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Ms. Sminu Jindal shortlisted for Loreal Paris Femina Women Awards 2014

Ms. Sminu JindalWe are glad to share that Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder, Svayam – National Centre for Inclusive Environments  & MD, Jindal SAW Ltd. has been nominated by Loreal Paris Femina Women Awards in the category of “FAVOURITE FACE OF A CAUSE”, which is a Reader’s Choice Award.

She, as you know is herself a wheelchair user & has taken up the cause of accessible and barrier free infrastructure for all and particularly the persons with disabilities, the seniors, children and the women.

 

To vote Please click the link below and vote for Ms. Sminu Jindal:

https://www.facebook.com/feminawoman/app_1410445975881464

Voting closes soon,  so please vote ASAP!

 Here is the process of voting:

  1. Click on the link and login with your facebook username and paasword.
  2. A window will appear saying Loréal Paris Femina Women Awards will receive the following info: your public profile, friend list and email address, click on okay.
  3. A second window will appear saying Loréal Paris Femina Women Awards would like to post to Facebook for you, click on okay or skip as you desire.
  4. Once again, like the page, and you will be directed to the Reader’s Choice Award.
  5. Click on the category of  Favourite Face of a Cause.
  6. Now, click on Vote written below Ms. Sminu Jindal’s name.
  7. Now the screen will appear to say “Thank you for your vote” and one vote will be added.

May we request you to help us garnering votes to bring to  fore the issue of accessibility that she has been working to promote tirelessly.

Looking forward to your support. Remember every vote counts!  

Team Svayam

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The Woman of Steel

Women at Work: The Woman of Steel

November 12, 2013, 9:00 AM

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Sminu Jindal was in a car accident when she was 11-years-old that meant she has had to use a wheelchair ever since. This didn’t stop her continuing her education and graduating from New Delhi’s prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce and going on to do a management program from Fore School of Management, at Delhi University.

In 1993, fresh out of college, Ms. Jindal then 22-years-old convinced her father O.P. Jindal to let her join his steel business. He set her the task of turning around a factory that was on the verge of closure, a mission which she successfully accomplished.

Today, Ms. Jindal, is the managing director of Jindal Saw Ltd., India’s biggest manufacturer of steel pipes, running a company with revenues of about $1 billion annually .

In the latest in our “Woman at Work” series, Ms. Jindal spoke to The Wall Street Journal about  having to prove herself repeatedly, feeling dumb, and using her reduced mobility to her advantage.

Edited Excerpts:

The Wall Street Journal: What’s the steel industry like for a woman?

Sminu Jindal: It is a very macho industry. If I just put it in a one line, men are allowed to be macho, women are not given a chance but we can be equally macho.  When people talk about steel they think women can’t lift steel, but men [at my level] don’t lift it either.  We just manage people who lift it.

I honed by skills in the area I was good at, thankfully my family supported that. I concentrated on stuff that I liked the best.

I believe passion runs you. If you have a passion then you can learn a thing, but then if you don’t have a passion, or a flair for that thing, you will never learn no matter how many classes you attend. It will still be your weak point.

WSJ: What are the particular strengths you think women bring to your line of work that perhaps men lack?

Ms. Jindal:  I feel we are born as mothers, so we are already preprogramed to nurture people beneath us, sometimes to be like a rough bad mom, which people don’t like. They’d rather have an easy going mom; disciplinarian mom and nurturing at the same time. I think that is one quality that a woman definitely brings on the table.

WSJ: When you first entered the industry in 1993 what was the attitude towards you as a woman? Has this changed now?

Ms. Jindal: I wish it would change now. People no longer say women can’t be in this industry, but women have to prove their capabilities again, and again, and again.

I think women also need to go through a change of mindset in about how we bring up our children. I have two boys; I hope I will do a good job.

WSJ: What have been the challenges for you in making it to the top?

Ms. Jindal: It is a macho business; everybody thought I would not be able to lift steel. I wasn’t able to lift steel, but I handle people well. That was my forte. I have my people happy working with me, they look forward to working with me, they draw inspiration when I am for hours in the plant and they feel as able-bodied they should be more diligently working. So in terms of motivation, I guess, I provide them tons.

WSJ: Does the Indian context affect the experience of women in your business?

Ms. Jindal: Indian or not, women are not encouraged to be on the shop floor. You still see women as mid-level managers…rarely as chief executives…but I am yet to come across five women engineers who work in a plant. That’s what I want as a positive change.

There is no job which a woman can’t do.

WSJ: Have you had to employ particular tactics to make it to this position? What would those be?

Ms. Jindal: I use my wheelchair as an opportunity to spread the message of accessibility.  We just need to think and dream big…it happens. That’s something I have  worked on and lived my life on, dreaming big that you will be there one day.

WSJ: At what stage do Indian women decide to stop working?

Ms. Jindal: Women do that because family pressures sometimes becomes too much. There is too much expectation at home due to which they are unable to concentrate on their careers.  They take sabbaticals 10 years just to make sure that their kids are grown up enough for them to go out again and work. But it is not fair on them because they learn how to be a manager completely when they are at home. They are managing so many fronts with not a battery of people like we have at work.

WSJ: What mistakes do women often make at the workplace? 

Ms. Jindal: They try to be super at everything. It’s okay to fail; it’s okay not to achieve this super status at work and super human at home; it’s okay.  Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.  That’s the biggest learning at the end of it all.  It is more important to get up, dust yourself and move again.  All the super human stuff, sometimes is self-imposed but it also comes from a lot of peer pressure.  Its peer pressure that actually drives people to do certain things that is against their will.

WSJ: Tell us about your best and worst experience as a woman at work. 

Ms. Jindal: The worst time is when, in spite of my successes, I have to prove again that I can do it.  Pressure always remains. Trust me, sometimes I feel that I was 90% dumber than other people but as a man I would have still been considered a success. Honest. That is the worst feeling.

I believe my best was when I put up a good team that works towards the same objective, with the same synergy and no politics.

WSJ: What is the one thing would you change in India to make it easier for women to succeed? 

Ms. Jindal: I want India to be more accessible.  The biggest challenge that I face even today is accessibility. Something as tiny as that…traveling from one place to another. There would be so many like me out there if things were accessible for people to travel to places, catch a public transit, go to a place of recreation or work, and lead a happier life. That’s a challenge that I am currently trying to work, Svayam, [part of Sminu Jindal Charitable Trust a New Delhi-based nonprofit working to promote dignity for people with reduced mobility] being one of them.

Source: Wall Street Journal

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Svayam hosts side event “Funding Accessible Transport” at ITF 2013

Svayam- National Centre for Inclusive Environments, hosted a side event titled “Funding Accessible Transport” at the Annual Summit of International Transport Forum (ITF) held on 22 May 2013 at Leipzig, Germany.

Background Note

Most of the transport infrastructure to date have been manufactured/ designed without accessible features. The transportation systems in most of the developed countries too, are far from ideal let alone developing nations. Transport plays a crucial role in a nation’s development by providing access to facilities and services.

Enhanced mobility for the vulnerable groups is one of the most important preconditions for achieving sustained growth. The needs of the elderly and disabled should be anticipated in the planning and designing of the transport infrastructure especially in the light of the growing silver population the world over.

To ensure all the transportation systems align with the varied needs of all, there is an urgent need of funding for developing new accessible transport systems as well as retrofitting the existing with the aim of developing accessible, affordable, economically viable, people-oriented and environment-friendly transport systems.

Speakers at the Event

Ms. Abha Negi, Director, Svayam – National Centre for Inclusive Environments, New Delhi, India
Mr. Ramakant Goswami, Hon’ble Minister – Transport, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India (couldn’t attend)
Ms. Ann Frye, Director, Ann Frye Ltd, UK
Dr. (Ms.) Lalita Sen, Professor, Texas Southern University, USA
Dr. Manoj Singh, Advisor (Transport), Planning Commission of Govt. of India
Ms. Mary Crass, Policy Head, International Transport Forum (Moderator)

Click here for Photos of the event on Facebook

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National Tourism Award for Best Disabled Friendly Monument for WHS Fatehpur Sikri

National Tourism Award for Best Disabled Friendly Monument for WHS Fatehpur Sikri

New Delhi, 18 March 2013

Picture of Cover page of Citation Book for National Tourism Awards 2011-2012
Cover page of Citation Book for National Tourism Awards 2011-12

The Fatehpur Sikri group of monuments in Agra has bagged the prestigious National Tourism Award 2011-12 for “the best maintained and disabled-friendly monument”.

The award was given away at a function here on Monday by President Pranab Mukherjee and presided over by Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi.

Six years back the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Svayam, an NGO working in the field of accessibility, joined hands to make the world heritage sites accessible to all the elderly and the disabled.

It’s a proud moment to share the fact that yet again our efforts have been recognized and feted by not just the stakeholders but the Union Tourism Ministry, Government of India by conferring this award for making the Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments accessible.

Picture of Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal receiving the award at the hands of Hon'ble President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee
Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal receiving the award at the hands of Hon’ble President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee

Svayam conducted an access audit of Fatehpur Sikri and shared the access strategies with ASI for making the heritage site inclusive and welcoming for everybody while addressing different demographic needs. ASI implemented the audit recommendations with Svayam handholding the entire process. The access provisions like ramps, signage’s, accessible toilet units, accessible ticket counters, dedicated parking facility, defined access route etc. make the heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri a well maintained and disabled friendly monument.

an image of Citation for Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument - Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments Agra showing a huge ramp constructed at the Buland Darwaza
Citation for Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument – Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments Agra

Svayam founder- Sminu Jindal said the awards and recognition highlight the need for making these places accessible and address the leisure requirements of varied demographic needs. “Monuments are common heritage properties and it is heartening to see ASI’s initiatives in carrying out Svayam’s audit reports to make Fatehpur Sikri accessible to people with reduced mobility,” she added.

Here is the media coverage of the event:

(a) Breaking Tourism News : Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments bags Best maintained and disabled friendly monument’ with joint efforts of Svayam & ASI

(b) The Hindu : Fatehpur Sikri Monuments bags Tourism Award

 

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Walkability and Accessibility Audit – Bhikaiji Cama Place, Delhi

New Delhi

07th November 2012

Svayam’s Access Audit Team conducted a walkability and Accessibility audit of an important District Centre of New Delhi – Bhikaiji Cama Place and found the complex in a pathetic state of maintenance.

Brief background

Built in 1980, Bhikaiji Cama Place is one of New Delhi’s district centres following the 1960 Master Plan of the city. The 35-acres area includes commercial and government offices, small and mid-sized retailers, hotels and other allied functions.

However, in the year 2005, a major renovation was carried out by the DDA and key interventions were made in order to improve the deteriorating conditions.

This included developing Road markings and directional signage to guide car and pedestrian traffic. Entrances were redesigned to make the plaza more accessible from the surrounding streets and pedestrian areas were elevated to keep them away from road traffic. A new storm water drainage and provision of ducts for future services were also installed.

Additionally, stone topped tables, benches and kiosks for additional food stalls were created to accommodate vendors and customers. Two public toilets were built and a solid waste system was developed and added alongside waste bins and garbage dumps.

Reality Check on November 02, 2012
Few years down the line , utter disdain for public property and lack of maintenance and DDA’s apathy, the complex is in shambles again.

The succeeding photos are sufficient evidence of the pathetic state of affairs at a major district centre in South Delhi where prominent offices are located- thanks to lack of maintenance by the municipal authorities and apathy of the administration.

Click below to access the PDF copy of the report.

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Svayam will conduct Access Audit of Heritage sites under Aurangabad Circle of ASI

Dear Colleagues,

Below is the feature from Times of India, Pune by Ms. Neha Madaan, a well known feature writer who has been closely following such issues.

After audit, Ajanta, Ellora caves may become more accessible

Neha Madaan, TNN | May 14, 2012, 12.56AM IST

PUNE: Svayam, a Delhi-based NGO, that works to make public places accessible for the elderly and the disabled, plans to undertake an audit of Ajanta and Ellora caves, as well as other ticketed monuments in the Aurangabad circle including Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad Group of caves and Padavlena caves in Nashik. Svayam, which had earlier signed a memorandum with ASI to help them make their sites in Delhi, Agra and Goa accessible, will gradually move to other sites in Maharashtra. Qutub Minar, the first monument that Svayam audited, became the first heritage monument to be made accessible by ASI. Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Lal Quila, among others, have also been audited by the Svayam team.

Abha Negi, director of Svayam, an initiative of the SJ Charitable Trust, said, “We have been working with ASI as consultants for six years and are currently undertaking the incorporation of accessibility features in a phased manner. We started with trainings of those involved in maintaining the world heritage sites- engineers as well as contractors- before undertaking interventions at different sites.”

“It showed that the disabled and elderly have a right to expect dignified and comfortable access to and within these heritage sites and buildings,” she added. In the past, Svayam has also participated whereever possible in audits of Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal.

Svayam had also conducted a series of trainings with ASI engineers and contractors. “These trainings ensured appreciation of user requirements, as opposed to theoretical design prescriptions and guidelines, thereby eliciting an appropriate response followed by required desired action. A host of issues need to be kept in mind while making a heritage site accessible, right from arrival and site access, entrance and entrance gates, change in levels, thresholds, steps, incline of steps, to steep inclines, kissing gates and stiles, historic ground surfaces, surface finishes and other physical features. Staff awareness is also important,” Negi said.

An audit said, “An access audit process involves observing the building/ heritage site complex from the perspective of its usability by children, disabled, elderly and women. A team of professionals, user groups and trained volunteers form the audit team. They take photographs, measurements and audit the property from the perspective of not only a physically disabled person, but also blind visitors, those with low vision or with hearing impairment or with psycho-social disabilities,” Sminu Jindal, chairperson of Svayam, said.

The team audits each area of the complex which includes the monument’s website, parking, ticket counters/ information kiosks, toilets/amenities (drinking water facilities etc), approach ways and access route to and around the monument and to major attractions within the monument, canteens/eating joints or refreshment areas/ souvenir shop/counter, and museum/interpretation centre/ libraries.

Other aspects audited include level differences that create barriers for smooth mobility and safety of visitors, directional and informational signages at the entrance, parking and all other areas frequented or likely to be frequented by visitors, mobility equipment (if available) and topography/level changes in the complex.

Access features are suggested with the archaeological norms in mind. “We ensure that the intervention gels with the overall aesthetics of the monument and does not stand out like a sore thumb. Also the whole objective is to make the site ‘visitable’ by a wide range of people without interfering with the nature and architecture of the monument. Thirdly, we also ensure that there is no damage to the monument while implementing the suggestions for improving accessibility. Ramps and other features supplementing the accessibility are temporary structures and not grouted,” she added.

When it becomes essential, the team suggests minimum grouting required for the safety and proper securing of the equipment/lift wherever needed. “However, it is difficult to generalize the access solutions at all heritage sites since each differ in its characteristics, topography, architecture, usage and climatic conditions. If the area is too big, we suggest mobility solutions such as wheelchairs, carts that are run on battery and are non-polluting,” she said.

An official from ASI’s headquarters in Delhi said, “Barrier-free features in monuments across the country is a continuous process. Toilets at major monuments across the country will be made barrier-free with easy wheelchair maneuvering. The barrier-free initiative will also be applied to monuments in Maharashtra.”

Inclusive heritage sites world over

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland has a stair lift alongside a temporary ramp that is in use in the castle’s Great Hall

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland has a permanent ramp

The Caves of Jerusalem have been made accessible by installing platform lifts

King Ludwig’s fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein, in Germany, has an elevator for people with disabilities to access all the towers and different levels of the castle

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Svayam conducts Access Workshop for Disabled community leaders at Aarth Astha

New Delhi : 16 March 2012

Svayam Team conducted a Training Workshop on “Accessibility in Community Infrastructure” at the invitation of Astha India (NGO) for the disabled community leaders of Lal Kuan and Govind Puri slums.   The community leaders with disabilities have come together under the umbrella of “Viklang Ekta Manch”. Several parents, family members and members of Astha staff were also present in the training session.

The whole exercise was facilitated by Aarth Astha and coordinated by Mr. Binod – himself a person with disability and the community lead for Astha. The leaders were also briefed on conducting access audits and approaching the right authorities for making things happen.

The inputs from Pradeep, Punam and several others regarding the ground conditions in their residential colonies were eye openers for many of us! The training was followed by a Question and Answer session which brought out several issues from attitude of drivers of Delhi Transport Corporation towards the disabled people to inaccessibility from the house to the nearest bus stop / metro station and of admissions in the university under the disability quota to lack of accessible and affordable public transportation to attend college.

It came out that several disabled members despite being very bright and interested to pursue education could not attend colleges /work due to lack of seamless access from their houses/dwellings to the nearest bus stop. Also due to lack of direct accessible transport options, many could not purse regular education. Various government schools in the vicinity were not accessible to children with disabilities and children, especially girls did not go to the school because of lack of accessible and hygenic toilets in the  school.

“Astha’s mandate is to empower persons with disabilities in communities to take up their issues themselves. We are thankful to Svayam Team for agreeing to conduct this workshop for our disabled community leaders at such a short notice. Inaccessibility in the residential dwellings especially in the slums where Astha work has been a big barrier for the children to come out and avail the rehabilitation facilities and options of education and vocation. Disabled community leaders like Pradeep and Poonam are taking this lead and I am sure this workshop will equip them with necessary knowledge to take up their fight against inaccessibility in their colonies to its logical conclusion”, said Ms. Sudha Vohra, Executive Director- Astha.

It is proposed to take this forward by active advocacy for the accessibility rights by the members of the Self Help Group – Viklang Ekta Manch with support from Svayam and Aarth Astha.

Some visuals from the workshop:

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