Social activist, journalist, poet - Multiple award winner,Tara Chettur Menon is a woman on a mission

Tara Chettur Menon, an alumna of Vyasa Vidhya Peethom Kalekkad, Palakkad, Kerala, is a woman possessing a fearless attitude both in her professional life, as well as her personal beliefs. With a masters degree in journalism from the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Tara started her career as a journalist in 2004 with Star News, Mumbai and later continued to work in several well known media houses across India.

Her articles were published in recognized newspapers, such as  The Pioneer, Central Chronicle, Indian Express etc. In 2005 she relocated to Dubai, where she freelanced for local magazines and worked with media department in an Immigration Management Consultancy firm. On returning to India in 2012, she joined central India’s largest-selling English daily newspaper ‘Hitavada’.

Tara’s work reflects her passion for voicing the concerns of the downtrodden as her articles mostly deals with subjects such as environment, wildlife, women, Tribal rights, human rights children and marginalized groups. 

Her work in the social sector has won her numerous awards and fellowships such as:

• Laadli media National ward

• Maja Koene social justice award

• Fellowship with Centre for science and environment for her environmental report writing. 

• Felicitation by Madhya Pradesh Biodiversity Department, Child line, Lions club, Rotary club etc 

• Felicitation from child rights organizations working at national level 

Apart from her work commitments , Tara is also associated with many non government organizations who are involved with social work in the field of women empowerment, child rights and working against crime against women and children. She regularly participates in national and international forums to give voice to those whose concerns are generally overlooked by mainstream media.

When asked about her take on the topic of ‘Women empowerment’, Tara believes that although the efforts made by both the governmental and nongovernmental organisations are trading the right path, but due to the vastness of the subject, consistent effort is needed to strengthen legal laws without which she feels all efforts can become futile.  She further clarifies that no matter on which subject policies are being drawn, it is crucial that the view of that group is taken into consideration.

Along with her fierce attitude, Tara poses an artistic soul. She is a passionate poet and story writer. Some of her literary recognition include : 

• 2014 – poem ‘When it Rains’ selected for upcoming album by Attic productions , Leukerbad,Switzerland.

• 2010 - Poem titled ‘Movements’ selected  by Anatrc exhibition held at London.

• 2009 - Poems titled ‘Take it Easy’ and ‘As my pen moves’ selected as best poems in variations on theme show aired in  KFAI (90.3 FM Minneapolis and K294AM 106.7 FM West St. Paul) a radio station in Minnesota.

• 2009 - Poems selected and recognised by Sudan youth club  under Love poems category.

• 2008 - TV Show ( Family Games show ) done for Private  Malayalam Channel ( Kairali TV), Dubai , UAE.

• Story for Sony Tv Serial  ‘Aaahat’ ( Horror show ) selected and episode telecasted with due credit of script writing.

• 2004 -Best Aids Awareness write up selected by South Indian bank under south zone category .

• 2001 Poems and Articles published in Indian Express under young writers wing. 

While discussing regarding the impact of Vidya Bharati on her life, Tara credited her school for  teaching her discipline, tolerance and the value of patience in the face of adverse life circumstances.

Furthermore she wanted to convey the following message to all Vidya Bharati students : "Always have a questioning spirit as that can help you to evolve as a person who can contribute to society in a better manner ..speak against injustice in whatever small manner possible, respect teachers and develop the habit of listening."

Tara Chettur Menon is a true representation of an empowered woman and a positive role model for all Vidya Bharti students.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and would like to share your story with the community kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.