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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.)

Principal’s dismissal sparks protests

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

Archana Mohite

Dombivli: Parents and students staged a massive protest outside Greens English School in MIDC, Dombivli, after the abrupt termination of Principal Archana Mohite by the school administration. Mohite, who had served as the principal for over a decade and received the Best Principal Award, alleged that she was dismissed for opposing the administration’s arbitrary decisions.

Speaking to 'The Perfect Voice', Mohite stated that she was given just 48 hours to respond to an official notice. Despite submitting her reply, she received a termination letter via courier on March 18, declaring that she had failed to respond within the stipulated time. The letter also warned her against entering the school premises from the next day.


Mohite further claimed that the school management had installed high-quality audio-visual surveillance cameras in her cabin without her consent, violating her right to privacy. “These cameras allowed people to monitor me remotely, which is a serious legal offense. Even as a woman, my privacy was completely disregarded,” she said.


She also accused the administration of failing to follow due process. “Even a criminal is given a chance to present their case, but I was terminated without any inquiry, discussion, or a hearing with the management,” Mohite added.


Mohite mentioned that the school’s management is currently under dispute, with legal cases pending before the Charity Commissioner. She claimed that individuals with no legal authority were exerting pressure on her and interfering in school matters. “I was caught between two conflicting committees. The rightful management should take charge instead of creating confusion and harassment.”


She alleged that in December, a newly appointed teacher-still under probation-was given undue preference over experienced teachers with 25-30 years of service. However, the school’s governing body has refuted Mohite’s claims. Shirish Deshpande, Vice President of Dombivli Progressives, stated that Mohite had submitted false educational credentials and misled the institution.

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