Bulky, shy and awkward? Why body shaming in any form is toxic, should be overcome

By Satyajit Majumder
I believe in simplicity. I would choose comfort over luxury any day. I don’t have any addictions but social media. Also, my dietician has suppressed the big foodie inside me. I believe am a good singer, and I would like others to believe that, too. From being called an “elephant” to running a popular blog, I think I shaped my destiny the way I dreamed...
As a kid I was overweight and bulky, or "fat", as they would call me, which disturbed my mental state every now and then... I was unconsciously brewing up grave insecurities in my head out of this constant humiliation.
I gradually turned shy and shabby and awkward, and reserved to an extent, where I wore vests to cover my moobs and t-shirts to swimming! All the mockery, noise and abhorrence around me drained my confidence into a dark abyss.
I realised that I was looked down upon, and that was not long before I started hitting the gym. I gave up on sweets and other delicacies, and tightened my shoe laces to bring about a transformation.
From 105 kg I reduced it to 75 kg in just seven month (still pinching myself, because it was easier dreamt than done!). Fashion was not a cup of tea for me, and neither was blogging! But something that kept me going was my unflinching spirit.
And today, I am happy to be a leading influencer who has got the opportunity to collaborate with major brands in India. I have got an award from the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) mutual fund for my short film on social welfare.

Instagram screenshot showing Majumder
has 124,000 followers

I am the only male influencer from South Asia who was invited to South Africa as an ambassador for the 'Fashion Hero TV, Season 2' .The Fashion Hero is a groundbreaking TV series and a worldwide movement that empowers real people to achieve their dreams by disrupting the status quo of narrow, unattainable fashion and beauty ideals.
I started blogging in the year 2017, when blogging had begun to pick up as a major trend. At that time, I totally felt alien to social media drills. I nevertheless kept posting reviews on Instagram, and within 5 months brands started sending proposals.
My social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram, are followed by 1,50,000 people and I love creating content for them.
I seek to influence my followers with my unreal transformation and spread positivity through these platforms.
I believe shaming in any form is toxic,and I vehemently condemn that. The noises nevertheless failed to convince me that I'm any less. From being body-shamed to being a leading blogger -- that's how it all started.
I got featured in 'Calcutta Times' newspaper for the #FlirtWithYourCity campaign, and in few other blogs, too. The Calcutta Medical College Invited me as their Chief Guest, and I was given the privilege to judge the event -- Mister Kolkata Rhapsody (secretly, another dream come true!).
I started blogging in the year 2017 just after I reduced my weight to 75 kg; it's been two years now. I never thought it will be this big. It has never been easy initially, but then the support from my friends and family kept me going. And now, when my work gets appreciated by renowned brands, I feel that the struggle is worth it.
Talking about my family support …when my parents get to see the bulk of acknowledgements I get, they feel proud of what I have done. I know I have my family to bank on if the whole universe stands against me someday. Like all other parents, they want their son to get settled with a secured job. But they have given me enough freedom to decide for myself.

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