I’m no feminist. Nor am I even distantly connected to any form of chauvinism. Yet, I feel proud to express my existence as a woman. The awe-inspiring and divine figurine of Goddess Durga dexterously sculpted and methodically placed in one of the beautifully decorated Navaratri pandals I recently visited, has inspired me to say so. The unceasing mirth and drumbeats of the Navaratri fest failed to evade my mind. As I crossed the regular lane leading to my home, I took a quick peek into the temple and got Her sacred darshan.
Truly, the vision was mystical, and one gaze into Her powerful eyes had my mind engulfed with a thread of thoughts. She’s the source of power—I concluded. Her iconic strength lies in every woman. With this thought, I immediately set to weave an interesting passage of observations on the sizeable evolution of womankind through the historic period.
Times have certainly changed and so has the sense of individualism and personhood among women across the globe. In an interesting contrast of conditions women today, walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men. Certainly a phenomenon, considering the unconscionable ordeal women in the medieval ages went through. With every succeeding cycle of time and fierce pain emerged an intangible essence of courage. It is power—a fight against time and tide. From then to here the ridges of changing era are powerfully manifested.
Over centuries, India has witnessed a dramatic metamorphosis on socio-religious issues like sati, child marriage, purdah system, restriction of widow marriage, devadasis, girl-child education, etc. Thanks to the rational intervention of the Britishers and social reformists like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, these practices were curbed. Their efforts cannot go unmentioned here. However, it is distressing to find these barbaric activities still going on at different corners of the world. I opine that these scenarios are worse than catastrophes for which cause is not led by behavior or intellect.
The wave of power has traveled right from centuries ago when women strived for their rights to vote, study or earn money. Women have certainly come a long way from then. In the recent times, corporate sectors boast of efficient female employees. A study reveals that women make great managers—both, in the domestic and professional zones. The revolution has caught up in the culturally underdeveloped countries across the globe. The gradual upliftment of the Afghanistan women against tyranny speaks volumes about the inner strength of a woman and her intense desire to evolve as a person.
Strangely, power does not mean violence always (let me reminisce Gandhiji’s famous words at this point and salute him). Layers of power can be finely observed through minute gradations of silence, struggle, sacrifice, tolerance, love, wisdom, knowledge, kindness, passion, perseverance, might, and to a fair (or large?) extent—charm. :-) ;-)
Contemplating on these lines, I proceed with extolling women, who I look up to, and think embody these virtues with their willpower, boundless magnanimity and spiritual potential.
My Mother – My strength lies in her smile. Her serene face puts to rest all my agitations. Or maybe it’s just her presence. Over the years I’ve bonded with her as a girl, woman, and person. I sense the small, silent sacrifices going unnoticed at times. Her innocent smile through her run-of-the-mill, tiring routine crushes my heart. Her extremely docile characteristic makes me mull over the other side of her own world—perhaps, a better one. Trying to add those little fillers and colors to her life. Hope it makes a difference. Love you mom. :-)
Ma’am – My role model during college days. She’s unforgettable. I still remember her as a killer combination of beauty, brains, grace, and dignity. A South-Indian Brahmin divorcee boldly defying the norms of society to remarry a younger colleague may seem nothing new. It’s her aura and self-acknowledging morale that inspires me.
‘H’ aunty – She’s always so bright and sunny. No gloomy thoughts or savage storms of time can ruffle that. Her quintessential ever-positive attitude has helped her surmount gruelling struggles. I was a close witness to a very recent, chronic state of her health. It was breast cancer. By the grace of God and certainly her cheerful disposition she’s pulled through it. She deserves every moment of a happy life!
Nam – My sweet li’l cousin is a bright, sensible, and multifaceted girl. Her approach towards a situation really amazes me. I’ve learnt many a lessons from her book of wisdom.
Vendor in the train – Ill-fated miseries had compelled this middle-class old woman into selling goodies in local trains at the age of 72. That’s what we call the ‘never-say-die’ attitude, don't we?
Arundhati Roy – Words are mightier than swords, and she can definitely kill with her words. An architect by qualification, Roy first turned into an activist, then a non-fiction novelist, and a critic too. Loved her book “The God of Small Things”!
Kalpana Chawla – She desired to fly high—and that, she did. The first Indian-born woman astronaut to make it to the space finally met her end and vanished into the hollow vacuum of space—her destined abode.
Mother Teressa – The benevolent nun selflessly nursed the poor, sick and needy. She's still remembered as a model of humanity by people (No Offence- but, especially by the beauties in beauty pageants claiming to bring about world peace and humanity ;-) )
Rani Laxmi bai – A famous historic figure and an epitome of bravery, she valiantly set off for the battle field with the adopted child tied at the back to fight the Britishers and save Jhansi.
Kiran Bedi – A highly successful, tough, and liberated woman in the ‘then’ man’s world, Kiran broke the norms chalked for women and made a mark as the first woman police officer of IPS.
Oprah Winfrey – Surpassing a painful childhood including poverty and rape, this 54-year old popular television anchor catapulted to fame by virtue of her strong connection with the audience through emotion-coated, head-on, and intense talk shows. Having been wrenched in the agony of her early life, she effortlessly addresses issues with bold conviction. Owning a mammoth production company and a host of other online media projects, Oprah retains her spiritual connection with people through a charity network.
The list could go on as every woman has something unusual to give. That could include something as grave as a woman sharing her man with the other woman to save a crumbling relationship or something as simple as a woman whipping up an exciting plan for the weekend with her guy. A sweeter instance of 'giving' is a woman sidestepping the camera focus to give her husband the photo space with his favorite actress (Awwww…that’s ssooo sweet). Love it. :-) My list can proudly have the brave women-folk of defense families, most definitely all great women I know, all the working women balancing work and home (withstanding the not-so-pleasant or abusive travel?), women swaying to the tunes of dandiya raas and celebrating the spirit of freedom, and last but not the least me too ;-) (why not...ha ha).
People, I don’t mean to go offbeat here, but I have to (I want to) pay my tribute to all those nice and supportive men who have welcomed a world of equality with open arms. Cheers!
