Many people pass through our lives, but only a few leave an unforgettable impact, imparting life lessons that stay with us forever. Today, I had the privilege of meeting such a remarkable personality—Sunita Nagpal. The occasion was the International Women’s Day event held at Kanoria PG Mahavidyalaya on March 4, 2025. Organized by the Saksham Sanchar Foundation in association with the English Department of Kanoria PG Mahavidyalaya, the event was a tribute to inspiring women. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness the wisdom of such an extraordinary individual.
Sunita Nagpal is a distinguished theatre and film director based in Jaipur, India. An alumna of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), she has made significant contributions to the performing arts. As the founder of Epilogue Theatre-Jaipur, she has created a vibrant platform dedicated to promoting theatrical arts in the region. Beyond directing, she has also showcased her acting prowess in various films. Her notable performances include her role as Dr. Shalini, a gynecologist, in the critically acclaimed film Mimi (2021). Her other acting credits include Dahaad (2023) and Rahiman by Project Yugm (2016).
Through her multifaceted roles as a director, actress, and educator, Sunita Nagpal continues to enrich Jaipur’s cultural landscape and inspire the next generation of theatre enthusiasts. However, what stood out the most today was not just her impressive resume, but the invaluable life lessons she shared with us.
Her session began with a lighthearted yet profound engagement with students. She humorously broke the ice, teaching them the importance of speaking up, of expressing their thoughts freely. “Don’t keep things bottled up within you. Don’t take today’s feelings into tomorrow. Every day is a new start,” she said. Her words struck a chord, reminding us that self-expression is not just a key to happiness but also essential for achieving inner peace.
One of the most striking lessons I learned today was about humor and its place in life. How humor has its own audience, and those who fail to understand it often get frustrated by those who wield it effortlessly. “Harsh but true that people in positions of power often have egos so large they cannot handle humor or criticism.” This was an eye-opening realization. I noted down one of the most valuable takeaways of the day: “A person who can’t handle criticism can never be a great leader.” As someone who aspires to lead, this lesson resonated deeply with me.
Her way of interacting with students and children was so unique that even hours after the session, I found myself reflecting on her words. Some people come and go without leaving a trace, while others make such an impact that words fail to capture their essence. Sunita Nagpal belongs to the latter. Today, as a listener, I am beyond grateful for the shift in my perspective. She reinforced my belief in the language of honesty—something rare in a materialistic world where many wear multiple masks to fit in.
Meeting Sunita Nagpal was more than just an event; it was an experience—an invaluable lesson in courage, authenticity, and embracing life with all its imperfections. Her words will stay with me, guiding me through my journey, reminding me that true leadership and success come from honesty, resilience, and the ability to express oneself fearlessly.