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By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

Stop Comparing, Start Growing

Success does not grow in comparison; it grows in focus. Over the years, women have made significant strides in every sphere of life. From managing homes to leading organisations, from nurturing families to building successful careers, women have proved that strength and resilience are deeply rooted in their nature. Financial independence has become a significant milestone for many women today, bringing with it confidence, dignity, and the freedom to shape one’s own destiny. However, along...

Stop Comparing, Start Growing

Success does not grow in comparison; it grows in focus. Over the years, women have made significant strides in every sphere of life. From managing homes to leading organisations, from nurturing families to building successful careers, women have proved that strength and resilience are deeply rooted in their nature. Financial independence has become a significant milestone for many women today, bringing with it confidence, dignity, and the freedom to shape one’s own destiny. However, along with growth has come another silent challenge — the tendency to constantly observe, compare, and sometimes even compete with the journeys of others. But a crucial question arises: Is it necessary to track the growth of others in order to grow ourselves? From my personal experience of more than two decades as an entrepreneur, I have realised something very powerful — true growth begins the moment we stop looking sideways and start looking within. A Small Beginning I had a flourishing career of teaching abroad, but when I restarted my career after moving back to India, my beginning was extremely small. My very first assignment was a simple home tuition for a single student, and the amount I earned was meagre. There was nothing glamorous about it. No recognition, no large batches, no big earnings. Just one student and one opportunity. But instead of worrying about how others were doing, how many students they had, or how much they were earning, I made a conscious decision—my only focus would be on improving myself. I focused on teaching better, preparing better, and becoming more disciplined and consistent. And slowly, without even realising it, things began to grow. One student became two, two became a small group, and gradually, over the years, the work expanded beyond what I had initially imagined. Looking back today, I can confidently say that the growth did not happen because I competed with others. It happened because I competed with myself yesterday. Comparison Creates Noise When we keep watching others' journeys too closely, we unknowingly divert our own energy. Comparison creates unnecessary noise in our minds. It brings doubts, insecurities, and sometimes even negativity. Instead of walking our own path with clarity, we start questioning our speed, our direction, and our worth. True success grows through focus, not comparison. Every woman has her own story, her own pace, and her own struggles that others may never see. The path of one person can never be identical to another's. So comparing journeys is like comparing two different rivers flowing towards the same ocean — each with its own route, its own curves, and its own rhythm. As women, we already carry many responsibilities. We balance emotions, relationships, work, and society's expectations. In such a life, the last thing we need is the burden of comparison with one another. Instead, what we truly need is support for each other. When women encourage women, something extraordinary happens. Confidence grows. Opportunities multiply. Strength becomes collective rather than individual. There is enough space in the world for every woman to create her own identity. Each of us can build our own niche without stepping on someone else's path. Choose Encouragement Envy weakens us, but encouragement empowers us. Rather than questioning how someone else is progressing, we can ask a more meaningful question: "How can I grow a little better than I was yesterday?" Lift As You Rise Today, after twenty years of experience, the most valuable lesson I have learned is simple yet profound — focus on your own work with honesty and dedication, and success will quietly follow you. We, women, are capable, resilient, and creative. We do not need to pull each other down or compete in unhealthy ways. Instead, we can lift each other up while building our own dreams. Because when one woman rises, she does not rise alone. She inspires many others to believe that they can rise, too. And perhaps that is the most beautiful form of success. (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

Demystifying Food Irradiation

Food Security with Nuclear and the Unreasoned Fear of Irradiated Food is an exceptionally well-crafted and timely contribution to contemporary discourse on food safety, public health, and the role of nuclear science in strengthening global food systems. The authors—bring together scientific clarity, historical depth, and policy insight to a subject long clouded by misconception and public apprehension.


One of the book’s most significant achievements is its ability to demystify food irradiation. Through lucid explanations and accessible scientific language, the authors separate fact from fear, clearly explaining the principles, safety, and proven utility of irradiation technology. Readers unfamiliar with the subject will find the text remarkably approachable, while specialists will appreciate its rigorous scientific grounding.


The book presents a comprehensive historical account of food irradiation, tracing its evolution from early experimental research to widespread global acceptance. This narrative is supported by clear explanations of what occurs within food when exposed to ionising radiation, drawing upon sound physics, chemistry, and well-documented real-world applications.


Valuable Feature

A particularly valuable feature is the comparative analysis of food preservation and sanitisation techniques. By placing irradiation alongside conventional methods such as thermal processing, fumigation, and chemical treatments, the authors provide a balanced and evidence-based perspective, highlighting where irradiation offers distinct advantages.


The section on regulatory frameworks is another major strength. Global standards and guidelines from Codex Alimentarius, WHO, FAO, IAEA, FDA, and the European Union are presented alongside policies from over sixty countries. This makes the book an indispensable reference for policymakers, regulators, industry professionals, and researchers. The Indian experience is documented with clarity and pride, highlighting the pioneering role of BARC, the commercial initiatives of BRIT, and India’s leadership in accelerator-based irradiation technologies.


The chapters dealing with detection technologies are particularly noteworthy. Techniques such as ESR, thermoluminescence, chemical markers, DNA-based methods, and advanced analytical tools are explained with depth and precision, while remaining accessible to practitioners. This is complemented by practical discussions on dosimetry, radiation sources, and operational requirements, making the book a useful guide for facility operators and regulatory authorities.


Importantly, the authors also address the psychology of public perception. By examining the roots of misinformation, communication gaps, and the persistent fear of so-called “radioactive food,” they demonstrate scientific responsibility and empathy. The analysis makes it clear that the primary challenge is not technological, but educational.


The book concludes by examining global market trends, future prospects, and strategic imperatives, underscoring the role of food irradiation in reducing spoilage, controlling pests, preventing food-borne diseases, and strengthening food security amid climate uncertainty and growing global demand.


Significant Work

Food Security with Nuclear and the Unreasoned Fear of Irradiated Food is a significant and authoritative work. It informs, educates, and corrects long-standing misconceptions with scientific precision and clarity. For policymakers, nuclear scientists, food technologists, academicians, students, and informed consumers, this book is both timely and essential.


It stands as a definitive guide for anyone seeking a rational, evidence-based understanding of food irradiation and its transformative role in ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable food systems for the future.


(The writer is Chief Executive of National Centre for Science Communicators, Mumbai. Views personal.)

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