It was a vibrant afternoon at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Mumbai, where the rich aromas of Kashmiri cuisine wafted through the air during their much-anticipated food festival. I was there for another event to witness the talent of budding hospitality professionals as they showcased their skills in the front office competition, “First Impressions”—a program that was meticulously curated and executed by the faculty. It was an honor to be a judge for the competition. Although I arrived at the tail end of the festival, I was just in time to connect with Principal Dr. Nisheeth Srivastava, esteemed faculty members, and a few familiar faces, including my college senior Nitin Nagrale and super senior Ravi Wazir.
Amidst the remnants of a successful culinary event, I had the privilege of meeting Col. Atul Saxena, who was introduced to us by the principal. Our conversation revealed that he was there for the ‘Kahi Gum Na Ho Jayein’ culinary challenge, a shining example of his commitment to honoring his late wife, Ms. Babeetta Sakxena. As he spoke about her legacy, I realized that while I had heard her name before, I had only scratched the surface of understanding the incredible impact she had made. Col. Saxena’s dedication to carrying her legacy forward sparked my curiosity, inviting me to learn more about the life and inspiration of a truly remarkable woman.
Babeetta Sakxena was an incredible woman whose impact on her community and beyond continues to resonate even after her passing. A life coach, motivational speaker, image consultant, and founder of the NGO Let’s Give Back, she dedicated her life to uplifting others and preserving cultural narratives through her storied initiatives.
Her project, ‘Kahi Gum Na Ho Jayein,’ meaning ‘May They Not Be Lost,’ was born out of a desire to ensure that the stories of diverse communities were cherished and shared. From a young age, Babeeta was immersed in storytelling, inspired by the rich tales her grandmother shared. This passion blossomed into a lifelong mission to empower others to express their stories and find strength in their narratives.
Surely, she acquired the right skill sets from her upbringing and extensive academic background, which included studies at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and degrees in Economics, Anthropology, and English Literature from Avadh Girls Degree College. This education equipped her with the knowledge and insight to contribute profoundly to the fields of media, education, and social activism.
Her contributions extended far beyond storytelling. Through her work as a life coach and a motivational expert at Value Your Image, she helped countless individuals realize their potential, guiding them on their personal journeys and encouraging self-growth. As the owner and founder of Rituraag Natural Skin Hair Body Care Solutions, she championed natural products while advocating for eco-conscious practices as a green activist.
The ‘Let’s Give Back’ initiative was particularly close to her heart. Seeking to revive Indian traditions while providing educational resources to underprivileged communities, Ms. Sakxena created a platform for empowerment and cultural pride. Her dedication to service transformed lives and inspired many to embrace their heritage and strive for better futures.
Babeetta’s professional journey included significant roles that reflected her multifaceted talents. She had worked at Marwah Studios, honing her skills in media and storytelling, and made her mark as an image consultant in Delhi. In academia, she was a respected faculty member at institutions like St. Jude’s School in Dehradun and Springdales School in Pune, where she inspired young minds with her creative vision.
Additionally, her work as a sub-editor at The Times of India and as an anchor for various radio and television programs showcased Ms. Sakxena’s exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences. She created engaging content and hosted meaningful discussions that touched on various social issues. Many of her discussions are available on YouTube and other online platforms. I loved listening to her series on the Navratri festival.
Though she is no longer with us, Ms. Sakxena’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the initiatives she founded. Her belief in the power of stories, her commitment to giving back, and her unwavering support of others continue to inspire generations. I also appreciate how Col. Saxena is keeping his late wife’s memory alive through various self-funded initiatives such as Kahi Gum Na Ho Jayein. I wish many more like-minded people would connect with the project, as it honours not just Babeeta but also the many others whose contributions should be remembered and revives our traditional recipes before they are lost and forgotten! It is also heartening to see many IHMs and renowned chefs from all over the country becoming being a part of this mission. I feel privileged to learn about Ms. Sakxena and her work. I can’t thank Col. Saxena for making me a part of the shared nostalgia and the wonderful vision his better half had through stories and anecdotes that he shared with me. I wish him the very best and may the power be with him.
In reflecting on the extraordinary legacy of Babeetta Sakxena, we find an inspiring call to action for all of us—to cherish and protect our cultural heritage while uplifting the stories that define who we are. Her dedication to reviving lost traditions and empowering communities serves as a poignant reminder that our histories are not merely relics of the past but invaluable treasures that shape our future.
Let us honour her spirit by actively participating in initiatives that advocate for cultural preservation, whether by sharing our own stories, supporting local traditions, or engaging with projects like ‘Kahi Gum Na Ho Jayein.’ Together, we can ensure that the rich narratives of our diverse communities are celebrated and safeguarded for generations to come.
As Babeetta once inspired many to embrace their narratives, we can echo her message: “Legacy is not what we leave behind; it’s what we inspire in others.” Let us commit to preserving our heritage, for in doing so, we create a brighter, more connected world.
Link to Col. Saxena’s video on Kahi Gum Na Ho Jayein: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rnf7igwVCquCKFfx/
