In the heart of India, where the confluence of tradition and modernity creates a unique tapestry, lives a woman whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. Ritu Soni Bhagat, an English language professional for the last 30 years, has carved a niche for herself in the field of education, touching countless lives with her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born into a progressive and liberal family, Ritu’s path was paved with the wisdom and encouragement of her parents, Mr. R. L. Soni, a Sessions Judge, and Mrs. Pravesh Soni, an Assistant Branch Manager at S.B.I. Their support and belief in her abilities were the bedrock of her confidence, instilling in her the values of hard work and perseverance.
Ritu’s academic journey was as illustrious as her professional one. With a Post Graduate degree in English Literature and a B.Ed, she embarked on a mission to impart the beauty and power of the English language to young minds. Her teaching stints at prestigious institutions like D.P.S and Holy Child Convent School laid the foundation for her reputation as an educator par excellence.
For the past two decades, Ritu has been the guiding force behind Ritu Bhagat’s English Academy. This institution is more than just a school; it is a sanctuary for students seeking to master the nuances of the English language. Through workshops and academic classes, Ritu has been instrumental in shaping the futures of students from reputed schools, infusing them with a love for literature and the skills to express themselves eloquently.
Ritu’s pursuit of knowledge and excellence didn’t stop at traditional education. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Broadcasting Arts from Y.W.C.A and has honed her acting skills under the tutelage of Suresh Sharma and Dinesh Khanna at the National School of Drama. Her adeptness at communication skills and media image has been further polished through a certificate course in anchoring conducted by the India Today group.
Her multifaceted talents led her to become a familiar face on Delhi Doordarshan’s national channels, where she compered programs like Yatra, Delhi aur Aass Pass, and Quiz Time. She also lent her voice to the General Overseas Services of All India Radio, bringing film stories to life. Her flair for writing found an outlet in the advertising world, where she worked as a copywriter for a reputed Delhi-based agency.
Ritu’s charm and elegance have also made her a brand ambassador for former news reader Salma Sultan’s label, ‘Saree Sanskriti’. She has served as a jury member for the Ms. Shimla contest, inter-college debate competitions at Lady Irwin College, and the International School of Etiquettes. Her involvement with Womennovator as a jury member for the sports segment underscores her commitment to empowering women.
Recognition for her contributions came in the form of the Sarojini Naidu Award by the Asian Academy of Film and Television. Ritu’s thirst for knowledge led her to complete the mentor development program, a training and certification course conducted by Virginia Tech, an international university. Today, she proudly serves as the Brand Ambassador for the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment (ICME).
Ritu’s literary journey took a unique turn with her book, “English Hinglish,” published by Rupa Publications. This well-researched work combines education with entertainment, presenting idioms, phrases, sayings, and proverbs through relatable examples from Bollywood. Her meticulous approach to selecting and presenting these idioms is akin to conducting a PhD on the subject. By choosing Bollywood as the backdrop, she ensured the book’s appeal to contemporary readers, making learning engaging and fun.
Reflecting on her journey, Ritu shares, “The film industry defines the culture of our country to a very large extent, and people try to emulate Bollywood stars. Hence, all the previous worksheets were kept aside, and thus began a new journey of creating something new. However, gossip does not find any place in my book–only relevant, meaningful content. The concept of teaching English through the medium of India’s beloved Hindi film industry is original.” Ritu Soni Bhagat’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. Her journey continues to inspire, educate, and empower, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of India’s educational and cultural landscape.