and social discourse. The Feminization of Care and Emotional Labou...