Geetha Poduval

Geeta Poduval
Born	Ahmedabad
Occupations	Entrepreneur activist
Years active	2012-present

Geeta Poduval is a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and activist for disabled people. She is the founder of DRZYA, a firm that trains disabled people to perform and provides a platform for disabled performances, talks and workshops. She is also the founder of Drzyashakti Trust, an NGO for the services of disabled people.

She was previously an actress and news anchor. The two notable films to her credit are Sukumarji's Kandethal^[1] and Madhu Kaithapram's Vellivelichathil.^[2]

Early life and background

In 2017 she founded Drzya,^[3][4] a firm that offers disabled artists opportunity to showcase their talent professionally and participate in inspirational talks and workshops. Later in 2018 she founded Drzyashakti Trust^[5] to serve and promote the causes of disabled people. Presently she is involved in capacity building of disabled people, counselling and mentoring them, delivering workshops and inspirational talks.

Acting

Geeta has acted in films, TV serials, corporate films and advertisements.

• Vellivelichatthil – In the Limelight^[6] (Malayalam, released 2014). She played the second heroine in the film as John Brittas’ wife. Directed by Madhu Kaithapram.
• Kandethal – The Revelation^[7] (Malayalam, released 2016). She played the female protagonist. Directed by Sukumarji.
• Crime Branch (Malayalam, TV serial, 2014). Played the lead role of Assistant Commissioner of Police for eight episodes for Kairali TV Channel.^[8]

Training and speaking

Geeta has been a speaker at various forums and events. She was a speaker at TEDxYouth@JGIS.^[9] She was invited as the Keynote speaker during the Daughters’ Day celebration of the Bengaluru chapters of PRCI and YCC.^[10] She has been conducting training programs and motivational talks for corporate houses and government organisations for many years on a wide range of topics including women leadership, diversity and inclusion, POSH, managing life and life goals among others.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. "Sukumarji's Kandethal Traces the Journey in Search of Inner Peace". Newindianexpress.com. 10 February 2014. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
2. "At home in an alien land". The Hindu. Thehindu.com. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
3. Mumbai, Varda Sharma (26 October 2017). "A stage for differently-abled performers". The Hindu.
4. "Geeta Poduval believes arts has the power to transform the lives of disabled people". 20 December 2019.
5. "Drzyashakti Trust Archives".
6. "Vellivelichathil - Official Trailer". YouTube. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
7. "Film on runaway children". The Hindu. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
8. "Malayalam Tv Serials Crime Branch - Nettv4u". nettv4u. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
9. "TEDx @JGIS Theme: How to Face Failure". Retrieved 15 May 2016.
10. "Grass root action to Break the Glass Ceiling! - PRapport". Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.