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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 10:48:41 pm

Woman dies by suicide

Husband held over alleged dowry harassment, nine-month-old daughter left motherless Ulhasnagar: A 28-year-old highly educated woman allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Ulhasnagar on September 12, following alleged physical and mental harassment by her husband, mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law over dowry, domestic issues and the birth of a daughter, according to a complaint filed by her father. The deceased, identified as Nitya Gaurav Rai, was married to software engineer Gaurav...

Woman dies by suicide

Husband held over alleged dowry harassment, nine-month-old daughter left motherless Ulhasnagar: A 28-year-old highly educated woman allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Ulhasnagar on September 12, following alleged physical and mental harassment by her husband, mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law over dowry, domestic issues and the birth of a daughter, according to a complaint filed by her father. The deceased, identified as Nitya Gaurav Rai, was married to software engineer Gaurav Sanjay Rai in December 2021. Police have registered a case against the husband and two other family members, and Gaurav Rai has been arrested. Their nine-month-old daughter has been left without her mother. According to the complaint, Nitya was an MSc and BEd graduate, while her husband Gaurav is a software engineer. Her father alleged that despite his limited financial means, he had given around Rs 3.75 lakh in cash to Gaurav at the time of marriage, along with household articles and expenses towards the wedding. Nitya’s father alleged that after the marriage, she was repeatedly subjected to harassment over household work and was allegedly pressured to bring additional dowry from her parental home. He further alleged that Nitya’s mother-in-law Madhuri Sanjay Rai and grandmother-in-law Sharda Rai also subjected her to mental and physical harassment. The father further alleged that the situation worsened after Nitya gave birth to a daughter in December 2025. According to him, her grandmother-in-law repeatedly taunted her over the birth of the girl child and allegedly told her that she had increased their troubles by having another child. According to the family, Nitya generally did not disclose the disputes at her matrimonial home to her parents. However, on the night of the incident, she allegedly made a call to her father at around 11.30 pm and told him to come and take her home, stating that otherwise the family members would kill her. Her father said that he asked her what had happened and told her that he would speak to her in-laws. When he subsequently called again, her father-in-law Sanjay Rai allegedly informed him that Nitya had died. Nitya’s father said he then requested her in-laws to immediately take her to a hospital. He has also alleged that his daughter was killed and appealed to the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and ensure justice for his daughter and family.

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Writer: Divyaa Advaani 
Divyaa Advaani 
Jan 17, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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