Saturday 8 March 2014

Some Women's Day Thoughts !


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Inspiring Change !

In a world where women are gaining greater heights, the International Women's Day 2014 comes with this theme.
Very apt, I would say, because we are still fighting for reservation and equality, and teaming up against dowry, rape, sexual abuse,child labour and child marriage along with the ever-present evils of poverty and casteism and what not.

Why not think of bringing in the change we want to see ? That's a proactive, responsive thought, is it not ?

That's what Subhasini Mistry thought.

For a woman who was thrown into widowhood when she was just 23, with four hungry mouths yearning for a morsel of food, just because she couldn't afford proper medical treatment for her ailing husband, life didn't come easy. She wasn't educated, yet, she had what most women would've lacked at that time. Determination immeasurable.
She took up any job that she could do, literally anything .
From being a housemaid, to a vegetable seller, to helping with brick laying that was physically demanding and challenging, she worked, toiled hard and saved every single penny she could, spending just the bare minimum to keep them alive. Her sons helped her in brick laying, and supplemented her income with theirs.

All for just one purpose.


The young widow had promised herself that she would build a hospital for the needy, so that many others would be spared the sorrow that she had had to bear.

And that she would educate one of her sons to become a doctor.

She achieved both her dreams.


The Humanity Hospital , near Hanspukur , Kolkata, stands testimony to one thing above all.
The change that a single woman's grit and will power can accomplish in the world !

Read her story here. And salute her resolve.

Wait.

We can even emulate her, can't we ?
Just by utilising what we have to the best possible extent. Just by ensuring that our talents don't get wasted away, however small it many seem. Just by being ourselves, and much much beyond that !!

From Subhasini Mistry, I shift my focus to one woman who has it all.
The will, the knowledge, the courage and the ability to achieve her dreams.

It might be that all her powers are so hidden in her that she doesn't seem to recognise them, or it might be that she's aware of it, but is afraid of the society, or her family, or anything else that she finds intimidating.
Or it might be the fear of failure that holds her back.
Or rejection, may be.
It might even be the lack of encouragement, or the feeling of 'being too old' for anything.

Well, you all know the woman I'm speaking about, haven't you guessed ?

You have seen her at least once in your life. With at least one of those traits evident.

Yes, I'm not naming her, I'm sure your guess is right.

So, this Women's Day, let's take all possible steps to release her. It's better late, than never !

She can try,
She can fly.
She can touch the sky !!

A Happy Women's Day to all gorgeous women, and to those wonderful men in our lives !!

Stay Blessed :-)

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The Write Tribe Festival of Words 3 ends today. Check out the wonderful entries for the day's challenge here. We are winding up this edition with the Women's Day !

40 comments:

  1. I read her story in the paper last year.
    What an inspiration right!!!

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  2. She is such an inspiration! Wow!
    Thank you for sharing!! :)

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  3. Subhasini is truly inspiring! It's all about grit and determination to follow your dream! More power to women like Subhasini!

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  4. Kudos to women like Subhasini. And yes we all know atleast one woman who doesnt know what she is capable of. Hope she finds her wings soon. Happy Women's Day Sreeja :)

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    1. Yes, Jyotsna . We all do :) Thank you, and wish you the same :)

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  5. Sreeja it is a very miserable state of affairs. Woman like Subhasini are are just like a drop in an ocean. If there are more Subhasini's their voice will be heard.

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    1. Very true, Usha Mam :) But she's a precious drop, isn't she ? Thanks a lot :)

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  6. And it's testament that change begins at home. A happy International Women's Day!

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    1. Rightly said, Michelle ! Thanks a lot, and wish you the same :)

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  7. Sreeja, thank you for this inspiring post! She is you, she is me, if we only knew it!
    Happy Women's Day to you!

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    1. Spot on, Susan ! You caught it the way I bowled :) Thanks a lot for the wishes and the visit :) Welcome!

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  8. Indeed Subhasini Mistry inspires all despite all odds.

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  9. പ്രചോദനാത്മകമായൊരു കുറിപ്പ്.
    ആശംസകള്‍

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    1. ഈ പ്രോത്സാഹനം സന്തോഷിപ്പിച്ചു. നന്ദി, അജിത് ഏട്ടാ :)

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  10. Thanks for sharing the inspiring story:)

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  11. Truly an inspirational story! Well written.

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  12. Inspirational definitely. Happy womens day to you too

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  13. that was truly inspirational.... my own sister-in-law was widowed at the age of 24 when my cousin suddenly passed away leaving her with two tots, both daughters....and the courage with which she brought up her daughters, educating them, marrying them off is remarkable! and today she is contributing to society by taking up free english classes for women like her, so that they can get jobs and be independent... she is an epitome of courage and inspiration for me....

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    1. Wow, Titli ! That's a lovely inspiration. Hats off to your sis-in-law. Hey, please do share her story on your blog in some way. It sends such positive vibes ! :)

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  14. This is a very inspirational story, we should not fear failure stop us from acting on our thoughts.

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    1. True, Sulekkha ji :) Thanks for the visit :)

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  15. Wow...that's an inspirational story...hadn't heard of her or this story so thanks for sharing!

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    1. Yes, even I heard of her from the newspaper. Thanks, PB :)

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  16. Great story. I am just dropping by from A to Z. I am on of the minions from Tina's Terrific Team. If you are still planning to participate, you need to pick up the badge and display it. I have one on my blog.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Thanks for the visit, JO :) Yes, will put up the badge soon :)

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  17. It is amazing how we see inspiration everywhere, if only we would notice. Women power is priceless! Thanks for sharing this lovely lady's story, Sreeja!

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    1. Yes, women power is priceless...precious and very much in demand now :) Thanks, Vidya :) Hugs :)

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  18. A lovely tribute for an amazing woman! ♥

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    1. True, Kathy. She's amazing. Thanks a lot <3

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