1975 • Roots & Beginning
A Cry of Joy: The Journey Begins in 1975
I was born on 31st May 1975 in Rewa Medical College, Madhya Pradesh. My father, Dr. Harish Badal, is a doctor and my mother, Rekha, a homemaker. After my birth, our family stayed for some time at a small Primary Health Centre (P.H.C.) in Moodhapande, Uttar Pradesh.
1976 – 1978 • Early Childhood
Initial Years: Growing Up in Dhanaura
From 1976 to 1978, we lived in a very small town, Dhanaura in Moradabad district, UP, where my early education began. For a brief period of a few months, we were in Moradabad where I studied in Seventh Day Adventist School.
1981 • Schooling Days
Jhansi Days: The Real Childhood Unfolds
In 1981, Papa was transferred to Jhansi, and here the real childhood days began! I got admission into St. Francis Convent (SFC) Jhansi, which was and remains till now the most sought-after school of the city.
1982 – 1992 • Formative Years
SFC & Christ The King College, Jhansi
I spent my schooling years in SFC, completing my 10th board exams here. Then I joined Christ The King College, Jhansi for classes 11th and 12th, cultivating lifelong habits of reading, public debate, and discipline.
1993 – 1996 • Higher Education
Science Graduation & Software Development
I did my graduation in Science from Bipin Behari Degree College, Jhansi. Simultaneously, I studied at APTECH Computer Institute to earn a rigorous 3-year Master's Diploma in Computer Software Development.
1996 • Capital Calling
Delhi Door Nahin: Stepping Into Media
I shifted to Delhi to complete my computer course. Here, my creative path opened up: I started working for SPIC MACAY and then freelanced with DD-National, anchoring the landmark youth television programme 'Ankur'.
1997 – 1998 • Marriage & Print Media
Marriage & Journalism at 'Dainik Navjyoti'
In 1997 I got married and shifted to Ajmer, Rajasthan. In 1998, driven by the desire to pursue storytelling, I joined Rajasthan's respected state-level Hindi daily “Dainik Navjyoti” as a trainee journalist.
2000 – 2001 • Motherhood & Radio
Angel Ishita Born & Return to Delhi Airwaves
My little angel, daughter Ishita was born. In 2001 I returned to Delhi and joined Pt. Ravi Shankar as his Office Administrator. I also started anchoring with DD Sports, ETV Urdu, and was selected as an on-air Radio Jockey on AIR FM.
2001 – 2012 • Television Pioneer
Zee News, Channel 7 & The 'Zindagi Live' Era
I joined Zee News as a Reporter and started anchoring news. In 2005 I joined Channel 7 as Special Correspondent and News Anchor. In 2007, 'Zindagi Live' started—pioneering empathetic television and touching millions of hearts across India.
2012 – Present • Living Mission
The Journey Continues: Voices & Impact
From broadcast studios to digital independence with Zindagi With Richa, inspirational keynotes, executive coaching, and grassroots community philanthropy with Zindagi Circle, the journey of heart and hope continues.
