A global program organized on entrepreneurship and women empowerment, the World Association of Women Warriors (WAOW), was held on 6th March 2021.
Capturing audiences from different countries such as India, Italy, Kenya, Cameroon, Mauritius, and France, the session walked through the journeys of women who have transformed not only their own lives but also of others with community development, empowerment, entrepreneurship, entertainment, performing arts, education, arts, and social work. One such fantastic story out of the 350 people is that of Rita Jairath.
Marching to Chase the Dreams
The International Federation of Bodybuilding pro-card winner Rita Jairath is one of the first Indian woman bodybuilders, columnist, writer, and fitness regime consultant. Raising a child with autism and a mother with schizophrenia, Rita has pursued the competitive career of bodybuilding after devoting no less than 20 years to her family and child. An inspiration to many, she never believed in surrendering to her dreams. Her groundbreaking changes in wellbeing and fitness have made her achieve the Iconic Independent Woman Award for 2021.
Rita had been involved in physical activities right from early childhood, but she never thought she would be a bodybuilder. While she always looked forward to having a healthy lifestyle, she knew that bodybuilding would take consistent efforts and extreme sustainability. When her kid living with autism liked to have strong abs, she started training with him in the gym and soon participated in fitness contests. During that time, there was hardly any awareness about autism. So, while people made her lose hopes, she gained strength and courage to make it happen for the love of her kid.
Breaking the Odds
Bodybuilding in those days was dominated mainly by men. Rita met several people who said she would look manly and would not be able to make it up to take this challenge. Despite all the odds she faced, she took control of the emotional, social, psychological, and physical implications to prove herself not only in the field of bodybuilding but even as a dancer. By getting trained from the legendary Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan, this dream-chaser aspired to become not only a muscular bodybuilder but also a graceful dancer. Having won many accolades under her belt in Bharatnatyam, she challenged the world, stating that if a woman can show her built-up muscles in a bodybuilding contest, she can also elegantly harmonize with the ragas and dance.
In collaboration with Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI), she has formed a support group for counseling women traumatized by acid attacks or domestic violence. She thinks that we cannot control the outcomes of our lives, but we indeed can control the principles and habits. Once you start working towards your habits, thinking about the outcomes will take the back seat. You get back on track even when you slip back.
Takeaway
A name that has featured in the Forbes India list as a self-made Indian woman, the journey of Rita Jairath has undoubtedly become an inspiring ride to everyone out there, from all walks of life, who wish to achieve their dreams. Indeed, she is the one to break the barriers and become the torchbearer for everyone.