THE POETRY OF A COMMON INDIAN FEMALE- [email protected] 7 THE POETRY O A COMMON INDIAN...

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THE POETRY OF A COMMON INDIAN FEMALE

TM

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*Warning- This Book by all means is

dedicated to women.

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To,

Krima & Mahi

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Published by Ginger Paper Publications

First Edition

Copyright © Virendra Desai - 2014

Ginger Paper Publications Private Limited 1, Mehul, Shree Nagar, Wagle Estate, Thane- 400604,

Maharashtra

ISBN 978-81-92958-80-4

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including the condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Disclaimer

Due care and diligence has been taken while editing and printing the book, neither the Author, Publisher nor the printer of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have crept inadvertently. Ginger Paper Publications Pvt. Ltd. the Publisher and the printers will be free from any liability for damages and losses of any nature arising from or related to the content. All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of competent courts in Mumbai.

Typeset in Book Antiqua by Rachna Design Studio, MumbaiPrinted by

Email:- [email protected]

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DEDICATED TO,

To my father- For sending me to school when I didn’t want to, that’s why, here I am in front of you all, with a book.

To my mother- For loving me and my brother unconditionally always.

To my brother, Viju- for always believing in me, especially when nobody else did.

To Vicky kaka and Shanti phai- for making sure that I go to school and looking after me.

To Phula Bai, for taking care of me & Viju always.

To Vini- for everything that you have given me, expecting nothing (Except for my time).

And, finally to Baldev mama- I can still feel youaround…

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing a book is a tough and a lonely job. But if you have right people around you, then the process becomes a dream run.

I want to show my gratitude to so many people who made this journey a dream run. Here they are…

Vijay Desai- my brother, for his belief that, I would end up doing something good. Girish Panchal- a friend older than the oldest wine, thank you for being there, even when you were not there. Priyanka Kunder, Sneha Kangne, Devi Shetty, Krithika Shetty, Shruthi Shetty, Latika Amin, Reshma Puthran, Yuvraj Lalotra for really believing that, I was up to something really important.

Chintan Raval and his mother Pallavi Raval for their overwhelming belief in the work that I was doing and for loving me always. Jignesh Raval (Jigu kaka) for his motivational words.

Chirag Rai, for his constant enthusiasm towards the book and for a wonderful video. Amey Katkar, a very dear friend and Tripti Sheel for introducing me to many people. Mr. Ulhas Shetty of Ulhas Shetty & Co. (Company Secretaries) for all the legal/ compliance work and for his wise words of wisdom. Aradhana and Abhijeet- for being really excited about this project.

JatinBarot-myfriend,mybrotherandaconfidante,he made sure that, the cover just looks perfect. Ankit Ruparelia for the live wire he is. Sagar Goswami, for his brilliant typesetting & Printing work.

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Travelling is a tedious task, but if you have a proper planner for it, then it’s very comfortable, for this reason I would like to thank Saurabh Gangani – owner of BLUE HOLIDAYS (Again a very (very) old friend) for his wonderful service with all the travel I had to do. Seriously Saurabh, I wouldn’t have done it without you- Thank you for everything. (Seriously everything!)

Bharat Panchal, Bhushan Patil, Rohan Salaskar, Abhijeet Waingankar- for all those glorious years.

Shrenik Shah- for blindly encouraging me, and Tushar Patange- for wonderful websites.

Sunil Bhat- well, you know Sunil what I would say.

Milan Kaul- for his feedback on the stories and for just being there always. Nakul Wali - for your child like excimen always.

Shashank Tiwari, Monish Gala, Ankush Sheth, Vipul Panchal and Gaurav Panchal, for being there always.

Rejni Das and Anup Bannatkar, for always encouraging me.

Malini Nair, Pallavi Borkar and Roona Ballachanda of BecomeShakespeare.com, for the wonderful editing work.

Pooja Gada, Roshan Salian and Alpa Rambhia of WHITESPACE CREATIONS, for their outstanding work with social media marketing. I was incomplete without you guys. I am really grateful to each one of you.

Rajendra Kesarkar for his constant support in the project. Vatsal Gemani and Nikhil Pitrola- one of the most talented marketing person I met. His extraordinary knowledge of marketing helped me immensely. I will be eternally grateful Nikhil.

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Vaibhavi Ahir, for supporting this project right from it’s inception. Kejal Kothari- my school friend, who always thinks that I would do something good. Period! Thank you for your faith.

Kishore Thakkar Sir and Ila Thakkar (Bhabhi), for you kindness towards me and gratitude for introducing me to ‘Gujarati Vichar Manch’. It because of you two, I have reached here.

I really want to express my gratitude to ’Gujarati Vichar Manch’ for being really gracious and kind, and for encouraging me by giving me a huge opportunity to launch the book on their stage. I will always be grateful.

All my teachers, because of whom, I am able enough to write a book.

Vinita Rai, for all that we share.

Mom and Dad, for all the patience and belief.

Finally, to all my readers, who with leap of faith and out of intuition and a gut feeling picked up this book. I am because of you are, and without you, I do not exist. Let’s make the whole world hear ‘The Poetry of a Common Indian Female’…

Let’s get started now…

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

It was 9th of January 2014 and this thought came to

myheadforthefirsttime.Iinstantlyrealisedthatthiswaswhat

I was destined to do. The thought was huge and I knew that it

would change my life. 8 months, 7 women life stories, and after

unexplainable amount of hard work, here we are in front of you

with our book which has changed lives of all of us associated

with it, in a way it cannot be restored.

I really hope that it would change yours in a much

profound way.

Lots of love to you,

VIRENDRA NARAYAN DESAI

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CONTENTS

1) THE LADY OF STEEL NANDA SHETTY MeeqkeÌle 014

2) THE FIGHTER

RASHMI SURI Þe×e 036

3) THE PUPPETEER LADY LILA MAHIPAT KAVI efJeÐ³ee 068

4) LONE WARRIOR

KOMAL PESWANI ue#ceer 096

5) DR. SMILE DR. PRIYANKA SONI RAJPOOT o³ee 118

6) FOR A SOCIAL CAUSE MRS. SHEELA GOVINDARAJAN efJe<Cegce³esefle 138

7) THE GUARDIAN LADY

GAYATRI SHARMA leg<ìer 160

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THE LADY OF STEELNANDA SHETTY

Welcome to the life of Nanda Shetty. As you read on, you will see how this lady has fought fiercelythroughouttheyears,allthewhilekeepingherbeautifulsmile intact.Shehasdefiedbarriersand broken walls around her, and made a life worth living for her two daughters and herself, which at one point was not possible at all.

As I entered the old worn out building, I instantly got the vibes of what I was about to witness. Nanda Shetty had readily agreed to give me an interview simply based on her gut feelings. I removed my shoes outside. I was nervous because itwasthefirstinterviewforthisbook.Ientered her home carrying a journal, a pen and my phone with

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THE LADY OF STEEL - NANDA SHETTY

the intention of using all these aids in conducting her interview.

“Beta, you would not need any of that.” Nanda said with a smile, as her eyes fell on my interview equipment.

I sat on the sofa and Nanda went inside; after a while she returned with a plate full of samosas and a host of other sweets.

“Eat!” She ordered.

I just nodded my head and picked up a samosa with no intention of eating it.

“Shall we begin?” she asked.

“Definitely!”Isaid,stillholdingasamosain my hand and my eyes observing her face- Vibrant,confidentandatthesametimemotherly.

“Have your samosa beta.” She said pointing to the uneaten samosa in my hand.

I hesitantly took a bite, and prepared myself toaskthefirstquestion.Iknewattheoutsetthatthisstorywasgrandandfilledwithallthecolorsof life.

She spoke mesmerizingly and I kept on listening…

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THE LADY OF STEELNANDA SHETTY

Nanda Shetty was born in Mumbai on 12th March 1966. She was the oldest child followed by one sister and two brothers. Nanda’s father was a businessman with enough money to provide a luxurious lifestyle to his children.

Nanda began her story, “Beta, I was born in town and was hardly familiar with the suburbs.” (A section of Mumbai i.e. old Mumbai, which is also known as ‘town’ - one of the costliest places in the city.)

Nanda had the best of everything- Education, Lifestyle etc. She was not aware of

MeeqkeÌle

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poverty, since by God’s grace she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

“My servants used to bring me tea every morning, and I was completely unaware about what goes on in the kitchen and on top of all that I didn’t know how to cook, not even an omelet. That was the kind of life my father had provided for us.”

Life changes when you get married and Nanda’s father’s decision to marry her to a boy proposed by a family member changed Nanda’s life drastically.Theboy’sfamilywasnottheirfinancialequal but the boy was a sportsperson with a good physique. Nanda’s father, on the recommendation of the relativewhowas a confidante, decided tomarry Nanda to Vishwanath Shetty. And what happened after the wedding changed Nanda’s life completely and forever.

“He was a good man with good manners and a cordial attitude- the kind of man that every girl would want as a husband. But the thing which ruined my life was his gambling.”

Vishwanath Shetty being an athlete was a charismatic man but with a dull attitude towards domestic life. Earning money, which is the prime duty of a man with a family and household was nowhere in his scheme of things. The only thing which interested him was gambling. Nanda bore all this patiently for a while and was able to survive as her father was a strong source of support. Her father

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would give her money for all her needs for the house. Being a respected man in society he could not break his daughter’s marriage. Nanda too, despite being traumatized by her husband did not contemplate divorce even for a minute as it would have a negative impact on her father’s image in society.

“My father gave me lots of gold (she smiles) since we Shettys love gold (she smiles again), and a house as a gift.”

Neha Shetty was Nanda’s first child andshe couldn’t have asked for more. As Neha arrived in the couple’s life, Nanda thought that now at least her husband would become serious about earning, but it never happened. Her husband was not earning any money and she was consistently being supported by her father. Six years went by and by now Nanda was completely engaged in her household and Neha with occasional fightswith her husband. Although, Nanda was a strong woman, her husband did his best to make Nanda weak. And that is what she hated the most. But, she never really opposed it.

God knows why!

“Once I had gone to a Five Star parlor in town to cut my hair. I had knee length hair, which I cut down to almost shoulder length. When I came home to surprise my husband, instead of appreciating how I looked, he slapped me right in front of Neha.”

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Despite Nanda’s father’s warnings Vishwanath kept hitting Nanda. But Nanda being a true Indian woman never told her father about any future physical abuses, instead decided to keep mum and bear it all alone. Disaster struck Nanda when her father, her strongest support passed away. Nanda was broken from inside. Her insensitive husband was no good at consoling her or providing her with any kind of emotional support.

“My father gave a loan of ` 1, 80,000 to my husband for setting up a hotel, but the useless fellow spent it all on his gambling, arghhhhhhh!! I hated him for that. After my dad passed away, he lost more money and I was forced to sell our house, in fact my house, which my dad gave me.”

So Nanda Shetty, on the insistence of her husband sold her house which her father gave her. Vishwanath was in complete charge of the moneywhichwasraisedaftersellingtheflatandhe decided to buy a house in an illegal building on thetopfloor,whichvirtuallyhadonlyfourwalls,with no doors and no windows.

“Beta,whenIcametothishouseforthefirsttime, I was saddened. It had no doors, no windows and no water supply. What i mean to say is, it was only a box.”

Nanda was devastated. Her husband had brought them to hell, she thought sometimes. They stayed on the Fifth floor with a small attached terrace to it. Nanda could not bear it. She would

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often fight with Vishwanath- but all in vain! Neha was six years old now and was admitted to a nursery school. Nanda paid her fees with whatever little money she had with her as all the money that remained after selling the old house and buying this house in an illegal building was under Vishwanath’s control.

“I sometimes begged him for ten rupees, but did not get it. Neha would cry endlessly, but her father would not listen.”

In January 1991 Nanda moved to Kisan-Nagar, a hub of illegal buildings in Thane, with some of them spaced apart by just a hand’s length. Dirt and filthwhichNandahadneverseenbeforewaspresenteverywhere and she was now forced to live with it.

When her sister visited her once, she asked Nanda, “Di! How can you live in such a stinky place?” And Nanda had no answer to her sister’s question.

“Beta I would not go down to the streets to buy anything, since I was not at all comfortable with the place. Mosquitoes everywhere, overflowingsewage pipes and the place had a peculiar smell that I hated. ”

In the middle of that year Nanda came to know that she was pregnant once again. She could not decide whether it was a curse or a boon.

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“It was around May 1991 that I realized that I was pregnant. I was afraid about it. How would I manage with two children? That was a constant thought in my head. I went and told my husband, but he was least excited. I felt like killing myself! ”

On October 29, 1991 Nanda gave birth to Devi Shetty- her second daughter, which in her own words, came almost unexpectedly. Recalling the extremely tough times Nanda says, “When Devi was born, I did not have any money to pay the hospital bills. My husband was nowhere around and I somehow with great difficulty brought Devi home and paid the hospital bill by selling my gold.”

Thoseweresomeofthemostdifficulttimesof Nanda’s life, but the worst was yet to come. Devi was three years old now and Nanda had no more money for running the household. Vishwanath would sit at home for the entire day doing nothing. If at all Vishwanath felt like doing something, he would hit Nanda. Completely depressed, Nanda asked for help from her mother and family, but they refused. Nanda felt the lowest of her entire life and felt lost. How was she going to bring money to the house, so that her children would at least have food two times a day? She would cry endlessly all day, every day.

“I seriously thought of suicide!” she says, “but later thought about my daughters and dropped the idea as I knew there will be no one to look after them.”

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Nanda was passing through the worst phase of her life and she was trying to perform to the best of her ability. But the situation was far tougher than what she could handle alone.

“Kabhi kabhi, hum ek sabji teen deen chalate the.” (We used to eat one vegetable for three days.)

Nanda had never faced the kind of severe poverty that she was facing now. Vishwanath couldn’t care less and that irritated Nanda a lot. If she raised her voice, she knew what answer she would get, so she stopped complaining to her husband after a while.

“I sometimes had no money to bring rice also. Neha was nine years old now and she needed good food and a good education, and for that you need money. I decided that I would work, what work, I did not know at that time, but I decided that I would give it a shot.”

Driven by a compulsive desire to earn money, Nanda went to her distant cousin brother whohadafinanceofficeatBombayCentral.Hercousin being a good man offered her a job to look after the accounts and gave her a salary of ` 1500. But the real problem was something else. Nanda did not know how to handle the accounts. Nanda accepted the offer despite being a laywoman in thefield.

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“My desire to feed my children was so great that I agreed to work for a mere salary of ` 1500, which at one point of time I used to spend in a single day.”

The problems did not end after that. For the first month Nanda travelled daily fromMulund to Bombay Central, which takes one hour and the same in reverse direction at around eight inthenight,thepeakhourofreturntraffic.There,Nanda met Arun Kumar Mishra who used to come frequently to the office for finance relatedwork.Nanda found him to be a decent and helpful man.

“AlthoughinitiallyIwasfindingitdifficultto understand the accounts, I was somehow able to grasp it quickly. But the real problem for me was the train journey which would exhaust me at the end of the day. Honestly speaking, I had never travelled by train before.”

“For thefirst timewhenmybrother calledme to his cabin for giving me the salary, I was teary eyed. I was completely overwhelmed by the idea of receiving the salary. However small the amount was, I felt a happiness that I had not felt in my entire life.”

Nandareceivedherfirstsalaryandthingschanged after that. It took her quite some time to get accustomed to trains and the maddening crowd ofMumbai.Shehadalreadyspentfivemonthsather brother’s company and by then she was a pro at the accounts.

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“By god’s grace I have a sharp mind, so very quickly I became their hope for anything related to accounts, and my brother was paying me thrice the salary which he had offered me initially.”

Things were slightly better at home for Nanda now as there was a regular source of income. Although she had to work very hard for it, she was happy; at least she was not dependent on anyone.

“My cousin once called me to his cabin and impressed by my work, he offered me a loan of fivelakhsifIwanted.Iverypolitelyrefusedandtold him that I do not require any loan, but please give me the salary on time.”

Neha and Devi were in school now, and Nanda made sure that both girls were admitted to the best school available to them. Her husband still did not do anything apart from beating her once in a while. She once requested him to work so that she would get a helping hand at paying their daughters’ school and tuition fees but what came as a reply from Vishwanath shocked her completely. He said, “What’s the need of sending them to school. Cancel the admission and keep them at home!“

Nanda was shocked beyond words at her husband’s attitude towards their daughters’ education. She kept her cool and decided that no matter what, she would make sure that both girls would get the best education she could give them.

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“That statement from him depressed me completely. I myself being very well educated by my father would not settle for anything less for my daughters.”

Nanda started working relentlessly day-in and day-out. At the end of six months she was making decent money, which was enough to bring in food and pay the bills.

“Everything was at least stable now, not great but decent. It so happened that one day my cousin was in need of some money and he asked me if I knew someone who could help him out.”

Nanda being herself in crisis could not think of anyone and gave up the idea of helping her cousin since she did not know anybody who could help him out.

“OnedayIwasworkingintheofficeandMr. Arun came in unexpectedly. Upon asking why, he said he was going to give some money to a friend who needed it.”

Nanda’s sharp brain ignited like fire andshe requested Mr. Arun to lend the money to her cousin. Taken aback by Nanda’s request, Mr. Arun tooksometimetothinkandfinallyagreedtolendthe money with the condition of taking it back in two months.

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“Two months passed and my cousin could not return the money to Mr. Arun. I was the mediator, so I was answerable to Mr. Arun. Although he did not say anything to me, he very politely requested me to convince my cousin to pay the money back.”

Nanda did request her cousin to return the money, but he could not give it back since he was also in trouble.

“My mind gave me one more idea; I knew my cousin had one shop which he had mortgaged from someone since he had to take money from them. I told my cousin to give the shop to Mr. Arun till the time he doesn’t return the money, and he reluctantly agreed.”

So that was it. A Master Stroke! – A move that changed Nanda’s life forever, once again. Nanda took ownership of the shop and handed it over to Mr. Arun. The monkey was off Nanda’s back now since she had given something back to Mr. Arun, who blindly on her instruction gave money to her cousin.

“Although I had handed over the shop to Mr. Arun, he came and told me that he does not know what to do with the shop and requires my help.”

Nanda was reluctant to give up her established job, but eventually decided to enter into a partnership with Mr. Arun.

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“So we struck a deal that I will handle the shop doing god knows what business and will pay a monthly rental to Mr. Arun and no deposit.”

Nanda went to the shop the very next day of the deal and decided to do something with it. But what could she do? She was not sure about it butshedidthinkofaPublicCallOffice.

“P.C.O’s were in those days, so I decided to install a public telephone in my shop. But for that you need a phone, and to get a phone you need to apply for it in the telephone exchange. The latter part was tough, really tough!”

Nanda did not know the workings of a government office, maybe because she neverneeded to enter one before in her life. Somehow, withgreatdifficultyNandaobtainedaphoneandthe engine of Nanda’s shop roared to life.

“Only a P.C.O was not enough to generate revenues so I thought of making some people who could type to sit in the shop for typing service as the shop was in close proximity to the court and there was adequate demand for typing.”

The gamble paid off well and soon a large crowd in front of Nanda’s shop could be seen at any time of the day, generating good revenues for Nanda, eventually helping her to look after her daughters in a much better way than her husband could ever have done.

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“Everything was going well, when suddenly one day I saw the police at my shop and later I found out that they had come to take away the shop from me.”

The person whose shop Nanda took against money from her cousin wanted the shop back and was trying to put pressure on Nanda with the help of police and some local goons. Nanda was instructed to report to the police station the next day on charges of illegal acquisition of property.

“I was really scared initially. That shop was the only means of feeding my children, and if they would have taken away that shop from me, my children and I would have starved, because I had no other way of earning money.”

The real character of a woman comes out in times of crisis, and these were the testing times of Nanda’s true character.

“I don’t know how but I got the courage just by looking at my daughters’ faces when I came home that day.”

Nanda very boldly went to the police station the next day and threw the shop’s keys on the inspector’s table.

“I threw the keys and told him - give me my money back and take the shop, I don’t want it.”

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The inspector was really shocked by Nanda’s fearlessness and asked her to sit down and narrate the entire incident to him. Nanda told him how exactly she came to be in possession of the shop and told him that she is ready to vacate the shop as soon as she gets her money back.

“The inspector was really impressed by my story and told me not to worry and go home. He shouted at those people who filed the case against me.”

“Mam aapko kuch bhi takleef ho toh mujhe boliyega. (Mam if you have any trouble just let meknow.)That’swhat theofficer toldme.” (Shesmiles.)

From here on Nanda, without any fear started operating the little shop she had and managed her household. Things back home were not so bright. Her husband continued on the same lines and did not do anything apart from beating her but less frequently now.

“Mr. Arun would sit in the shop from the morning till 4 in the afternoon and after that I would go and stay till 11 p.m. And we would swap the schedules every month.”

Nanda would sometimes come back home at around 2 a.m. and many times she would have to deal with drunken auto-rickshaw drivers. Nanda always, by just thinking about Neha and Devi tolerated everything that life was throwing at her.

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“The world is a cruel place, especially if you have to raise two daughters single-handedly.”

It was around the early part of 2000’s that Nanda saw an advertisement of IATA somewhere at some station. Since she was always eager to learn new things, she joined the course using the little savings she had with her.

“I joined the course since the typists at my shop were trustworthy and I could leave the entire shop with them. I was the oldest in the batch and the remaining students were a bunch of kids aged around 20 to 22 years.”

Nanda was juggling many things at once; the shop in the day time - which was her only source of bread and butter - and the IATA course- in which she was introduced to learning once again after somany years and finally her homeand family.

“I would memorize the country codes while coming back in the jam-packed local train from the shop after the whole tiring day of work since that was the only time I had for learning, I would cook after coming back home and then again I would tell Neha to take my exam.”

Nanda was managing everything with some god given strength as she says. She cleared thebasiclevelofIATAwithflyingcolors,butdid

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not do an advanced course, because she did not have the money.

“My batch mates who were really younger than me were really fond of me and forced me to complete the advance course also but they understood in the end. I still have very fond memories of IATA.”

To create an alternate source of income Mr. Arun had an idea. Since he had recently started dealing in chemicals, he was sure there was good scope in it. He knew about chemicals and Nanda knew how to talk and strike deals, so both Mr. Arun and Nanda started their venture into chemicals with baby steps.

“He would bring material from suppliers and I would strike deals with the customers. That was it- our basic business model.”

Nanda was earning decent amount of moneybynow to fulfill almostalldesiresofherdaughters and to feed her useless husband. Her daughters were doing well in school and Nanda made sure they were not deprived of anything that they needed or desired.

The year was 2006 and what should have happened years ago, according to Nanda happened that fateful day.

“I came home from work at around two in the night really tired, agitated and my ever useless

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husband started shouting at me, I don’t remember what about but he eventually raised his hand on me. Although it was not a new thing for me, I was shocked.”

On any other normal day Nanda would not have responded the way she did and would have quietly cried herself to sleep, but not that day. Encouraged by Neha, Nanda picked up a stick that was placed in a corner and slapped her husband with it. Furious and angry Nanda hit her husband asmanytimesasshecould,finallystoppinguponseeing a tear drop from her husband’s eyes for the firsttimeinherlife.

“My elder daughter Neha was really agitated with her father, so when that night he tried raising his hand on me, Neha lost her cool and told me to give him back, that too in his own style.”

“He did not expect me to explode like this, but it was simply unbearable for me. Years of anger, humiliation, and rage at my husband forced me to hit him. I threw him out of the house in the middle of the night and till now he has not come back.”

Nanda’s life improved dramatically after her husband’s exit from the house. She began working with more focus and dedication. Neha got married and was blessed with a son named Rudra. Life was good now and everything was falling into place eventually. Finally Nanda decided to shut down the shop and give it back to the real owner upon his polite request.

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“I had carved my entire life from that shop, it gave me a lot. Whatever I am today is due to that shop.Sofinally,whentherealowneroftheshopwas dead and his son came to me and very politely asked for the return of the shop, I gave it back to him. I had earned a lot from it and wanted to help that poor fellow who was really in need of it, just like I was initially.”

Nanda kept going with the chemicals business along with Mr. Arun till around 2012. But fate who had always troubled Nanda decided to test her thoroughly once again.

In the second half of 2012, Nanda’s younger sister Rupa Shetty was diagnosed with kidney failure. The doctors told her that she could only survive if she gets a donor. The situation was critical, as Rupa was weakening day by day and her chances of survival was reducing every minute. Nanda, being an overprotective sister since childhood stepped up to the stage and announced that she would donate her kidney to Rupa.

“There was no confusion in my head. I wanted to save Rupa at any cost, that’s why upon everyone’s disapproval also I went ahead and donated a kidney to her as I loved her a lot.”

If ever you’ve wondered how it feels to lose an organ from your body, ask Nanda. It took her nearly two months to walk properly and as she was on a slightly heavier side, the transplant gave her a lot of trouble.

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“The operation was successful and Rupa’s body accepted the kidney really well. But my body took some time to get used to it.”

The real problem Nanda faced was to climb thefivefloorsofherbuildingsinceitdidnothavealift.ItwasverydifficultforNandatoclimbthosefloorswithherheavybodyaftertheoperation.

“Nowadays I don’t go out much, because just the mere thought of climbing those dreadful steps scares me (She smiles).”

Nanda’s life is good now. Devi, after completing her education joined a company and she also lends a helping hand to Nanda.

“I mostly stay at home and give tuitions, Rudra and Neha come over once in a while and my grandson Rudra is a very naughty boy, he creates such chaos!”

Nanda’s life could have been better, but what she has done over the years is truly remarkable. Single handedly, and without help from anybody, she worked relentlessly to raise her two daughters the way nobody would have imagined her doing so initially.

“I want every young woman to become like me, fearless!”

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You would not believe it; as she told me in the beginning I really did not record anything on my phone, nor did I write down anything in my journal, nothing! -Just plain simple listening to the journey of her life.

I have to say that she really spoke well, almostcreatingherentirelifeasavisualfilmforme.

As I am about to finish the interview,Nanda drew my attention to a small chair in a corner. I looked at it and then at Nanda.

“Look closely!” Nanda said.

I looked with increased attention and found a small stick made of bamboo on that chair.

“That was the stick I hit my husband with.”

I kept looking to and fro between the stick and Nanda and she smiled.

“Why do you still keep it there?” I asked her.

Nanda just smiled back at me with her beautiful, intense eyes and offered me more tea. Although she did not answer my question I understood more than what she could have said. What a LADY! A truly inspirational story of a common Indian woman, who literally fought the entire world and carved her own way in life for her and her daughters.

vwv

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THE FIGHTERRASHMI SURI

Ifeveryouhaveimaginedaladyfightinglike a warrior- then, I warmly welcome you to read the life story of Rashmi Suri. And, yes she definitelyfoughtbravely.

Why? Well…read on, and I promise you that you will surely understand her reasons.

I had been gearing up for this day for a long

time- right from the time when she agreed to grant me an interview. I knew back then that this would be one epic journey.

I entered Rashmi Suri’s building slowly and thoughtfully. I was mentally preparing myself to ask all the questions that I had rehearsed, so that I would hit the right notes and extract as much of her

37

THE FIGHTER - RASHMI SURI

life story as possible. Rashmi Suri opened the door with a warm, infectious smile and welcomed me into her home. I got myself comfortable on a beautiful looking sofa while she went into the kitchen, and I unpacked all the stuff that I would require, such as a phone, a notepad, a pen, and a laptop- knowing in my heart that this time also, like with Nanda Shetty, I would not require any of those things.

Rashmi’shouseseemedtrulymagnificent.I was constantly checking out the living room with a surreal expression- it was beautifully decorated. She came back from the kitchen with a glass of water, gave it to me and sat exactly opposite me. This was it- my chance to ask Rashmi Suri about her life - which she has lived with tremendous grace - in greater depth and detail.

“Shall we begin?” I asked, trying to dust off the cloud of nervous energy around me.

“Definitelybeta.”Rashmisaidinasoothingvoice.

What followed after that left me in tears (of joy), and I felt overwhelmed by the lady’s determination and infectious energy. Welcome to yetanotherlifejourney,people,whichwillfillyouwith raw happiness and inspiration- and finallymake you wonder- if she can do it, then why can’t I?

Gear yourself up, all my lovely people…

One…two…three…

Here we go…

38


THE FIGHTERRASHMI SURI

Rashmi Khanna (now Suri) originally from Punjab, was born on 29th December 1966 in Mumbai.

“We used to live in a chawl.” Rashmi’s eyes sparkle as she says this, clearly indicating the amount of pride she takes in her journey till now.

“My father was a business man. He used to work as a cloth merchant. My mother was a simple housewife. I was the youngest amongst three children. I have one elder brother and an elder sister.”

Þe×e

39


Life was normal for Rashmi. Although they stayed in a chawl, there were no visible problems in their life. Her father made sure that he earned enough to give a good life to his family.

“My father insisted that no matter what, children should get the best education possible. And it’s because of him that I am here in front of you. It’s because of him that I am a teacher today.”

Rashmi was an unusual child in many ways. She was generally quiet and curious but very ambitious from childhood. She loved animals a lot.

“I still remember, I was small and in our chawl there were many stray dogs and cats. I used to feed them milk and biscuits with whatever I could buy using the little pocket money I had.”

Life at home was stable; father earning decently and mother taking good care of the family, but one thing that made little Rashmi a little uncomfortable at times was that they lived in a chawl.

“See, I was very happy and content with everything I had. You really learn a lot staying in the chawls. I also learned a lot. The most important thing was to stay grounded. Yes, humility was instilled in me during those years. But I was small, and as a kid when I saw my other friends

40


living inflatsand in beautiful big homes I felt I too wanted that. And that’s why I never used to bring any of my friends home.” (She smiles; the smile of someone who has witnessed many brutal faces of life.)

Rashmi was growing rapidly. She was not the topper of the school, but she was not in the bottom list either. As she says, “I was always average in exams.”

But you were not average in the exam of life Rashmi Suri! You cleared it with distinction. And not even you could have imagined that when you began your journey.

In the blink of an eye, with time moving at supersonic speed, Rashmi was 16 and had finishedthe10th standard.

“I scored decent marks in my boards. And being a very creative person since childhood, I chose arts. I took admission in K.J Somaiya College in Ghatkopar.” She pauses, “and that’s when my life changed completely.”Rashmi’s face brightens as she talks about her college, clearly showing what this admission meant to her.

Okay, so let’s keep things in order. Rashmi was a shy introvert child with little or no exposure to the outside world.

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“Onthefirstdayofcollege,Iwentwearinga Punjabi salwar suit, and 250 ml oil in my hair (she is joking we know) and entered the campus.”

Rashmi was not a simple girl; she was way different from others. She was an introvert yet sharp minded. She was excellent in acting and she was fond of reading. She could portray any character that was given to her. Even though she hailed from North India, she could play a Marathi character with ease due to her extraordinary observation skills. People would look at her in awe!

The fact that she didn’t come from a very rich background did not stop her from imagining a bigger, better and a wonderful future for her.

“The college completely brought me out ofmyshell.Itpumpedintherequiredconfidenceand attitude into me, which I thought would never come to a shy, introvert child like me.“ She paused after saying this.

Ifeltasifagrandfreeflowingriverstoppedflowingabruptly.Iwantedtohearmore.Whydidshe stop? The wait was not long, just a few seconds which felt like eternity.

“You want to know, how it happened, right?”

“Yes, I am eager now.” I said, elated.

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“Want to have tea? It is a long story.” She said.

“I don’t need caffeine to get high. Your life-story would do the job.” I replied and smiled, eagertodigdeepintoherlife,whichisfilledwithhope and enthusiasm.

“I don’t remember exactly; but one day my brother who was a senior in college, told me that there was an elocution competition organized in the college. And he told me that I should take part in it.”

The thing that Rashmi dreaded the most! Public speaking! She was actually scared by the mere thought of going on stage and speaking in front of a huge crowd. Years later, she did the same thing and changed the lives of many boys and girls. More on that later…

The initial scary journey to the stage didn’t stop there. She now had to write on a certain topic.

“See, writing was my favorite hobby. So, when the topic was given to us, that whether the 1982 Äsiads should be arranged in India or not, we had to give our opinion.“

Although, Rashmi had written the entire speech; now was the time to rehearse it. Not a difficult task right? What made it difficult forRashmi then? Okay, let’s hear from the lady herself.

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“I did not tell my parents about the competition and also requested my brother not to tell them about it. Now, although I had written the entire thing, I was not getting enough time to practice it. So, I used to memorize the entire speech in whatever little time I got after college, while coming back home, after doing household chores, and when my mother would go out to talk to neighbors; and while feeding cats and dogs, which was my favorite pastime.“

Rashmi only had a few days to memorize everything. She worked day in and day out to rehearse it, making sure that she did not even forget a single word. Rehearsal was a beautiful task that became a part of her persona during those days, andbenefittedherforyearstocome.

“SofinallythedayarrivedandIwasnervouspar limit. I entered the auditorium and was waiting for my turn to come. My brother told me that whoever wants to talk, should directly go on stage and start speaking by introducing themselves.”

Rashmi paused for a second upon seeing such a huge crowd. Rather than relaxing and observing others perform, she was told to jump right into the action.

Not possible! She thought.

But wait!

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“I don’t know how, I gathered courage and raised my hand. Bhaiyaa (brother) looked at me in astonishment. Slowly and nervously, I got up from the seat and marched towards the stage.”

Rashmi’s heart was thumping hard and she felt that the crowd could hear her heart beats. Stepping up to the stage she felt she would die and her heart would explode from the anxiety. Rashmi reached the stage, did a formal Namaste with trembling hands to the judges and turned towards the crowd. She froze! So many people in front of her; she doubted that any voice would come out of her throat. She gulped her saliva, closed her eyes - just a microsecond before closing her eyes she saw her bhaiyaa’s face. Rashmi opened her eyes once again; and as if nothing had happened and nothing in the world could stop her, she spoke withmiraculouslyfoundconfidence.

“Helloall,IamRashmiKhanna,firstyeararts…”

Thatwasit!ItwasthedefiningmomentofRashmi’s life. Her life can be divided into before and after that moment.

Amidst all the speculations, Rashmi won the 2nd prize.

“I can’t tell you how happy I was. I was jumping with joy. Bhaiyaa also couldn’t believe it.”

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Soon after that Rashmi became the one stop solution for all stage related activities in her college. She won competition after competition and had many awards to her credit. To her delight, in some competitions, the awards were in the form of books; Rashmi’s favorite thing in the world!

“Ours was a small house, so keeping the awards was also a problem.” She blushes as she says this.

Rashmifinishedher12th standard and later took admission for B.A in the same college. The teachers did not allow her to go anywhere else, they loved her a lot. Later she finished the B.Acoursealsowithflyingcolors.

“After finishing B.A, for studyingM.A, Itook admission in Mumbai University; meanwhile we shifted out of the chawl. My father purchased anewflat.Istillmissedouroldhomesometimes.”

As a means of earning some quick pocket-money, Rashmi started giving tuitions. Nothing was really problematic till now. But Rashmi was unaware of the storm that was not too far away.

“I was in my final year of M.A and myfamily started searching a suitable boy for me.”

Thefamilywasinafilteringprocess of the boyswhileRashmiwasgivingherfinalM.Apaper.

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Sometimes a small mistake or you can say slight carelessness can cause a lot of trouble later. And contrary to her persona, she did commit a mistake. It seemed small but years later turned out to be quiet big.

“It was the last paper and although I knew all the answers, I, after making sure that I would pass, left the classroom and straight away went home. I was too happy that my student life was over.”

You should have answered the complete paper Rashmi!

“I did pass the exam and clear my M.A Economics but I scored 49%. That is 1% less than half way mark. I didn’t know how serious it would turn out later, but I chose to ignore it when I got a job as a lecture at Bhandup College.” She says, “I think if I would have answered the entire paper,definitely,Iwouldhavescoredmore.”Shecontinues after a momentary pause.

Life was set now! A respectable job and she had an optimistic view of life. What more could she ask for? “My parents decided that it was high time formymarriage.Andonefinedayaproposalcame;we went and met the boy’s family. It all happened so fast that I didn’t even realize it when I got married.”

RashmiKhanna officially became Rashmi Suri by marrying Ajay Suri- who was working in thepharmaceuticalfield.

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“As ithappens infilmsand in realitymylife completely changed after I got married.”

And it changed for the bad!

“I met my husband a few times before the wedding and I found him to be a decent man. I could relate to him on many levels.”

Rashmi’s voice is excited while talking about her early marriage days; as she revisits the past, she seems happy.

“I told Ajay that I did not want to work after marriage. I would only work for some time, after that I wanted to see the world, experience new things, and explore nature.”

After the wedding, Rashmi shifted to Malad- a suburb in Mumbai, and started commuting to her work from there. It was a grueling journey from Malad to Bhandup and then from Bhandup to Malad. It was tiring.

Any reader, who is familiar with the local trainsinMumbai,woulddefinitelyunderstandhowdifficultitwasforRashmitotravelatpeakhours.

“I thought with the kind of nature I had, I would mingle with my husband’s family very easily.”

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But it turned out the other way. Rashmi was not received according to her expectations. It was strange and uneasy for the new bride.

“I came to know that on the day of our wedding, due to some misunderstanding my husband’s family was slightly angry.”

This slight anger that Rashmi is talking about turned out to be more than just slight.

“People would not talk to me nicely. I had to reach college by 12:30 P.M. So, for that I would get up at 7:00 in the morning; do all the household chores and then I would leave at 10:30. At night, I would reach home at 9-9:30, and again, I would go straight to the kitchen.”

Rashmiwas finding it hard to copewiththis routine.

“Listen, I am not saying that I didn’t want to do the house work. It was my duty as a bahu (daughter-in-law) and I loved doing that. My mom had taught me really very nicely; how to handle the kitchen. But the thing that was affecting me was the behavior of those people.”

The behavior did affect Rashmi a lot. She expected to be treated nicely when she came home exhausted after her work. Not the taanas

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(insults) and the cold faces, “I thought that there are problems in every family. And mine too will go away with time.”

Then a day came in her life which changed everything else. It was time for an angel to come into her life.

“I forgot everything else when I came to know that Iwas pregnant, fivemonths aftermymarriage. I was happy beyond dreams. Equally happy was my husband Ajay.”

Upon arrival of this surprising news, Rashmi started weaving dreams of a nice future for her child. Rashmi, for a moment forgot all the discomfort she was facing till then. Rashmi is about to say something, but at the last moment stops herself. I could see her beautiful moist eyes anda single tear thatfloweddown frombothofthem. Though she didn’t say anything I realized that what she was about to say was truly painful. After pausing for a moment and wiping her tears with one hand Rashmi slowly began to talk.

“I was three months pregnant and it was monsoon season in Mumbai. I wanted an umbrella for my journey till college.”Rashmi’s voice is choked; tears are freely flowing from her eyes.She immediately wipes them and as if nothing has happened, she continues,

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“So, I asked for money at home for buying an umbrella…” I sensed that the pain which Rashmi felt while speaking this was beyond words.

“The answer which I got shattered me completely. My husband was not at home. The answer was a clear- NO! I had a baby inside my weak body, plus I was constantly working and doing those unimaginable train journeys. And on top of that, in that condition also, I was continuously involved in the household work; in the morning and at the night. Half the time I was semi-conscious. Hardly anybody except my husband saw the hard work that I was putting in. And, after doing all this also… “She paused,

“I didn’t get the money for buying a mere UMBRELLA?” Rashmi fought really hard to contain the tears, “Let me go to hell…but, what about my child? Wouldn’t the child suffer when I would suffer?”

Rashmi takes a brief pause; and looks at me intently. As, if she was not sure whether I understood the intensity of her emotions.

I did Rashmi Suri!

“I left the house that day in the morning. It was foggy outside and the rain would not stop that day. I was too numb to think anything. Without an umbrella I travelled from Malad to Bhandup in the heavy rain. I was completely drenched in

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water by the time I reached my workplace. I was feeling seriously cold, but I was not concerned about myself. All I was wondering was, whether my child was alright.”

Rashmi’s eyes were completely teary and her voice was totally choked. I took some time to ask my next question.

“So what happened when you came home that day?” I asked, after few moments when she was slightly normal.

“There was a fight. My strength was atits lowest. I was really tired from the whole day’s work, so fighting or replying back was out ofquestion. I kept quiet.”

Things stayed like this for a while. Then, rather than improving, it went downhill and got worse.

But wait! The worst, the darkest day of her life was yet to come.

“I can’t forget that day. The Black Day!” Rashmi said with her voice resonating sadness, we, that means my husband and I was forced to leave our house when I was six months pregnant. There was a fight that had happened at home.I along with my husband left the house in the

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morning. We didn’t even change clothes. We just packed our bags and moved out.” She pauses and quickly adds,

“I was six months pregnant and homeless!”

Rashmi’s words hit me like a bullet!

Just imagine Rashmi’s situation. A baby inside her womb, and she was out on the road with her husband. Rashmi was devastated. She didn’t know what to do.

“We took temporary refuge at my parent’s house for some days and meanwhile we started searching for a little place to live. I didn’t want to trouble my parents for too long.”

This search for a place to live was not easy for Rashmi and her husband. It took quite a toll on the couple.

“I didn’t even once, lose hope or accept defeat. The houses that we liked were too costly on rent, and the others who were cheap, were far away. I didn’t want to travel long distances, especially with the baby inside me.”

At last, after a lot of struggle, the couple found one 10X10 room, below a staircase, in an old building. A well-wisher arranged it.

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“It was a small room. Only a room! I paid the advance rent with whatever little money we were left with, and we shifted there. There was hardly any space to keep my books or my husband’s medicine samples. One more thing I forgot to tell you, I was on the verge of entering into seventh month of pregnancy. The sad part about the place was that although the bathroom was within the 10X10 room; there was a common urinal for all. It was simply unbearable for me. I was working still, so that I could help run the household.”

What seemed at one time, a time-pass job for Rashmi, had become a necessity for her.

“However troubled I was, I couldn’t think of leaving the job.”

Life can be really cruel sometimes. Amidst all this a day came when Rashmi found a reason to live once again. She gave birth to a baby girl. Rashmi named her daughter- ‘Prapti’.

“My happiness knew no bounds, beta. Prapti was so fair and beautiful that I really forgot all my worries for some time upon her arrival.”

A tear quickly escapes from Rashmi’s eye, and finds itsway to her hands. Itwas khushi ka aansu (tears of joy) I would say.

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“I was feeling happy and scared at the same time. Happy, because God gave me a princess-like daughter; and scared because I was not sure how I was going to raise her. I was really worried for my princess-like daughter.”

The birth of their daughter did bring a sense of joy in the couple’s life. But now they were faced with the herculean task of raising the child and providing her the best possible lifestyle that they could.

Did the couple’s wish come true? Read on…Astheysayinfilms,‘Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost…’ (the film is not yet over my Friend...)

“I didn’t want to bring my daughter to the small house that I was living in already. I just didn’t want to. I told Ajay, let’s shift from that small room and Ajay instantly agreed.”

But there was a catch! The baby was just born, their income was small, and in all this chaos they wanted to shift to a better place. And in order to do that they needed money, of which they had very little.

“Luckily we found one nice flat for rentand for booking that we had to pay ` 15000 rent altogether.”

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Rashmi fell silent after saying this. It was clearly evident that she was transported back into the dark times of her past. I felt awkward.

“I collected some money by mortgaging somegold,andbookedtheflat.”Shepaused,

“There was no way I was taking my daughter to that small place which could barely contain two people. My daughter deserved better than that.”

Life was at its brutal best! But it did give Rashmi something to cherish…

“How bad could it get? I was prepared for it. Now, I had a clear reason to live. My life, my daughter was with me. And, I was ready to face any extreme that life could have thrown at me.” She says with determined expressions, “and everything, just for my daughter.”

Brave woman- Testing times- More testing times- Even more testing times- Go to hell testing times- Brave woman wins!

Inspirational – That is Rashmi Suri!

Wait! Where are you going? The kahaani (story) is not over yet…

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The hard work had just begun for Rashmi. The couple shifted to a new rentedflat andwasunaware that one more Jhatkaa (shock) was round the corner.

“I was earning decently and was madly in love with my daughter. I prayed to God day in and day out, so that no more troubles would come flyingatme.”

Speakingoftroubles,theydidflytowardsRashmi, even when she didn’t want them.

“My daughter was around 4 to 5 months old and one evening, I was at home with her. There was some problem with the flat owner and hewantedustovacatetheflat.”

Imagine! Just when everything seemed to settle down; this took Rashmi by storm.

“I had been homeless once, and I did not want it to happen again.”

The only thing Rashmi could do was pray.

“With teary eyes, I prayed to Sai-Baba with my daughter in one hand; I prayed that I would not become homeless. I didn’t have the strength to go through it all again.”

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God does listen to you, if you pray with all your might. The prayers did work; and after nearly spending three hours out of the house with her small daughter, Rashmi was back in the house. That is the power of Prayer!

“I cannot tell you, how happy I was. Honestly, I did not even once lose hope.”

Rashmi started working relentlessly, keeping Prapti at baby care. Slowly, life shifted its gear. Slowly and surely Rashmi’s life gathered speed.

“I was working as a lecturer in the college. That was a big support. Since I was determined to buy my own house, I couldn’t afford to leave the job.”

True. Rashmi couldn’t afford to lose the job. But you are well aware till now how Rashmi’s fate worked back then.

“The circumstances took such a drastic turn that I was almost forced to give up the job.”

One more trouble! But the lady fought, and fought hard.

“If you remember, I told you that, I scored 49%inmyfinalM.Ayear.”

“Yes, I remember. What about that?” I asked.

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“A little mistake cost me big time. The college where I was working was putting pressure on me to improve my score by giving an improvement exam. Although, they did hire me because they required teachers; but, as per rules, I had to score 50% or more.”

“Otherwise?” I asked with a frown.

“Otherwise, theywould fireme from thejob.”Rashmi’s voice turned cold as she said this.

I quickly calculated the effort she had to put in for this improvement exam. As if she understood what I was thinking, she said,

“I was living in a rented house, my daughter was very young; and I had to work at college to support my husband in running the household. How wasIsupposedtofindtimetostudyforanexam?”

If Rashmi didn’t give her improvement exams, she could lose her job. And that was the last thing Rashmi wanted on this earth.

“I quickly enquired when and how I can give my improvement exam. Mumbai University was an option. But I thought that I already tried from there once. I didn’t want to risk it again. 50% or more was doubtful from Mumbai University.” She says, “A friend suggested Shivaji University, Kolhapur.”

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Kolhapur? How was she supposed to travel that far with a small baby? Life is unfair! Herdaughterwasbarelyfivemonthsold.Comeon man! God couldn’t do this. What would she do? Feed the baby or study and give the exam?

“I enquired and found out that it was alright to give my improvement exam from some other university. I was happy to hear that it was relatively easy to score good marks from there.”

“So what did you do?” I asked her.

“I had already taken the admission form by travelling to Kolhapur once. That time too, I was in very bad shape. My health was not at all supporting me. I doubted whether I would be able to give the exam in that state of health.”

Rashmi’s face shows the many difficultseasons it has witnessed. When she was talking to me, I could see those seasons coming to life once again.

“Formfillingwasdone,andonemorething,they gave me the facility to give a few papers then and a few papers after some months. This relieved me as it was a little less burden!” She smiles, a very beautiful and a warm smile.

“Then one day, I packed my bags and with my husband and daughter, left for Kolhapur. It was

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a tiring journey via S.T bus. I was too weak to travel and was crying the entire journey. My husband consoled me. Finally we reached Kolhapur and found accommodation. I would study in whatever time I got. Ajay would look after Prapti while I was studying.” She stops to drink water and continues,

“Next day, at the time of the exam, we entered the huge Shivaji University. We searched formyexaminationcenterwithgreatdifficultyandfound it. There was a bench outside the exam hall. We sat there, I revised whatever I could, checked my watch, closed my books, and it was time to go.”

Rashmi took a brief pause as she said this.

“Then?” I asked, with visible excitement.

Still no answer!

“What happened then?” I asked again, very gently this time.

Rashmi looked right into my eyes, stopped a tear midway, which came out of her left eye, andgentlyspoke.Hereyeswerefilledwithtearsof joy, because she knows, she is well out of those frightful, dark times.

“I gave one last look at my baby Prapti, who was in her father’s lap and I kissed her. I was

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doing everything for her. I got up from the bench and looked at my husband who with a nod of his head wished me luck. And I looked at my daughter one last time before I went in. I turned around and straight away headed to the examination hall. I was too teary eyed to look back once again.”

If you were to describe true love, courage, determination or anything related to optimism, meet Rashmi Suri once. Her life is full of all these values.

So that was it! Again! Rashmi entered the examination hall and gave the exam with the hopes of crossing the barrier of 50%, in order to save her job.

“I hope you knew all the answers and you did answer all of them. Not like the last time.” I said jokingly.

“No, no… I could not afford that mistake onceagain.Iwrotetillthefinalbellrangandmyhands hurt. And, even after that.”

Rashmi Suri, you deserve respect lady!

INSPIRATIONAL!

This schedule continued for Rashmi till she gave all her papers that year. Rashmi did pass with very good marks.

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“I scored 59%.” She blushes, “the marks were more than required.”

I felt as if I am suddenly surrounded by an airofpositivity,fillingmyentirebeingwithhope.Iwas blown away by the way Rashmi Suri narrated her story. She fought all the way in her life and all this for one simple reason!

“I did it all for my daughter.” Hats off to you Rashmi!

“I did my improvement exam…”Rashmi is smiling as she is speaking, “They were paying decently also.”Rashmi just could not stop blushing. She looked endearing when she smiled and blushed.

“If I could do it despite all the odds, anybody can do it.” She says firmly, “every girl or woman has this power. It just takes a right or a wrong situation to unleash this power.”

Life became slightly stable for Rashmi. The job which she needed badly was safe now, and there were no visibly big problems around her or her family now.

Life did surprise Rashmi once again but this time for the better. She was about to give birth to her second child.

“Shubham was born and I could not have asked for more. We bought our first house just

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before Shubham was born. I firmly believe thatboth my children are lucky for me.”

Rashmi’s life moved on and it was better now. At least, certainly not as bad as compared to when she began her married life.

“We didn’t have a very high budget, so that’swhyweboughttheflatatShahad-afarawayplace from Mumbai. Although it was connected by train, it would take me one and a half hours to reach my work place. I had to change two to three trains to reach college. Sometimes, I would be so exhausted that I would be angry on Prapti also.”

But amidst all these little problems, Rashmi was quite content.

“It was a loan, but most importantly, it was my own house.”

This is what she craved for all her life. Finally she got it.

“My husband and I have worked really hard all our life, so we can raise our children well.”

Today Rashmi Suri is a well-respected lecturer. Her students are mostly from lower income groups and from vernacular mediums.

“I teach Economics, irrespective of class of the students. They can be rich, they can be

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poor, they can be from English medium, or they can be from any vernacular medium; I do not differentiate. But I pay special attention to children whoseparentsarenotfinanciallycapableandwhoare not comfortable with English.”

Rashmi Suri is made of steel! Many times in her career she has been subjected to dirty politics at her work place. She was made a victim countless number of times- a conscious effort to put the brakes on the wonderful work that Rashmi was doing- to improve the children’s lives. By now, we know how strong headed Rashmi is. She fought back each and every time and came out victorious. Just like a phoenix that rises from its own ashes, Rashmi rose higher and higher, every time she was made to fall down.

During a career that has spanned over 20 years, Rashmi Suri has been a teacher, a guide and a mentor to thousands of students.

“My children have grown up now and they are beautiful. I still make sure that I go out of my way to help any student that needs it.” “Why?” I asked her.

“Because, when I see a child living in a chawl, who has big dreams in his or her eyes, I seemyreflectioninthem.Imakesurethattheydonot stay confined to their current circumstances.I want them to dream dreams of a bigger, better, and brighter future.”

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One word, seven letters… R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

“We have our own bigger and more beautiful house now, compared to what we started with. Prapti is doing MBA and Shubham has just entered college.”

“Honestly speaking, my life has been a roller coaster ride, that too sometimes a very bumpy one, but…”

“But what?” I asked, impressed beyond words after hearing her life saga.

“I enjoyed each and every turn and each and every bump of it.”

What a spectacular journey Rashmi Suri has had. Any weak hearted human being would have given up in the beginning. But, Rashmi persisted.

Today, Rashmi has everything that she didn’t have earlier.

“Have you asked me everything? Or do you still have questions? I have told you almost everything.”

“Thank you very much for agreeing to be a part of this book. I will be grateful forever.”

She smiled in return, a warm smile, beautiful, serene and effortless.

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I got up, touched her feet, and picked up my things to leave.

“Bye,” I said, I was feeling sad. There was something more but I couldn’t come up with the exact question. “Bye beta. Best of luck! For your book, I am giving my blessings to you and it is evening. It is believed that blessings given in the evening are even more powerful.”

Her goodness was infectious. I was still lost in thinking what I wanted an answer to. I smiled in return, turned around and stretched my hand to open the door. As I touched the handle, it dawned on me, the thing that I wanted to ask, after which her story would be complete.

“One last thing.” I said

“Ask, beta.” She said, still donning a warm smile.

I gathered myself up and asked the question, whose answer would change something in me forever.

“When you were about to enter the examination hall in Kolhapur, you were in extreme pain, and you felt that your future was bleak. Your whole life depended on that exam. Despite being under pressure and in intense pain, how did you give the exam? How could you even write properly

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when you knew your daughter was waiting for you outside? How did you get all that strength?”

Rashmi listened to me carefully, thought for a microsecond, and then spoke; words, which only a mother can speak. I listened carefully, my eyestransfixedonherface.

“As I was about to enter the exam hall, as you said, I was very nervous. I was not sure whether I would be able to write my paper also. Then I looked at her. Her face made me calm. Myentire bodywasfilledwith energy that verymoment. I felt I could do anything. In that single moment, when I saw my daughter’s charming face, my fate did a complete turnaround. Yes, my daughter gave me the strength to face all odds.”

She spoke, I listened. She stopped speaking, I looked at her blankly. I said bye and walked down the stairs, bearing her inspiring story in my heart, and a tear in my eye.

AMAZING WOMAN!

STANDING OVATION!

RESPECT PAR LIMIT!

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THE PUPPETEER LADYLILA MAHIPAT KAVI

(Lila Baa)

The gate had Dada’s name on it. I looked at it curiously, trying to decipher the story of the bearer of this name, and the journey of their life. Little did i know then, that I was about to witness a classic love story.

Mahipat Dada welcomed me in and I quickly absorbed the artistic qualities of the house. The bed in the small living room was full of puppets- puppets of all shapes and sizes, in varied and vibrant clothes.

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THE PUPPETEER LADY - LILA MAHIPAT KAVI

I sat on the sofa looking curiously at Dada’s face. He sported a big beard and was still overflowing with energy. I could sense by theway he was talking to me that he was genuinely excited at the thought of his wife’s interview being published in a book.

But wait! Where was Lila Baa?

“She is in the kitchen, she will come at any moment.” Dada said with a hint of excitement.

I was observing the entire house and then my eyes fell on her- beautiful, even at this age. I was literally in a trance like state after seeing her gracious persona. She had a glass of water in her hand, which she gave me, and sat adjacent to Dada on the bed.

“Ask your questions beta.” Lila Baa said.

“Arey, at least let him drink the water.” Dada said instantly.

Lila Baa gave a warm laugh and looked at her husband. Her eyes were intense and they exhibited the tremendous love they possessed.

I was ready now after drinking the water.

“Shall we begin?”

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“Ask beta. But I hope you will not get bored?” Lila Baa said.

“No, I would not Baa.” I said knowing already in my heart how huge this would turn out.

She has witnessed eight decades, countless difficultiesandwonanationalawardandshestoodtall against the sands of time. Today, at eighty, she can still make puppets dance miraculously on her fingertips.Although thepuppets are lifeless, shewith her Midas touch brings them to life.

This one is a dive into Lila Baa’s life, that too, a deep one… Get your oxygen masks on people.

Here we go…

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THE PUPPETEER LADYLILA MAHIPAT KAVI

(Lila Baa)

“Beta I was born in present day Lahore and your Dada’s family was settled in Ahmedabad.”

Just as Lila Baa said this, I immediately got the vibes of what was about to come… This one was a timeless love story! To be honest, I felt a chill going down my spine.

“Are you sure, you want to hear our story? I don’t think it is that interesting.” Lila Baa said.

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“I am not going to move an inch until I hear it.” I said looking at Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada’s wrinkled faces. The faces were warm and endearing, shining brightly with years of marking by this thing called life. Yet they shone! And they did shine brightly.

13th January 1934, Present day Lahore, Pakistan. Lila Baa was born into a Sindhi family. Her father had a restaurant. Europeans were the main customers since it was a non-veg. restaurant.

“Don’t forget, she was born in Anarkali galli of Lahore.”Mahipat Dada injected his humor.

Lila Baa laughed at her husband’s quick wit and looked at him affectionately. After nearly sixty four years of marriage, that’s quite an achievement! Making your wife laugh at your jokes! All my male readers who are married woulddefinitelyagree. Ifnotyet, someof themwould try making their wives laugh today after reading this!

Catch up with Mahipat Dada someday; he seems to be a pro at it!

“We were a total of six children. I was the fifthafter threeelder sistersandabrother, and Ihad one younger sister.”

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Young Lila Baa grew up on the streets of Lahore.

“It felt very good, growing up there. Same like I am feeling, getting old here.” She said.

“We had a three storied hotel in Lahore, and it was very famous.”

Lila Baa’s childhood was very good. Her father earned quite well, and she had everything that she could want.

“I was a creative child. I was very much interested in anything related to arts, and I was very fond of singing.”

This creative side did play a huge role in Lila Baa’s life, more on her creativity later.

“Once, one of my sisters told my dad to close the non-veg. section of the hotel, since she had heard it from some saint that people should not eat non-veg.” She says, “Immediately - we didn’t expect it- but my father instantly agreed and decided to close down the restaurant and move to some other place.”

Moving to another place! Where? Lila Baa’s father was unsure. Of one thing he was pretty sure. He couldn’t have succeeded with only a vegetarian restaurant in Lahore.

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“Finally my father went to Nashik to meet an old friend and meanwhile he shifted the entire family to the Sindh part of Pakistan. The friend suggested that he should set up a sweet shop in Ahmedabad.”

Lila Baa’s father considered this option very seriously, since the family’s entire future depended on that single decision.

“My grandfather also had a sweet shop, so it was natural for my dad to think about setting it up in Ahmedabad.”

Lila Baa’s father immediately decided that this was what he needed to do, and brought the family from Sindh to Ahmedabad.

“My father purchased a small, old shop which was shut at that time plus his friend provided a helper who would look after the shop when he was away.”

Everything was settled now. The family came to Ahmedabad from Lahore which was still a part of India at that time. Lila Baa’s father had his own shop, which was enough to look after the family.

“All this was back in 1943-44 I guess, I was hardly ten years old. The shop was doing well,

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and my father’s decision to move to another part of the country seemed to be paying off. We still travelled back sometimes to Lahore via train, just for holidays or meeting relatives. I was small, so I always loved travelling by train.”

Lila Baa was a brave child and would not tolerate anything that was wrong. She understood a lot more than her age. As she says, she had a compassionate heart right from childhood.

“I completely agree that she has a compassionate heart.” Mahipat Dada spoke suddenly.

Lila Baa turned her face and looked at him- a stare, followed by a blush. Dada realized that Baa understood what and why he had said that.

“At this age also, he keeps on doing this. He always tries to sweep me off my feet, by praising me. What can I say? I just blush in return.”

“Note it down somewhere in your book, one more secret for a happy marriage!” Dada said, winking at me. Lila Baa blushed once again!

I can’t say how happy I felt when I saw them so madly and deeply in love, even at that age. Truly Inspirational!

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The family was very happy with their life in the new city. Lila Baa’s father thought about expansion and he opened a combined restaurant and sweet shop in the city of Surat. He started this venture with a few other relatives.

“The restaurant fared very well, and we temporarily shifted to Surat. I was admitted to I.P. Mission Girls’ School in the city. My brother was put In to I.P. Mission Boys Primary School.”

Duringthattime,LilaBaafacedthefirstofher life’s problems and she faced it quite well even at that tender age. Lila Baa’s brother was a member of RSS. During those times, before partition, many people would be sent to jail for their active participation in the freedom movement.

“My brother had his board exam and before he could study and give the exam, he along with many others was sent to jail for the protest that they were doing.”

Lila Baa’s brother requested her not to tell their family that he was going to jail.

“I was very close to my brother, and when he told me about what he was doing I was shell-shocked. I just had to give him all the materials to studyandhadtofilltheformforhisSSCexam.”

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But how was she going to do it? The brother was in jail, and the exams were due in less than a month. The little Lila Baa showed great strength and an outstanding fearless attitude. Let’s hear it from Baa...

“Ianyhowhadtoget theSSCformfilled.So, one day I told my mother that I was going to see some friends and straightaway went to the jail in which bhai I was kept. The jail was in Ahmedabad, so I took a train from Surat, reached the jail and requested the warden to let me meet him. Finally I methimandgottheSSCformfilled.”

Lila Baa was hardly twelve or thirteen years old and in eighth standard at that time.

“So,Igottheformfilled,plusIpurchasedsome stationary like paper, pen etc. requested bhai to study hard since there was hardly any time left for the board exams, and went back home.”

Lila Baa’s brother did come home before the exams.

“We all hugged him and cried a lot. He was our only brother, and we couldn’t imagine him being away from us.”

“Baa, did your brother pass the exams?” I asked.

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“Of course he did! He scored a second class. But considering what circumstances he studied in, for us it was more than distinction.” Lila Baa’s eyes sparkle at mentioning her brother’s heroic attempt during those times. Super Sister!

During this time partition had already taken place, and the two nations of India and Pakistan independently began their journey. Lila Baa’s family had already shifted to Ahmedabad so they were able to escape the distress that people had to face while moving into India from Lahore, Pakistan.

“My brother and your Dada, then famously known as Kavi Saheb were friends. And, I was friends with Kavi Saheb’s sister.”

Lila Baa blushes once again. I think, primarily because now she will be embarking on the tale of her love story. Whatever the reason, Mahipat Dada instantly steals a glance at Baa so that he doesn’t miss any blushing sight of her; because, as Mahipat Dada says, “I always try to see her while she smiles or blushes. She looks beautiful.”

Honestly, this is love at its purest form. Even after so many years. Salute!

“I wanted to give Vardha Hindi exams, and hailing from a Sindhi family, I was not very good at Hindi. So, Kavi Saheb, who at that time

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used to run Hindi speaking classes, was a very good resource to learn Hindi from. At least, that’s what I thought.”

Fate plays some strange games many times. The spoken Hindi classes were just a means to make both of them meet. Fate actually had something else in store for them!

“I was right. He was a good choice for a Hindi teacher. But, later I realized that, he was the best choice for a life partner.”

This time Mahipat Dada looked at me and now it was his turn to blush.

“I liked him, he liked me, I loved his mother, and she loved me more in return. My mother-in-lawwasaterrificsingerandIreallylikedspendingtime with the family. We would sing and talk and enjoy ourselves. Somewhere I decided in the back of my mind that this was the family that I would love to spend the rest of my life with.”

But, there was a catch!

“I was Sindhi and Kavi Saheb was Gujarati, two different communities and two different ideologies!”

It was quite evident that Lila Baa’s family whole heartedly opposed the couple’s love story.

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“My father fixed my engagement. The family was based in Surat. And, I didn’t have the slightest hint of all of this.”

It almost feels like a movie plot from the 70’s or 80’s. But here, back in 50’s, it was happening for real. Back then it was very hard to believe.

“I believed what I was suspecting when I found a letter in my father’s clothes. It was a letter fromtheothersideregardingtheconfirmationofmarriage dates.” She says, “I was shocked.”

Lila Baa couldn’t let this happen. She and Dada were irrecoverably in love with each other, and living without each other was out of question.

“I told the proceedings at home to Kavi Saheb. He very calmly said that if they don’t allow us to marry each other, it would be their bad luck, because then, they won’t be able to attend our wedding.”

This was such a positive response from Mahipat Dada that it injected some much required confidenceinLilaBaa,sothatshecouldrunawayfrom her house.

To elope in broad daylight - was the step the couple decided to take. The year was 1951. Eloping from the house was not at all in fashion those days.

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“I went to my bapuji and told him that I knew what he was up to with my marriage. And, requested him to let me go to my school, So that I can at least invite some of my friends to the wedding.”

It was a risky plan and Lila Baa executed it quite well. Her father allowed her to go to school to invite her friends. What followed is history!

“On the decided day, I wore my mother’s saree andwith fifty rupees inmy purse left thehouse to meet Kavi Saheb. I was always high on money but Kavi Saheb ordered me to bring minimum money, so that later the family cannot raiseafingeratKaviSaheb.”

Lila Baa was barely eighteen and Mahipat Dada was only twenty one. This was a bold step by the young and madly in love Baa and Dada.

“Kavi Saheb met me outside the limit of our area where we lived. He was wearing a simple kurta andpyjama.Uponseeingme,thefirstquestionheasked was, how much money do you have?”

“Because, I only had one rupee in my pocket.” Dada quickly said, smiling and holding Lila Baa’shandinhishands,interlockingtheirfingers.

“And he set out to marry me by running away from the house.” Lila Baa said mockingly but without letting go of Dada’s hand.

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Dada again looked at Baa. This time with intensity in his eyes that is hard to believe at his age.DadacangivetoughfighttoanyBollywoodhero in terms of intensity in his eyes.

“So, after running away from the house, immediately we went to Arya Samaj Mandir in Ahmedabad. But the pandit there told us to get married first in the court. So againwe instantlymovedtocourt,fortheofficialwedding.”

The money which the couple had was very limited, so they had to be careful with their spending.

“In the court, the lawyer was Kavi Saheb’s friend. He took us to the magistrate, did all the formalities and even paid the fees of eleven rupees that I promised to pay him later, since he was a friend, which I have not yet paid! Then, we again went to Arya Samaj Mandir and got married there. One more friend of Kavi Saheb did the Kanyadaan.”

LilaBaaandMahipatDadawereofficiallymarried after running away from home!

The herculean task of running a household was awaiting them. But, for now, they were just happy to be married and too young to think about anything else.

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“We went to Kavi Saheb’s uncle house at a place called Khokra in Gujarat, and thus embarked upon our journey in life as a married couple.”

The marriage was done, both were happy, but the family was in disarray. Mahipat Dada’s family was quite relaxed as they had already accepted Lila Baa as their daughter-in-law. The problem was with Lila Baa’s family. Her father upon receiving the news that his daughter had run away, fainted!

“We were completely unaware about the world. We just wanted to be with each other, and were quite content with that. Kavi Saheb used to visithisoldofficeonceinawhile.So,onedaymyfatherwenttohisofficetomeethim.”

“Straightaway he asked me, can I meet my Lila?” Dada said stopping Baa in between, “I said, of course you can. She’s your daughter and you have the every right to do that.”

Lila Baa’s father was a seasoned and very wise man. He knew Mahipat Dada’s caliber. He said, “I know you are a good man, Kavi. But you are not from my caste beta.”

The answer which Mahipat Dada gave completely shook Lila Baa’s father. He said, that too very politely,

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“It’s not my fault, if I was not born in your caste. That’s God’s mistake. Go and ask him.”

Lila Baa’s father went back content in his heart that at least his daughter will be happy with this boy.

“Kavi Saheb kept changing jobs here and there and finally after a year of running away,we came back to Kavi Saheb’s own house in Ahmedabad.”

Lila Baa’s father, who stayed close by decided to shift his residence, since he would not be able to hear the things people would say about Lila Baa.

Life moved on and apart from doing small jobs here and there, Mahipat Dada was fascinated with stage and drama. He was a trained classical singer since childhood. He joined Darpan Academy of performing arts in Ahmedabad. He did a two year diploma in drama from the institute, and later became an expert puppeteer.

“Kavi Saheb would work at Darpan and I would look after the house.”

Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada were blessed with four children, three boys and a girl.

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“Honestly speaking, whatever Kavi Saheb used to earn was not quite enough, but we were content with whatever we had.”

As Mahipat Dada said, puppetry was a cursed art. Whoever accepted this art as a means of earning, the goddess of money, Maa Lakshmi, wasn’t quite happy with those people.

“When Kavi Saheb was away, out of the house doing theatre, sometimes there was nothing in the house that I could cook. No atta, no rice, no oil. And, I had four children studying in school.”

The ultimate test of courage of any lady happens when she faces severe problems like these. No food at home, children all hungry, and they have to go to school too.

“I used to help Kavi Saheb sometimes in doing shows in Darpan institute. Sometimes we used to leave early in the morning. I had two responsibilities; getting children ready and feeding them breakfast- whatever was available; then preparing for the shows with Kavi Saheb. Writing the scripts, creating the puppets, stitching their clothes etc. was all that I used to do.”

It was all too much for Lila Baa. Not a great income, a rented house, four children, looking after the husband’s work, coming back from work at

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afternoon, then again preparing food- once again, with whatever was available in the house.

“Sometimes, when we would leave in the morning, we would be unsure about what we would eat in the evening.”

Lila Baa was raised in a well to do family. She didn’t have to work hard, everything she wanted, her father instantly provided. Here the scenario was completely different. She was doing everything on her own, and was raising four kids, plus supporting her husband, who in turn was her biggest strength.

“We never fought about not having enough money. I loved my husband a lot and he did the same. I think this love only sustained us together inthosedifficulttimes.”

Speaking of true love and being content with whatever they had or did not have, Lila Baa quotes a very inspirational incident.

“As I told you, mostly we always had to think about what we would eat. So once, there was a similar situation. We all were at home- four children and we two with literally nothing to eat. So, an idea struck me. I went to the backyard of the house, found one plant- whose fruits are edible, plucked few and brought them home. Then, I told

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Kavi Saheb to bring some atta on credit from a local shop. Meanwhile, I cooked those plant fruits with some chili powder and salt without oil. We all sat outside the house that day and ate the fruit sabzi and rotis. People looked at us in astonishment but we invited them also…”

The thing to be understood here is that although they did not have any money to even buy food, Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada didn’t lose courage. They stood tall and faced the trials of life with as much bravery as possible. And, as Mahipat Dada says,

“I was able to face those difficult times,only because my Lila was with me. Otherwise, I don’t know, what would have happened.”

Outstanding! Epitome of love!

Problems kept on bombarding this family but as I said they had a safety net that was made up of love and care plus bravery, which saved them from every problem that was thrown at them.

After spending nearly fourteen years at Darpan Institute of Performing Arts, in Ahmedabad, Mahipat Dada and Lila Baa, decided to start something of their own.

“I was not a pro at puppets yet. Kavi shaeb was a puppet expert by then and I used to help in

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little ways. Finally we decided that we would form our own little group and do the puppet shows.”

On January 1st 1975, Mahipat Kavi Dada established ‘Puppets & Plays’ at Ahmedabad. The group produced several puppet programs, puppet films on family planning, environment, AIDs,etc. and puppet-serials for TV. The group also participated in different puppet festivals in India and abroad; performed puppet shows for foreign TV channels; and organized puppet exhibition in various Indian cities.

Our own Mahipat Dada had by then become a master puppeteer, musician, scriptwriter, translator and puppetry workshop expert.

“We used to get roughly about seventy-five rupees per show. With that we had to manage everything. Kavi Saheb used to handle production and script. I would handle costumes and other stuff. By the end of it, we were left with hardly any money. But, as I told you, we were really happy doing it, so the money, although a problem, was not a huge one.”

Time was passing very quickly, and things slowly improved for the Lila Baa and her family. But, they were not as good. Small problems, which Lila Baa really didn’t consider problems, lingered around her. But, as we all know how Lila Baa is, she faced them with head on attitude.

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“Once, my children were sent back from school because they did not have proper shoes and socks. We were not in a condition where I could buy all of them with brand new pairs of shoes and socks. I was really angry with the teacher. Was her job to teach children, or to teach shoes and socks? I wanted an answer. People who could not afford shoes and socks were not considered good enough for an education? A teacher doing this discrimination was really shameful. I left all the household work that I was doing, and marched to the school…”

I could seeLilaBaa’s eyesfillwith angerat the memory of that teacher, even after so many years.

“She is really adamant about what is right.”Mahipat Dada said, not shocked but alarmed by Lila Baa’s high pitched voice.

“NO! It’s not about being right or wrong. I was really upset with the teacher since she sent my children home, depriving them of their education. And, she did all this because my children did not have shoes and socks? What difference would it have made?”

Lila Baa’s voice touched a pitch higher with every word that she was speaking. Mahipat Dada was alarmed, yet there was a faint smile on his face.

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“I went to the teacher and told her that I cannot afford to buy shoes and socks for all my children at once. As I get money in future I woulddefinitelybuytherequiredthings.Butfornow, please allow the children to study. It’s not as if without the shoes and socks they would not understand what language she was speaking in.”

What a bold attitude by Lila Baa. The teacher would have gone into shell-shock.

“So, did she take the children in?” I asked slowly, fearing that she might shout at me also.

“She had to, obviously!” Lila Baa said, but this time in a milder tone.

According to me, all women are tender in nature. But, let a single thing harm their children, they will throw away the tenderness and fightfiercely with anything and everything that would try to hurt their children in anyway.

Years passed by and the couple stood tall against the sands of time. The shows were going good now, and both Mahipat Dada and Lila Baa were slowly becoming famous.

“I still remember, after years of hard work and toil, we purchased our own house, the same in which we were living on rent. The children were

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growing rapidly. All of them had creative genes in them. We trained our children to help us with the puppet shows. Overall, life was much better from the time when we started.”

Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada have travelled to almost every country on the globe. You name it and they have been there!

“Germany, Italy, France, Canada, UAE, London, America, Africa etc. and many more countries in which we have performed.”

As strange as it may sound, the couple is expert in doing shows in any country’s local language.

“In France, we perform Ramayana and Krishna-Lila in French, same shows we do in Germany in their German language.”

“How do you learn those languages?” I asked curiously.

“See, you have to have a burning desire to perform your craft in the best possible way. And if you are truly and madly in love with your craft, then language is a very small barrier.” Lila Baa said with a warm smile.

There was much more to her words than what she spoke. I just kept listening, trying to delve

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deep into her life illuminating and inspirational words.

“It’s been a lovely life. We enjoyed each and every bit of it.”

Today, after a career that has spanned over five decades, both Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada, at their respective ages, eighty and eighty three, stand quite content at what they have achieved. They didn’t think to begin with, that they would come so far, and would still be working.

“All my children are settled. We still do shows and we still love each other, just like we did earlier, before we got married.” Lila Baa’s face has a shine. Shine, which has witnessed countless difficultiesinordertosustainitself.

Lila Baa is a real inspiration for all of us. She teaches, almost without teaching, how to face all of life’s problems with a smile. A dazzling smile! Get up, move and work, work relentlessly, work harder when you fail, after that keep on working harder till you succeed, and even after that. That’s what her life has been all about.

“She will be getting a national award on 11th April in Delhi.”Mahipat Dada said excitedly.

After stealing yet another glance at Dada, Lila Baa says, her voice slightly sad, “They should have given it earlier, when we were young. It

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would have inspired me a lot, to work even harder. Now, what will I do with the award? It’s time for the show to get over.”

I saw a tinge of wetness around both Mahipat Dada and Lila Baa’s eyes. I was amazed that even now when Lila Baa speaks of going away, Mahipat Dada can’t bear it.

“See our lives are almost over. How long we are going to live? Our children will take the art of puppetry forward, and I genuinely want the government to encourage puppetry- the art. It has tremendous power as an art, and can help support many people.”

A life well lived, a life well understood; a life well enjoyed despite hurdles. Salute to you Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada.

I finished my interview and was feelingvery light. Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada changed something in me by narrating their life story. The lesson was very subtle and I would savor it for many days to come, so would my readers, who were with me till the end.

“Baa and Dada, I can’t tell you how happy I am feeling right now.”

“You should always feel happy beta.” Lila Baa said in a grand-motherly tone.

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I felt nostalgic.

“Thank you very much for this opportunity, to enter your life and live it again with you.”

“Don’t say thank you and all. When are you getting married?” Lila Baa asked straightforwardly.

What? Marriage? I couldn’t actually understand the question. It slowly sunk in.

“NotyetBaa.But,Iwoulddefinitelydoitsoon.” I said, and my face was red with excessive blushing. I had not blushed this much, altogether, ever!

“Do it soon, and send us flight tickets.”Both of them said unanimously.

“Definitely Baa and Dada.” I said andtouched their feet, “will see you soon at the launch.”

“We will be waiting.” Lila Baa said.

I took one last look at them; they looked warm and endearing- soothing my heart! I picked up my notebook, mobile and stood up. Once again I touched their feet and they again blessed me with their magical hands, by placing them on my head.

“Bye. Take care, Baa and Dada.” I said.

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vwv

“Byebeta.Don’tforgettheflighttickets.”

I blushed in return, waved bye at them and moved out of their house in Patrakar colony, in Ahmedabad.

I was really radiating with joy, which I had not felt in ages. A tear quickly escaped my eye. It was a tear of joy, dedicated to both Lila Baa and Mahipat Dada, for their outstanding life.

INSPIRATIONAL-BEYOND-LIMIT!

SPECTACULAR!

RESPECT!

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LONE WARRIOR

KOMAL PESWANI

I waited quietly in a Café Coffee Day branch. She was on the way and I had secretly started envisioning her story, although I knew very little of it. Little was I aware that within the span of one hour I would hear yet another heartwarming life saga that would change the way I see the world.

Komal came soon, and with a bright smile wished me good afternoon. Her eyes sparkled and shone brightly, at the same time, they spoke a story- the story of Komal’s life, which contained all the seasons of her lifetime. Some dark, some turbulent,somefilledwithhopeandenthusiasm,and some extremely bright.

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LONE WARRIOR - KOMAL PESWANI

“Would you have tea or a coffee?” I asked.

“Nothing! Actually I am not well.” Komal said, her face shining like a bright star, “I have fever and cold, docs have advised, don’t eat or drink anything outside.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, not really believing that she was not well, by looking at her bright face.

“Ya ya, go ahead, order whatever you want to.” She said.

“Shall we begin?” I asked, after ordering a coffee for myself, feeling bad for her, since she could not have anything.

“Go ahead.”Komal said with a warm smile.

Over the next one hour, Komal poured her heart out… and what a journey it has been! I got so engrossed, that the costly coffee that I had ordered went unnoticed.

From a junior employee earning ` 8000 per month to becoming a manager of a multinational bank, Twenty eight year old Komal has come a long way.

Fasten your seat belts people; this is one hell of a journey!

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ue#ceer

LONE WARRIOR

KOMAL PESWANI

Komal Narayan Peswani, a girl born to excel in whatever she did.

Komal was born in Ghatkopar, a suburb of Mumbai just three minutes after her elder twin brother Kunal.

“I was half the size of my brother when we were born, compared to him who was a completely healthy child.”

Komal was born in a joint family, in fact a very big joint family of twenty-two people living in asmallroomatthegroundfloorofanoldbuilding.

“My grandfather, his family, his brothers, their family, all my chachas (uncles) and my buas (aunts), we all lived together in a tiny room.”

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Komal being the only girl child around was loved by everyone in the family.

“My father had his own business, he used to take electric contracts and my mother was a teacher in the secondary section of a Gujarati medium school.”

Although Komal’s father did not have a huge income from his business, he still took good care of his family.

“My parents never compromised on our education whether they had the money or not, and for that I will be eternally grateful to them.”

Komal’s childhood was average just like any other child, but for the fact that she was very fragile.

Komal quotes a very serious incident that now comes across as funny. “Doctors had given up all hopes of my survival, so on the sixth day of birth when the child naming ceremony has to be carried out, my family actually thought that I would not live, and they went ahead and named my elder brother Kunal and left me- Nameless!”

What a mistake by the family - not naming a girl who would make them proud one day- small little games of fate.

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“So after they did not name me then, believing I would not survive, here I am in front of you.” (She dons an effervescent smile.)

“I was way too much under-weight when I was born. Things didn’t improve as I grew up.”

Things were okay, not too great at home. And the place that Komal was living in was too small to hold the entire family together.

“It was too cumbersome at times to share the space with so many people and at times it caused accidents as well.”

Speaking of accidents, Komal is reminded of one dreadful incident which perhaps could have destroyed Komal completely and her wonderful life journey would have stopped then and there!

Let’s hear it in the lady’s own words. She is a little hesitant initially to revisit the memory but, words come out almost magically as she regains her composure,

“I was four I think, and one day my dadi had kept a vessel full of water for heating on the gas stove, I being a complete maniac child kept running around the house, and then it happened! My dadi was entering the bathroom holding the vessel full of HOT water. I came running in from the corner- dadi completely unaware- and collided

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with her- dadi spilled the vessel full of hot water on my entire body.”

Komal was badly burnt! Her entire skin, hair, eyebrows- BURNED and MELTED!

“It did not immediately sink in. As soon as my mom realized what had happened, she picked meupandstraightawayputmeinadrumfilledwith water that we had kept right outside the house.”

Everybody was dumbstruck! Nobody could believe what had happened.

“In the middle of this chaos, my brother informed everybody that my father was standing at the bus stop, situated just opposite our house. I jumped out of the drum and out of every body’s grasp, ran towards the bus stop and hugged him.”

The little Komal was much attached to her father and hoped that her father could do something to free her from the pain she was feeling at that moment and may be, would never allow her to feel any pain again.

She really believed that her dad could do anything!

“I was instantly taken to a doctor, upon examining my state he declared that there was no hope that I would survive.”

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Remember, she was just Four then!

“After I was slightly better, doctors advised plastic surgery, and all the people in my family kept looking at each other. Plastic surgery?? What?? Can you please repeat again? Plastic what?”

That meant a huge amount of money. From where were they to bring so much?! People in Komal’s family were really unsure about the fate of their princess-like daughter.

Doctors had this love and hate relationship with Komal, they always declared that she would not survive, and Komal, as if on a mission to prove them wrong kept surviving!

Komal encountered one maniac doctor again, “Reconsidering plastic surgery, he advised my family to take me home and apply some cream, since according to him I was near death, almost at the door step of it, just waiting for death to engulf me.”

“I survived! (She grins) despite the maniac doctor so optimistic about my non-survival; but I was very severely burned. My hair and skin had melted, I had no eyebrows and my skin had turned completely black!”

Komal’s skin that was once whiter than pearl had turned darker than a piece of coal. The family brought their princess Komal back home. The critical question still remained- what to do for

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Komal’s burnt skin? The family’s resources were exhausted and they were too numb to think of anything.

“One of my uncles who happened to visit us during that time was furious at my family for not shifting me to a better hospital. He then instantly took the initiative and shifted me to the best hospital available and after shifting he assured my family that they should not worry about money!”

Komal was in the hospital for around two months, badly burnt and unrecognizable. The only good thing that happened around all this chaos was that the doctors (Read, A bunch of good doctors) advised that since Komal was so tender and young she would not require any plastic surgery because her skin would regenerate on its own. It was then- during that period of hospitalization that Komal started putting up a serious show of courage.

“It was really painful when they plucked the remains of the burnt skin but I did not cry. My dad promised that if I stay strong like this then he would buy me toys from the shop, visible directly outside my hospital room’s window.”

Two months and Komal was getting better and better, with her dad and dadi constantly by her side.

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“And I must say that by the end of my two month stint at hospital, I had too many toys to play with, but the irony is that I never did. (She smiles).”

Komal recovered from this dreadful incident and began growing rapidly. Years passed and each passing year Komal became more and more aware about the importance of money.

“See, although both my dad and mom were earning, it was not enough to lead a very luxurious life, we had to stay in budget always.”

There comes a time in life when because of one decision, one’s life entirely changes, either for good or bad. In Komal’s case in turned out to be for her good!

“I took admission in BMS (Bachelor in Management Studies) after my 12th standard, which was then a fairly new course. And I was the only girl as opposed to 38 boys. I cried for two days at a stretch, but luckily I was joined by a few more girls. Then I stopped crying.”

Three straight years, six semesters, Komal completedhergraduationwithflyingcolors!

“You would expect me to relax and enjoy for a while but I finished my graduation onSaturday and on Monday I was on the job, which I landed during campus placements.”

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Komal started working with Syntel- an IT Company at a meager salary of ` 8000, back in 2006. Being full of commitment and enthusiasm towards her work, after twenty two months, Komal only reached a mere salary of ` 12000. Way too less, compared to the magnitude of her caliber!

“Sometimes I would leave the officecompletely exhausted and analyze the amount of work that I had put into the day and also the money that I was getting in compensation, there was clearly an imbalance! One more thing, right adjacenttomyofficebuildingtherewasacompany,tall, attractive, a dream of every employee. I would look at it and wish silently in my heart.”

What did she wish for? Well, read on!

“After putting in close to two years of my life in sweat and hard work, I was not being paid enough. So I decided to shift to a new workplace.”

Another masterstroke!

“I decided to give interviews just for the fun of it, little did I know, that out of the six interviews that I gave, I would be hired by everyone.” (She sports a beautiful grin!)

Komal was going mad trying to choose. God must have been in a good mood, Komal thought. Well, out of six offer-letters she had,

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Komal was in a dilemma of which to choose and which to let go.

“At last (She sighs) I chose Lehman-Brothers, an investment banking company.”

One of the giants in the industry at that time, it was a dream selection for Komal. But Komal had a different reason for choosing it. Salary? Wait the surprise is yet to come…

“It was as if my dream had come true. It wasrightadjacent tomyoldofficebuilding, tall,attractive, my dream of two years.”

So one thing is clear, this secret or magic or whatever, did hold true in Komal’s case. She literally attracted the job to her. (Well, not just attraction, she gave a two hour grueling interview also.)

Komal is a little instinctive and can sometimes do what a normal person would not.

“I went crazy, jumped all around the house (Maintaining a safe distance from her dadi though), and erupted in joy, nothing in the world could make me feel better than this job offer-letter.”

Ecstatic Komal phoned Lehman-Brothers for the joining dates, and the reply that came deeply saddened her.

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“They were putting me in a completely alien process and odd timings, I don’t know how but I said no to them. Only later I realized what I had done.”

What!!!??? (Multiple exclamation marks due to the magnitude of shock, nothing else!!) Declining a Lehman-Brother job, just because of an unknown process! Komal has to be kidding us right? No but that’s Komal for you, she did decline the job and went for some other companies, where without a doubt she got selected.

“Those few days were a roller coaster ride for me, one day when I had almost decided to join a different company, I got a call from Lehman-Brothers once again, and I was like - now what?”

Impressed by Komal’s way of working on her own terms, Lehman offered her a process in which she was comfortable.

“I instantly said yes, went to their officeto collect my offer letter and upon receiving it I nearly fainted.”

“There is something wrong with the offer letter.” Komal thought.

Komal was taken on board in a process where only a selected few were taken and she was being offered a staggering 162% hike from her

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previous job. That meant that Komal was roughly offered a salary of ` 30000, which was completely unheard of in those days.

“That’s why I nearly fainted.” She smiles flawlesslyonceagainandIthinksheblushedalso,“Ididn’t think I would be paid so much, means I was really not expecting it. I pinched myself really hard.”

Only later Komal realized that it did hurt.

“My dad had worked really hard until that point and he was really happy after I got the job. I wanted him to relax a bit. All the happiness which hehadsacrificedforus, Iwantedtorepaythat inmy own small little way. I had big plans for my dad, wanted to look after him in a much better way.”

As they say- Every Winner Has Scars!

Komal’s uncle met with a road accident, and the whole family was in shock.

“May 2008, my mom was in Pune since a month to take care of my uncle- the same uncle who took me to the hospital, and I along with my brother were out at a cousin’s place, since it was her birthday on 30thMay, we were there since 28th may.”

There is a strange stillness on Komal’s face as she speaks of this, as if she has just managed to come to terms with whatever she is about to say.

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“31st may 2008, just one month after I joined Lehman, my dad passed away.”

It was a massive Heart-attack.

“That morning, he got up, did all things on his own like making tea, ironing clothes and left for work, and he didn’t even wake up my aunt and dadi who were at home. 10:45 AM we got the call that unki tabiyat thik nahi hai! (His health is not good)Heusedtoworkintheelectricalfield,sowethought that shayad shock laga hoga!” (It could have been a electric shock!)

Komal’sfathercouldn’tfightdeathforlong.Komal couldn’t believe it, right from childhood she believed that her father could do anything, because he was her super-hero. But without anybody from the family seeing him for the last time Komal’s super-hero went away from all of them forever! This broke Komal. Completely!

“God could not do this to me, I had just received one salary from Lehman and on the verge of second salary, I had made a list of things to buy for my father, but he didn’t wait for my wish to get fulfilled.”

“It was Saturday when it happened. I was at home for three days and I was back to work again.”

Heart made of steel! (Komal blushes upon hearing the word steel.)

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The stillness still lingered over Komal’s face. It was quite evident that underneath there was chaos.

“Even my brother who had GDPI for his MBA admission was travelling to college to complete the procedure, he was called back midway and his admission went for a toss. He had left his job to do MBA and taking his admission after this mishap was a daunting task.”

“All the responsibility was on my shoulders then, I was the only one who was earning at that time, my mother who also used to work , had given up her job because I had told her to do so.”

What began as a dream for Komal, quickly changed and Komal stood motionless against life’s lethal bouncer. She didn’t duck but she couldn’t play it either.

“So my brother went away for his MBA, we were only ladies left at home now, my mom- who was heartbroken, my dadi- who had become pensiveandmyauntandfinallyme.”

“Those two years that my brother was away, I would say bahot difficult time tha hamare liye. Roz subah gharse at around 6’o clock, jab main nikalti thi, tab ek dar sa lagta tha, ki main wapas aa paungi ki nahi. Kyuki dad ke saath

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bhi aisa hi hua tha.” (Thosewereverydifficulttimes for our family, every morning when I used leaveforoffice,Iusedtogetscared,thatwhetherIwould come back or not, because it happened with dad that he never came back.)

At such a young age, Komal was faced with the brutal nature of life.

“I would work like a maniac, not aware of time or surroundings. Perhaps that was the only way I could get over the grief that was around me.Time milega toh aur kuch sochungi naa!” (If I got time, then I would think naa? I was so busy.)

Komal! Facing life with a head-on attitude...you deserve respect woman.

Midway through the interview, Komal’s phone came to life and it was her mom on the other end.

“What did she say?” I asked after she disconnected the call.

“She called for some medicines, but basically she just wanted to know what the hell I was doing outside the house in this searing heat.”

I smiled and she smiled too - all moms are same- always concerned about their children.

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Let’s get ahead with the story (sorry, poetry) now.

Life moved on and six months after joining Lehman-Brothers, Komal was due to become a permanent employee in the company. But as if, it is God’s tradition to play little games with Komal, He once again stumped her.

“ThatdayIwaitedformyconfirmationatLehman. I was excited that I would be turning into a permanent employee. I did not do any jumping around but was eager for the letter.”

Now you want to know, what happened?? Right?

“Lehman-Brothersgot bankrupt andfiledfor bankruptcy, the year was 2008.”

What a pity!

“Can you imagine?? On the day of my conformation they filed for bankruptcy.”

“Did they go bankrupt because they were paying you too much?” I asked.

Dumbstruck by the question, Komal quickly got the joke, smiled and continued,

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“Luckily there were no lay-offs but the bonus and all other perks were denied to everybody.” Said Komal, “There was no work after the bankruptcy, and all the people used to sit around doing nothing; but I utilized that time to get into the skin of the company’s systems and become a pro at it.”

Nine months without any work, but still being paid! Komal didn’t like the idea and after a lot of research, she developed a tool with the help of the IT ream, which eventually helped many people who worked at the company.

“It was a technical tool and people still call it my baby.”

Nomura took over the US giant Lehman-Brothers and Komal who was then a junior analyst, was assigned as a senior analyst, and after a short time she was named the assistant manager of her team.

“Inthefiveyearsandeightmonths that Iwas at Nomura, I got three promotions and my career graph always pointed towards north.”

There must have been a reason behind Komal’s super success. I asked her that.

“Honestly, I had seen people who are so authoritative that it creates discomfort. But I had

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a different idea, I believed in taking initiatives to nurture people’s talents. I think that’s what people liked in me.”

Being very modest! But I think Komal’s success can be credited to her superb people management, sympathetic attitude, brilliant understanding of human emotions and most importantly, her hard work.

“After spending close to six years at Nomura, I thought that if I stay there for some more time I would never be able to leave that place. OntopofthatIwantedtochangemyprofilealso.And you tell me who doesn’t want more money?”

Once again just for the fun of it Komal prepared her CV, which she had not done in ages, and sent it to CITI GROUP.

Do you really need to ask what happened?

“They selected me at a much higher package and placed me in Pune.”

Problem!

“I did not want to go away from my mom and dadi, aunty and my brother.”

And the solution?

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“They told me that they might shift me back to Mumbai in some time, I thought over it (Just a matter of time) and agreed.” (She says this with a warmsmilewhichisenoughtoflatteranyone.)

Komal is currently based in Pune with her aunt, working as a manager for CITI GROUP.

“Life is good; daily I am learning the tricks of the new trade and coping up with it. Sometimes I think about where I started and all I can see is a beautiful curve.”

Komal’s life has been truly unpredictable! The circumstances she came from makes her life story look like a fairy tale journey. “What fairy-tale? You work in the investment-banking sector; you would realize its reality.”

I only blushed in response to this.

Everything seems to have settled down for Komal. She is doing well, her brother is also doing exceedingly well and her mom, is now a little less worried compared to what she was initially. But you know naa??? God! He can be very mean! He bowled one more lethal bouncer at Komal.

“My dadi was 89, and a month ago she passed away. I was very close to her.”

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I could see, if I am not mistaken, a tinge of wetness around Komal’s eyes. But I am just assuming.

“I pray to god that now at least, He doesn’t give me any more jhatkaas!” (Shocks!)

“Surely, he won’t Komal.”

Komal nodded her head in approval very gently, secretly hoping that what I said does hold true.

Before concluding the interview, a thought struckmeandIlookedatKomal,strugglingtofindwords. Komal looked at me like she understood that I wanted to ask her something.

“What? Have you forgotten anything to ask? You can disturb be anytime if you want to ask anything.”

“One last question Komal.”

“Hmmmm…shoot.”

Too unsure to ask I gathered all my thoughts …

“When you were burnt, in that state you ran towards your father and hugged him as you heard about him, what made you do that?”

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vwv

Komal looked at me for a fraction of a second which almost felt like an eternity, and finallyspoke…

“I felt the safest in his arms and for those few seconds when I hugged him, I did not feel any pain.” As she said this, Komal’s eyes spoke more than her words could have ever have done.

What a woman!

Respect! Inspirational!

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DR. SMILE

DR. PRIYANKA SONI RAJPOOT

“If you want to help someone, don’t go out and shout it to the world.”

Dr. Priyanka Soni Rajpoot took this line very seriously. Priyanka was born to a gynecologist father, and so was familiar with the medical fraternity.

I was about to start the interview and was contemplating how it would turn out. Priyanka on the other hand looked relaxed.

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DR. SMILE - DR. PRIYANKA SONI RAJPOOT

“We usually discussed patients and their problems and medicines and more patients at home so it was natural for me to like the medical field.” She smiled and her eyes sparkled as she said this.

Priyanka spoke in a lucid manner and I kept on listening to her. Priyanka’s unwavering belief towards the social causes she is attached to made me wonder, how does she do it?

You cannot define or compartmentalizelife problems to merely financial or emotional.Sometimes a girl like Priyanka, without a trace of visible problems, can pick up problems from society, work on them with all her might, and yet grow in her personal life. This is the story of one brave girl who went out of her way to give something back to the society from which she has gained a lot.

Gear up people, this one is a doctor’s journey into unchartered territory…which in the end, she made her own.

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o³ee

DR. SMILE

DR. PRIYANKA SONI RAJPOOT

Born on 16th September 1985; Priyanka was the younger of two children. She has one elder brother whose name is Soham.

“If you ask me what problems I have had since childhood and in becoming a dentist? I would say no major problems.”

“I was highly sensitive to pain. Whether, it was mine or others.”

Life was good for Priyanka, her father is a very famous doctor and a trustee of ‘Vanvasi

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Kalyan Parishad’- an organization concerned with medical treatment for the needy class and ‘Sahyog Krishtha Yagna Trust’ in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. Her dad provided a good lifestyle to both his children and that allowed them to blossom in each and every area of life.

Little Priyanka was a good child, highly adorable, and completely unaware of the wonderful things she would do in the future.

“At the back of my mind I always knew that Iwanted tobecomeadoctor.Whichfield? Iwas unaware.”

There is a very famous saying in Gujarati - “©ÉÉàù {ÉÉ @eÉ {Éà ÊSÉlÉù´ÉÉ {É ~Éeà” (you don’t need to paint peacock’s eggs.) This Hindu saying held true for Priyanka. She was already fated to be a doctor.

“IfinishedmyeducationinHimmatnagar,Gujarat and after my 12th standard, there came a time when I had to choose- what to study further?”

Priyanka was in a dilemma; she was not sure of which doctor stream to go for. Being a very creative person since childhood, Priyanka also considered doing theater.

“In my school days I was into plays. Once I became a tree (she laughs) and gradually I started getting other roles.”

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Although, Priyanka liked the stage and theater a lot, she was skeptical of it as a career.

“I thought of it once, but immediately decided against it, since I knew people around me would not approve of it and personally also, I did not like the idea of full time theater.”

So, after many days of thinking and pondering over many different options, Priyanka chose dentistry. A profession charged with making people smile better; in which, Priyanka was already an expert.

“I went to Rajasthan for my dentistry course with the dream of becoming a good dentist and helping as many people as possible.”

This decision of choosing dentistry from thewidearrayofmedicalfieldsavailablechangedPriyanka’s life for the better.

“I always liked making people smile, so I thought why not to do something which will keep that smile intact, and earn through it. Though, the money part was not that important!” says Priyanka, explaining the reason behind choosing the profession.

You might think what an ordinary story? Every other girl is doing this, right?

Ok! Let’s begin proving you wrong.

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Her life at dental college in Rajasthan started on a good note. She was studious and got through the tough subjects of dentistry quite easily.

“I graduated in 2008 with good marks and overwhelming excitement!”

Every diamond needs polishing, and to polish her skills Priyanka started working at a trust hospital in Himmatnagar along with many other trainees.

“The people we catered to were mostly from backward and needy classes. Usually they did not have any money; and most of them worked for daily wages ,which ranged from ` 100/- to ` 200/-; I worked there, because I really liked taking away pain from those people, and while doing this noble work, I felt content.”

The people Priyanka is referring to here are people who could not even think of going to a private dentist, because the doctor’s one time fees wouldbeequaltotheirearningsoffivedays.Eventhe thought of entering a private dentist’s door would haunt them for many days. Usually these were people who did not take any precautions for their teeth, and so they required the most amount of oral care.

“I had seen people (read, rich people who can afford it) spending thousands on their teeth

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and oral care, but spending that much was just not possible for the patients at our trust hospital.”

Priyanka worked relentlessly at the trust hospital, curing as many patients as possible while at the same time creating a friendly, peaceful and loving environment, which was her specialty.

“The old, poor uncles and aunties or even younger people whom I treated were very happy, since they felt that they are getting world class treatment done at almost no cost.”

Priyanka was learning the intricate details of dentistry on site. For e.g. extracting a tooth to receding gum lines, tooth cavities, dentures (artificial teeth)…etc. helping her get ready forher future.

“People loved me because I was friendly yet strict with the patients. I could scold them if they were not following what I said; and I could make them smile also when they were in intense pain.”

This quality of Priyanka was (still is) truly remarkable. People from different parts of Himmatnagar who could not afford a private clinic came searching for Priyanka.

“As I told you, I was not earning, but I was quite content at the job that I was doing. Making people free from the pain was and still is a real high for me.”

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Although, Priyanka loved each and every day of her job, something was troubling her.

“See, I was happy. But I was concerned about my growth. I learned a lot at the trust hospital, but the opportunities for understanding and implementing the latest trends and techniques of the dental world were far and few.”

Priyanka kept doing this job for some time, until one day she realized that she wanted to grow and learn new things, so that she can widen her horizons.

“I decided to quit and move to a bigger city. I wanted to see how I fare there. Will I be able to perform to the best of my ability?” she said, “Will I become a better doctor?”

So, finally in 2009, after her brief stay atHimmatnagar trust hospital, Priyanka moved to Ahmedabad.

“I was young and full of energy; I started looking out for jobs.”

As simple as it sounds, it was not that easy.

“I was searching for jobs, but the better jobs were very few. I wanted a nice place to work, where I could learn.”

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As I told you in the beginning, Priyanka’s father was associated with ‘Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad’, and ‘Sahyog Krishtha Yagna Trust’- these organizations used to arrange camps for the poor and needy classes.

“One day my dad told me to, get ready to go on a camp.”

I told you earlier, these camps were non-profit.Youdonotearnanythingbutat thesametime you earn a lot. Confused? “I was seeking jobs; going to a camp meant there would be a break.”

Priyanka thought about it and decided to go on a camp with her dad and make him proud.

“ThefirsttimeIwenttothecamp;Icannotdescribe in words what I felt.”

Priyanka was overwhelmed by the disease and illness that prevailed amongst those people. She being a very emotional person was saddened by what she saw.

“I was moved to tears when I saw some patients in bad shape. Old ladies with tons of life experience- their wrinkles said it all. Some old men with receding hairlines and bad oral condition- which clearly indicated the kind of life they have

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had due to lack of money. Some needed oral care, some females needed gynecology care and we even found a leprosy case there.”

Priyanka along with her dad and team of doctors started providing treatment to the patients.

“We made them sit on plastic chairs inside an old school. And one by one the team started their work. Whatever the illness was, we were fully equipped, with people and with instruments.”

The amount of happiness and job satisfaction that Priyanka felt is beyond words. She was so involved in treating those poor Vanvasi patients that she sometimes forgot the passage of time.

“After my first experience in the camp Ithanked God for making me a doctor; and most importantly, for giving me the opportunity to treat those people.”

The good service does not stop there. The team of doctors gives required supply of nutrients to the children, and supply of free medicines post- camp. The patients who are not cured at the camp are called to the trust hospital in Himmatnagar and given treatment, then sometimes without charging them any fees. And for the duration of the patient’s stay at the hospital, the food is sent from Priyanka’s house.

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“I really like this idea- doctors going to patients; not the other way around. And that’s what I think is required. There is a lack of channel for poor people to access medical care. They simply do not know where to go. We, in our own small way, try to cure as many people as possible.”

I can see Priyanka’s face, which beams with excitement as she talks about the camps. We need more doctors like you Priyanka!

Well, the camps were over and Priyanka was back in Ahmedabad, looking for a job. She found one at a private hospital.

“Honestly, without much difficulty Ilanded a job for myself. It was 2009 and I started working. The work was the same but the big difference was people. Here I had to deal with people who would have a phone, which is no less than an I-Phone, and generally a car which is no less than an Audi.”

Priyanka, used to treating patients with love and care had to deploy new policies here.

“Although it came naturally to me, being friendly with people, here I had to be completely artificial.Nobodyencourageddevelopingacloserelationship between patients and doctors. I felt odd; this was not the style of work I was used to doing.”

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Priyanka felt awkward at times treating people who were high on money but low on E.Q (emotional quotient).

The biggest lessons of life, Priyanka learned here and how!

“Some people, while undergoing dental cosmetic treatment at the private hospital, would call their drivers and tell them to bring cash which generally was no less than ` 10,000 or ` 15, 000. I do not have a problem with that. But, upon seeing that I was reminded of my people at our trust hospital in Himmatnagar, where the patients sometimes would not come to hospital for their treatment which would only cost them a mere ` 30 or max ` 50.”

“But why? Why would they not come? Since the treatment was so cheap.” I asked, trying to understand this unusual behavior of patients at the trust hospital.

Priyanka’s answer shook me completely! As sometimes it happens; a single thought can change your way of looking at the world. What Priyanka said completely shifted my thinking into a new consciousness.

“Because, that small amount of ̀ 30 or ̀ 50 was their single day’s earning. And if they would spend it on treatment, what would they eat? People are that poor, in those areas.”

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I could not say anything. Priyanka’s answer left me speechless! Numb to the core. What an imbalance we have in our society and the world. I am not trying to be moral or something, but I think that each and every citizen of India should be given basic medical treatment without too much hassle. And right now there is a huge gap that the poor have to face. We need infrastructure, a proper one, so that we can create a bridge between the poor and their basic needs. Okay, let’s move ahead in the life of our wonderful Dr.Priyanka.

During her time at the private hospital, Priyanka learned a lot about the dentistry world, the tricks of the trade and the intricate details of cosmetic dentistry. But once again, there was something else that was troubling her.

“I was young and hungry for new knowledge. I was finding it slightly difficult tocope with working under someone, working hard and yet they do not praise you. I cried sometimes, I just could not take the cold treatment from people who didn’t understand human behavior. So, one fineday,Idecidedtoquit.”

That was it! Priyanka gave up her job, and started seriously thinking about, her future course of action. Priyanka being a strong, passionate girl decided that come what may, she would do something of her own. The idea of setting up her own venture captured Priyanka’s imagination.

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The year was 2010, and what started as a mere thought began transforming itself into reality.

“I decided that I wanted to set up my own clinic. I had the required experience and a human touch, which I think is very important. (She smiles). I discussed it with my father and he instantly agreed to help.”

You have to have a business plan clear in your head before setting up any venture. Both the avenues of investment and return should be well defined. Although, Priyanka was a very smartand intelligent girl, she was yet inexperienced in doing business.

“I had no idea of where to draw the finances fromorhow togo about it. Itwas thenthat a superhero came into the picture. Yes, the superhero was my dad. He helped me out with most of these things.”

It was time for Priyanka to understand how the world works on a grass-root level. And the number of obstacles you have to face before opening up your venture.

“My father helped me in getting a loan from a reputed bank; and I was prepared to open my own clinic. Can you imagine? My own clinic!” says Priyanka with childlike excitement. Her eyes speak a lot more than her words.

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Finances done, other government approval under process, and Priyanka was highly nervous! “Obviously I would be nervous. It was the first time forme tobedoing something this big,opening my own clinic!”

“Right from purchasing the required instrumentstofindingaperfectplacetoopentheclinic, I wanted it to be perfect.”

The only thing which remained was that Priyanka did not think of a name for the clinic. She was yet to decide. Although it was a trivial question, it did trouble Priyanka.

Priyanka’s elder brother Soham is an engineer. And he is very close to Priyanka. One day while someone was calling out to Soham at home, it struck Priyanka! This was the name she was looking for. Soham meant ‘Heal from within’. A perfect name for a dental clinic, that’s what she thought.

Finally, after a lot of hard work and struggle and patience, in december 2010, Priyanka started her own dental clinic- ‘SOHAM DENTAL CARE’ in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

“I couldn’t believe it happened! I was too numb to think of anything else.”

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The clinic became fully operational and Priyanka started working relentlessly day in and day out.

“Itwasdifficultinitially.Iwasnotafamousdoctor and my clinic was not situated at the center of the city; so, the footfalls were less initially.”

This did not discourage Priyanka even a little bit. She was mentally focused on making the clinic work and doing quality work for her patients. And don’t forget the camps she used to work at, free of cost! She still does that.

Funnily, some (rich) patients would ask her, “do you also charge for just examining the teeth?”

Priyanka would look at them in awe. “I thought if I do some treatment, then only you would charge,”thepatientwouldsay.Completelybaffled,Priyanka would stare at them and with a warm smile she would say, “two hundred rupees please.”

Funny incidents like these happen but Priyanka laughs it off and continues to work very hard at the clinic.

“Basically I have two types of patients. People who are extremely rich and others who do not have that much money. But I treat both the classes with equal care.”

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You don’t need to tell us that Priyanka. After hearing your story till now, my readers and I have understood how caring you are.

“The people who do not have money for treatment; like servants in the surrounding area, watchmen, maids etc. they come to me in intense pain and tell me that they would not be able to afford it.”

We all know how Priyanka is. The slightest sound of the word ‘pain’ and Priyanka’s ears instantly capture that.

“To these people, I tell them that they should not worry about the treatment, and the money part; I would charge them at subsidized rates.”

What a wonderful gesture by Priyanka. Although she has opened the clinic for earning; as we all work to earn, upon seeing people who could not afford the treatment, Priyanka’s heart cries for them; and she is wholeheartedly willingly to operate them at subsidized rates, that too sometimes in installments.

RESPECT!

“I feel true happiness in it, I counsel all my patients very well. And I think that’s why today I have many patients liking my work. In some families I treat up to three generations.

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That includes the grandfather-grandmother, the dad-mom, and their children; and as I told you, sometimes their servants also.” (She blushes)

“I always felt that a job is a job. And you always must think of starting something of your own.Youwillfacedifficultiesbutintheendyouwill be happy. You, yourself will be in charge of you.”

“My dad always told me that to sustain any business there is a rule, ‘1000 days of work’ and if you sustain for this period you would sail through. And, I would like to tell you that I am nearing my 1000 days.” Priyanka says with a big smile on her face. And she looks beautiful while smiling. Not to forget, she is beautiful at heart also.

“My dad is my hero and guide. I love him a lot; my mother unconditionally loved and supported me. I cannot imagine a day without her. My brother is adorable.”

Are we missing something? Priyanka is!

“How did I not ask it earlier? How did you meet him?” I asked.

“He was my best friend’s brother. And wemutuallylikedeachother.Soonefinedayweboth (Actually I) confessed our feelings for each other.”

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In December 2012, Priyanka got married to Chahal Rajpoot. He is a business man from Ahmedabad.

“Has life changed after marriage?” I asked.

“No, in fact I do love each and every second of it.”

Today, Priyanka regularly attends the camps arranged by ‘Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad’ and ‘Sahyog Krishtha Yagna Trust’. And she along with her team has till now treated thousands of poor people by going and helping them.

Priyanka’s life has been good. But the way she has gone out and reached to people who need her, is truly remarkable. Not many have the heart and the guts do that.

My interview is complete. And I prepare to get up. You might be thinking, after reading all the stories till now, as per habit, I would ask my last question. But, no… I had asked everything of Priyanka.

“Bye take care Priyanka. Keep up the good work.” I said.

“Bye, thank you very much.” Priyanka said.

“I should be the one who should be saying thank you.” I said feeling inspired after hearing her story.

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I did a gesture of a Namaste and as she walked me to the door, the question just popped in my head. I smiled at myself, thought for a second and finally asked her, “Whatmade youfeel that you really had to help those Vanvasi people in Sabarkantha, when for the first timeyou visited the camp?”

I was expecting an instant reply. But, I was made to wait for a few seconds. Finally, after getting lost in her thoughts for a while, she spoke, which summed up everything so far…

“I saw that they could not even afford the bus journey to the hospital. And it was my duty as a doctor to help them.”

INSPIRATIONAL!

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FOR A SOCIAL CAUSE

MRS. SHEELA GOVINDARAJAN

She is a simple housewife, and a perfect example of a Common Indian Woman and an even greater example of a SUPER strong Common Indian Woman.

From Chennai to Mumbai, this lady is simply unstoppable. Her passion for social work sets her apart from the crowd.

I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to interview Mrs. Sheela. Because, I wanted to know

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FOR A SOCIAL CAUSE - MRS. SHEELA GOVINDARAJAN

how a simple housewife charted her own way in the area of social service.

Mrs. Sheela showed me some paper bags and some other stuff made from waste materials.

“What use are these?” I asked curiously.

“Let’s begin the interview, you would come to know.” she said with a smile.

Stay tuned all my readers; this really seems very interesting...

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FOR A SOCIAL CAUSE

MRS. SHEELA GOVINDARAJAN

She was born to be different. Sheela was born on 24th November 1980 in Chennai in a Brahmin family to K. Balasubramanian and Usha Balasubramanian, followed by a brother younger than her by two years.

Sheela’s father was a machine operator in Rane Engine Valves LTD, Chennai and her mother worked as a clerk in Shriram Chit funds, Chennai.

“My parents were both working so we always had a nice balanced lifestyle. I also lived with my grandparents for a year.”

Some people are born with a compassionate heart, but some never even understand the

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meaning of compassion. But Sheela was not one of them. Right from childhood she always had sympathy for the underprivileged. At the tender age of seven, she once brought a dhobi’s son home, so that she could teach him.

“The boy was younger than me. I was around seven so hemust have been five. Daily,I used to chase him to his house, get his school uniform changed and would bring him to my house for tuition. Just imagine!” (She blushes)

Sheela would be friends with the phulwali (flower seller) and the kacharawali (garbagecollector) and the beggars. She had no problem sitting with them on the same platform and talking to them and would sometimes buy them tea or coffee with whatever money she had.

“I often wondered why people are not being treated equally. I would always question why people kept a different vessel for the coconut man that comes home?”

People would reply, “Beta they are from a lower caste and they are not clean.”

“And all I would wonder is that, they didn’t look neat!? Isn’t it natural that when they work very hard always, summer, winter, rain, no matter what and stay out all day, they were bound to get dirty and sweaty?”

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Different people, different ideologies! But Sheela had the right ideology right since childhood.

Years passed and Sheela completed her 12th boards and the entrance exam with decent marks. And, now was the time to decide what she wanted to do in life.

“To be honest I wanted to do MBBS, but my marks were not great. And, as it happens in every middle class Indian family, there were some financialissuesalso.”

FATE! That’s what you would call it. She did not take admission in MBBS. This hurt Sheela a lot.

“I was sad because of not being able to take admission in MBBS but later, I convinced myself that may be I was not destined for it.”

This pain served as a driving force for Sheela in the future when she helped many underprivileged children who were helpless with financesandwantedtostudyfurther.Moreonthatlater!

Sheela took up B.Pharmacy as a course and started working part time giving tuitions.

“My priority was very clear in my head that I wanted to support my family, so I would

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finishmycollegeataround3:30pm then after that I had tuition at 5:00pm for which I had to do a grueling journey of one and a half hours via local bus,finish that tuitionat 6:30pmandagainat 7pm, a different tuition in another part of the city, finishthatandfinallyat9:30Iwouldreachhome.”

Sheela did work really hard managing both her studies and her part time job.

“I was being paid ` 1500 per tuition and overall I used to earn ` 3000, which was a big amount at that time, I am talking about the year 1998.”

Upon asking whether she was completely exhausted by the events of the whole day, she laughed and said, “What exhausted? I then studied for my B. Pharmacy subjects.”

Life was not giving easy singles to Sheela.

“You know the B. Pharmacy textbooks were very costly, so in order to save money, instead of purchasing textbooks I used to make notes by visiting the college library every Saturday and Sunday. In this way, I never spent a single penny on text books. Even my brother studied the same way.”

What determination!

Sheela completed her graduation and was very eager to work after that since she was always

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a responsible child and wanted to help her family. By this time, she was also socially aware and more confident.

“TheonlyreasonIfinishedmygraduationis due to the support of my mother and father and my uncles, for that case my entire family.” (Proud expressions were evident on her face.)

“Right before my B. Pharmacy results I landed a job in a pharmaceutical company. I still wanted to study further but my brother was still studying and to help the family I had to cancel my plans of appearing for TOEFL, and going abroad.”

Once again, brave display of courage by Sheela. Astonishing!

Life moved on and Sheela met her husband Govindarajan towards the end of the 2nd year of her,collegeanditwasNOTloveatfirstsight!

“Smart guy once offered a lift to me when I was coming back from college, and since then there was no looking back. I fell in love with his simple nature and one more thing I noticed about him was that he was equally enthusiastic about helping others, that’s what pulled me in and one finedayheproposedtome.”

Making the parents understand and make them happy about a daughter’s marriage (read

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love-marriage) is a daunting task, but Sheela did exceedingly well in convincing them.

“They were a little sceptical initially but later they agreed since the boy was also from the same caste. It was better than bringing a boy from a completely different part of the country.” (She grins.)

Life moved on and Sheela started climbing the ladder of her career with baby steps. She started in the pharmacy sector but later changed her scope of work to telecom and IT.

“I hated the marketing job that the pharmaceutical sector offered me; on top of that I had a completely different ideology compared to what my manager had. Finally I changed my career.”

Sheela kept moving around here and there and kept switching jobs.

“IwasnotsatisfiedwiththetypeofjobsIwas doing and I wanted to do something else more exciting.”

So in order to do that on 31st January 2005, Sheela got married to Govindarajan, the love of her life.

“Life after marriage didn’t change much, I was still working and my husband was in search

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of a bigger opportunity. One day he got an offer in Mumbai and we, with our things packed, shifted our base to Mumbai- the city of dreams.”

Sheela, now leaving her parents and brother behind in Chennai started the journey of her own life with her husband in Mumbai.

“We were staying in Andheri and the company was in Powai, and luckily I also got a job in the same company, although in a different process.”

Sheela was very happy working with her husband. She loved spending time with him, and working together in the same company was a great way to do that.

“Five months down the line and I got the biggest happiness of my life. I realized that I was pregnant. And I was feeling a strange mixture of happiness combined with nervousness, but I observed that my husband was even more ecstatic, I cannot even say in words how happy we were.”

Therefore, Sheela resigned from her job and focussed on her pregnancy. She went back to Chennai to stay with her parents and Govindarajan continued working in Mumbai, frequently visiting his pregnant wife.

Nine months passed in the blink of an eye and on 3rd January 2008, Sheela gave birth to a baby girl, and named her Yuvashree.

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“My world revolved only around her and she was the centre of my life.”

Yuvashree turned one, at the same time, Sheela and Govindarajan shifted their base to Pune. He got a job there and very comfortably adjusted to the new city.

“It was a new place, and I found it increasinglydifficult tositathomeallday,soasthere were some social activities that would be organized in the building that we were living in. I would always enrol myself in it. I do not know why but I kind of felt at ease with myself after doing such activities.”

Sheela stayed in Pune for two years and after that in early 2012, she, along with her husband and daughter went back to Mumbai.

“Remaining true to his knack of changing jobs (obviously for the good); my husband once again changed his job and brought us back to Mumbai.”

This was no new place for Sheela since she had already tasted the city. She once again got busy and immersed herself with taking care of her daughter. However, Sheela was facing the inner turmoil of not being able to do anything else apart from household work and looking after her young daughter- always the same thing in the same order.

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“I was really bored sitting at home, so I thought of applying for Teach for India, but again there was no one to look after my daughter, so I had to drop the plan.”

Sheela was trying hard to do something so that she would not feel bored and empty sitting at home.

“Mylifewasconfinedtothreesections(shesmiles), kids, cooking and cleaning.” (She converts that smile to a big infectious laughter.)

“I wanted to do many things but I didn’t have anyone to help look after my daughter. It was not possible for me to get out of the house from Monday to Friday since there was nobody back home looking after Yuvashree, and on weekends you have to be at home so that you can spend quality time with the family.”

“My whole life I had worked and sitting doing nothing was not in my genes, so when I was forced to do that, it was unbearable for me, In fact I thought of starting my own business but that plan was also doomed.” Plenty of girls are good at dancing and Sheela was no exception. She liked todanceandonefineday the ideahither likeathunderbolt. Why not start teaching people dance?

“With that idea in my head, I started runningmymind in alldirections, and finally Irealized that with all the time I was left with after

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my daughter went to school, I could actually start teachingZumba-thefitnessprogram,tothepeoplewho were interested in learning it.

Sheela enquired with her friends as well as people living in her building about this. Some took time for thinking, some showed enthusiasm but did not turn up, and some asked, ‘AMM… ZUMBA? ZUMBA WHAT?’

“Finally I got two to three students who actually knew what Zumba was (she blushes) and genuinely wanted to learn it also.”

Therefore, Sheela inducted them to the course at a fee of ` 2500 per person and started teaching them.

“I was getting relief from boredom and they were getting fitness, so it was a win-winsituation for all of us. On the top of that I was getting paid also.”

So it was all set, Sheela got busy teaching dancing and she felt an overwhelming feeling of achievement because she was at least doing something. However, there was still something wrong!

“After some time, I started feeling even worse although I had students, I was earning, I had a means of passing my time but I was completely

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dejected from inside. There was something bigger that I wanted to do, instead of just earning few pieces of paper.”

With this thought, Sheela once again started thinking what she can do so that she would stop feeling the way she was feeling. She was constantly trying to find an answer to anunanswered question and she felt that if she does notfindtheanswer,shewouldgomad.

“One day I was at home preparing my daughter for school and teaching her simultaneously since that day she had a test. At the same time, my maid came to work and she started telling me about her son’s admission to nursery school. She told me that she was worried whether her son would get quality education in the government school, and the sad part was that she could not have afforded a private school.”

Sheela asked her the reason and the answer she got, changed her life forever; it gave her a purpose in life and changed so many other people’s life as well.

The maid said, “Didi, I do not know how to read or write, that’s why I cannot teach my children, even if I want to. The biggest problem is money. With the amount I earn by working in people’s homes I cannot even think of a private school. What should I do didi? It is my fate!”

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Sheela was dumbstruck by the answer. It took her a moment or two to digest what her maid had said, and she felt at a loss for words. Then, Sheela’smindignitedlikefire,asifsheunderstoodeverything and her life had come a full circle, right from the time she had brought the dhobi’s son to tuition as a young girl, she connected the dots and realised her calling in life. She felt liberated, tranquil, and serene!

Sheela regained her composure and offered to teach the maid how to read and write. She also assured her that she would somehow gather money and help her little son with the school admission.

“I would teach you free of cost, are you interested?”

Sheela said this with an infectious smile,

“The maid hesitantly agreed and our journey started, she would come early in the morning,finishall thehouseholdworkand thenwith a notebook and a pen, she would sit with me to study.”

Sheela understood the basic problem. The maids were not educated and they did not even know how to read and write, so it was highly impossible for them to take any interest in their children’s study. Sheela wanted to eradicate this problem, she wanted the maids to study and then make their children study as well.

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“When we told them that we will teach them for free, soon lots of people started coming in and I was teaching a bunch of maids, and some of their children. I got a warning from many people about letting these people come close, since they were afraid that I might get cheated, or in the worst case, even robbed.”

However,Sheelastoodfirmlikearockandcontinued what she liked doing best. Teach!

“My husband really supported me and I was in the initial days of my teaching venture, so Ididnothaveanyfinancialsupportfromoutside,I used to purchase books and other stuff from my own money which I earned from teaching Zumba.”

Sheela was very happy now. She was free from the turmoil, which she used to feel internally and was thinking of taking this thing to even greater heights.

“The maid, who was studying with me, went and told about the social service that I was doing to her entire neighbourhood. Soon, many young boys and girls, even who were 12th standard dropouts came to study and learn English at my house.”

“I welcomed all who wanted to study and

learn English.”

Sheela had many questions, the most primary of them being, “Why can’t maids’ children learn English and get admission in good colleges?”

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“I called the interested people at home and checked their marks. They were decent enough to get admission in college!”

Sheela immediately searched for good colleges for those people who were eligible.

“I think these boys and girls have their own dreams about their career. Sadly, there is nobody toguidethem.Iidentifiedthisvisionoftheirsandtried doing my best to help them.”

“Actually, I saw a bit of my reflection inthem. They too wanted to study, and were talented. I felt a high like no other high I had felt in my entire life. Making a girl educated is ultimate happiness! Making a young boy educated- equal amount of happiness.”

The movement Sheela had started did not stop there; soon there was a girl who wanted to learn tailoring and another girl who wanted to become a beautician. Sheela did both the girl’s admission in the respective institutes, where the girls would get the formal training.

“I went to the institutes concerned and enquired about the fees the kind of figures theytold me completely swept me off my feet. They were talking in the ten and twenty thousand range. I very politely told them that I am a social worker and these girls are under-privileged. Then they told me about L&T Company- who at that time was

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running a special program for under-privileged kids in the field of tailoring. So, I immediatelytook the girl’s admission there, and for the other girl, who wanted to become a beautician, upon advice of a beautician friend, took her to Indian Institute Of Technology, who also was running a similar program as L&T. in Diploma in Advanced beautician course.”

Upon asking Sheela, how much she spent on all these admission related activities, she smiles and says, “I got the admission for two girls, one for Diploma in Advanced Beautician course for ` 5500 and one for Diploma in Tailoring at L&T for ` 800. I also took admission for my maid’s son in an English medium school for ` 18200. First installment paid and two more installment and books and uniforms are pending. Another project is in line for one more admission in college for a boy.”

Moreover, all of this happened without anybody’sfinancialsupport-Amazing!

“But my job did not end there, I had to buy their practical books, give them allowance for travelling, and on top of that I promised to buy a tailoring machine to the girl studying in L&T. I promised both the girls that I would give them employment.”

So to stay true to her promise Sheela sent both the girls for practical training whenever possible, so that they would get some hands on

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experience. Besides helping the girls in all these possible ways so that they would not be dependent on anyone, Sheela even gave some of her very good clothes to them.

“I had to do it; I gave them good clothes because I did not want them to feel inferior to anyone. And good clothes really added to their confidence.”

“Today both the girls are doing great, the tailor girl is managing some projects of her own andshehasreallyflourished.Recentlyshebroughtsome of her collections to show me, and I was really impressed.”

Recently, while coming back home, once she saw a young boy guarding the main entry of the building- very young, visible from his face. Sheela immediately felt that this is not what the boy must do at this age- being a security guard!

“I told him to bring his results to me, and when I saw the marks, they were really good. The boy had cleared his 12th with a distinction in Chemistry. He was from U.P and had come to Mumbai to earn since to study further his family did not have money.”

Sheela instantly told the boy to come to her house everyday on weekdays to learn English since to study IT, the boy at least needed some knowledge of commonly spoken English.

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“He’s been a regular since then, and we are widening our horizons. We do strict background check before giving anybody the help that he or she asks for. I am in talks with many social organizations so that they can give their support for this social cause. I have sent the entire project report tothem-theyareyet torevert.AndfinallyI am trying to start a trust through which we can reach out to more people.”

Sheela, along with many people under her wing has started manufacturing paper-bags, which is also a strong requirement in recent times. Sheela has priced the bags at a moderate ` 2, ` 3 and ` 5, according to the size.

“To help people you need money, and sadly therearenopeoplecomingupwiththefinances,soIhad to create an alternate source of income.Recently we got an order of 200 paper-bags from a pharmacy store and another 100 bags order from a grocery store and we delivered both. Although the money generated will not be too much, at least the maid’s children would be able to buy notebooks, pen, pencil etc. or a student would get travelling allowance.”

Paper comes almost free and to create an income source from that for the needy, only Sheela could have thought it- Sheer brilliance!

“So I have decided that come what may, I will keep on helping people, not discriminating them. If given a choice I would run away from home

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and start my own ashram, my perfect retirement plan!” (She smiles and winks at the same time.)

Sheela has clearly decided that she will continue to develop her own brand of social service.

“It’s a choice, a small thought, every individual can do it.”

Upon asking what her plans are for the future, she looks at me with a straight face, and says, “Do I need to say more?”

I also understood more than what she could havesaid.Whatawomen!Truly,herlifesignifiesa serene poetry- a perfect example of a common Indian female, who has the strength to surpass any insurmountable task at her disposal. Respect !

As I turned to leave after finishing theinterview, I wondered what happened to the dhobi’s son that Sheela brought home when she was in 2nd standard.

“Sheela, what about the boy whom you brought home for tuitions, apparently when you were may be seven I guess?” I said this with a constant grin on my face.

“Well he still came for tuitions. But only on weekends!” Her eyes lit up when she said this.

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THE GUARDIAN LADYGAYATRI SHARMA

This lady is an inspiration. Real inspiration! The kind of struggles that she has gone through could have destroyed anyone. But, not her! The more you say about this lady, the less it seems. Her life has been a roller-coaster ride. Still, she kept on working and survived. She doesn’t want her name to be revealed or her photo to be printed, so we respect and value her wish. This story is about a lady security guard outside a ladies changing room in a shopping mall.

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THE GUARDIAN LADY - GAYATRI SHARMA

All I want to say is that this life journey is truly,trulymagnificent…

Let’s all of us hear this heart-warming life saga, which has the potential to change many lives (For the good)…

Here we go…

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leg<ìer

THE GUARDIAN LADYGAYATRI SHARMA

Gayatri (name changed) Sharma was born on 13th February 1964 in a small village of Uttar-Pradesh.

“I was born in a house made with bamboos. My father, although a hardworking man, was not rich. He could hardly sustain the family.”

“My father was a farmer and my mother, a housewife.Sheusedtohelpmyfatherinthefields.We were six children, four girls and two boys. I was third amongst them.”

Life was not good for them. No money, many children and on top of that a father with a pessimistic view of life.

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“My two brothers studied till their tenth standard, but we girls were forced to leave the school as soon as we crossed our fourth standard.”

What could have been worse than this for the girls? The father was even more tensed as he had four daughters which meant, four times the dowry! From where could he have arranged it?

“I, along with my sisters left the school and we were forced to learn household work. Honestly, after a while I started enjoying it. I was happy in the four little walls of our house. The outside world scared me and I never felt like getting out and learning anything on my own.”

The worst mistake by Gayatri! If she would have taken a slight step towards studying or learninganything thatwouldhavebenefitedherin the future, her life would have been different.

“I was 14 and my father, one day upon the suggestion of a relative decided to marry all the girls. The amount to be given in dowry was very less.”

Just imagine! The father got all his daughters married, just because it was cheap on his pocket. Let’s say, we understand everything, but getting the daughter married at the tender age of fourteen? This is ridiculous! The daughters were not even aware about the meaning of marriage.

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“My father took loans for our marriage and when he was unable to repay, he had to sell our land- the only income source for the family.”

The year was 1978 and in the month of June, Gayatri got married to Ajay Sharma- a twenty year old boy from Delhi, who used to work as a construction worker. He was earning roughly ` 500 per month.

“Thefinancial condition atmyhusband’shouse was no different than ours. Probably it was worse than us.”

Gayatri obeyed her father’s orders and got married. Let’s say, she didn’t have a choice in the matter! But, Gayatri never complained. After the wedding,fifteenyearoldGayatrimovedtoDelhiand started living with her husband’s family in a small illegal room in which nobody could even stand properly.

“Initially we were living in that small room in a slum. My in-laws after some time shifted to Uttar-Pradesh. Only the two of us were left in Delhi. My husband used to work the whole day and I used to look after the house.”

Gayatri was grateful to God that at least she got a loving and caring husband. Not like her other sisters, whose husbands would beat them in broad daylight for no apparent reason. Ajay Sharma was a poor man, a mere construction worker but he loved

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his wife a lot. He was poor and had no money, but he was not poor in heart. He was extremely rich in love and good, clean human values.

“I really thanked God for giving me a husband like him. Many times I told him that I would also work, so that it would be a helping hand to him. But, he refused.”

Gayatri’s eyes became moist as she revisited her past.

“He would tell me, DeeHe keÀece keÌ³ees keÀjvee ®eenles nw? ceQ ntB vee keÀece keÀjves kesÀ efueS!” (Why do you need to work? I am here, working and earning for you.)

“What more could I have asked for? He worked very hard from nine in the morning to six in the evening, so that I would not need to work.”

The kind of life that Gayatri was living now was good by all standards. The couple didn’t have much money; they were living in a small rented illegal room in a slum. But the most important thing was she was happy and content deep down in her heart with her husband. And I think that’s what really mattered the most to her!

“I was blessed with a baby girl exactly a year after I got married. For me and my husband it was the biggest happiness possible. We named her Asha.”

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Ajay was so happy after his daughter’s birth that he started working even more, in multiple shifts.

When Gayatri once asked her husband why he was working overtime and more than required, her husband’s reply brought tears to her eyes.

“He said if he doesn’t work hard, how was he going to provide a very good life to their daughter?”

A tear did escape Gayatri’s eye upon hearing her husband’s words. She told me that.

Life moved on and the couple was blessed with one more child in 1983. This time it was a boy. The couple named him Sanjay. Ajay started working even harder so that he could look after the family well.

“He would leave early at eight in the morning and would come back at seven in the evening. He would be exhausted with the whole day’s work. But he never showed any discomfort. He took pride in working hard. I again asked him, whether I could work as a domestic help, so that the household would run even more smoothly.”

The answer which Gayatri got every time she asked this question was- a clear NO!

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The children were older now; two and six respectively. They shifted to a slightly bigger illegal home in Delhi which they purchased and Asha was admitted to school.

“It was not possible to stay in that small, rented, illegal room forever. We had to buy our own house. Small or big, your own house is your own house.”

True! Nothing in this world beats buying your own house. Many of my readers would have felt the same.

“By almost working nonstop for six odd years, my husband had saved roughly ` 15,000, which we were planning to spend on the house. But, we were short of ` 10,000 more.”

Now, the sum of ` 10,000 was the only thing that was stopping the couple from buying their own house. Ajay and Gayatri both tried from various sources. Relatives and friends listened to them but nobody gave them money. Gayatri narrated a very funny incident,

“Once, my husband went to the house of one of our relatives who had promised to help us with ` 5,000. He also stayed in a slum and he had two doors to his house, one at the front and one at the back. He saw my husband from a distance and quickly sneaked out from the back door. My

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husband saw him getting out of the house from the back side.”

Gayatri’s eyes light up as she was dwelling in her almost perfect past once again.

“The funny part is that when he went inside his house, there were only two people in the house, his son and his wife.”Gayatri is smiling more and more.

“So, before he could say anything, his wife started speaking. She told him that her husband had gone out of station since three days and he would only return after few days.”

“He looked at her and smiled, analyzing howconfidentlyshecouldlie,lookingintohiseyes.”

“He very politely listened to what she said. She was unaware that my husband had seen her husband just a few moments back. She offered tea, which he agreed to have and came back home.”

“He told me what happened and I saw tears inhis eyes for thefirst time.Hewanted tobuy the house at any cost.”

Those were the testing times! Gayatri could not bear to see her husband so unhappy.

Gayatri’s face has wrinkles and she wears spectacles. Her face speaks of the manysacrifices

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that she has made for the family. One of which, she is about to describe now.

“I got up, opened my cupboard and gave him all the gold that I had. It was worth around ` 3,000 at that time. He refused, I forced it on him, he reluctantly agreed! But, we were still short of roughly ` 7,000.”

In this day and age of Kaliyug, God does help you, if you really need him. It’s difficult, but notimpossible. God did help Gayatri and her family. How? Okay, let’s listen to what she has to say,

“The person whose small illegal room we were buying suddenly had his wife admitted in the hospital and he needed money urgently. He said we can pay ` 15,000 instantly and remaining after three months, since he needed money immediately for his wife’s medical expense.”

It was God’s way of helping Gayatri.

“We paid the money, did all the required paper work necessary to buy your own house in a slum and shifted to the new house.”

Everything was going the way it should.The money which they had saved all these years was spent on buying the house. The children were growing up nicely and the couple was happy together.

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“Two of my elder sisters were already living in that locality, so adjusting to our new home was not a problem. All in all I was very happy. My parents, who didn’t think of anything before getting me married, were also happy. They also loved Asha’s father a lot. He was their favorite son-in-law.”Gayatri blushes as she says this.

You really can’t predict fate. Anything can happen anytime! The shock that Gayatri was about to get was of a very strong magnitude. She didn’t even think in her wildest dreams that anything like this could happen to her. This incident changed her life forever and for the worse.

The year was 1988; it was the month of January. Ajay was working at a construction site. Asha went to school as usual and Gayatri and her younger son Sanjay were at home. Ajay had promised to take the family to a nearby park in the evening when he would come home from work.

“He was working on the third floor ofa building. It was afternoon and a friend asked him to eat his tiffin first-and then continue thework.”Gayatri’s voice choked as she said this. Her expression changed from serene to sad.

Gayatri’s eyes became moist while describing this incident and we had to stop for a while. As I told you, Ajay had promised to take the family out to the park. Gayatri and the kids waited expectantly.

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Ajay, in ordertofinishsomeworkbeforethelunch break extended his hand to grab something, and with a slip of his foot, fell down from the third floor.Hewasdeclareddeadonthespot!

Ajay Sharma, at the age of thirty, left Gayatri and his kids and went away. Forever!

This was devastating for Gayatri. It broke her into little pieces. She, never in her wildest dreams thought that Ajay would leave her and the kids all alone. Gayatri couldn’t believe what was happening to her. Ajay showed them many hopes anddreamsbutwithout fulfilling them,hewentaway from his family.

“He never came back!” Gayatri said and her

eyes were red with crying.

It took us a while to get Gayatri to a normal state before we could resume our conversation. Gayatri’s daughter Asha informed us that Gayatri had blood-pressure issues. Asha quickly went behind a small partition which served as a kitchen, prepared lime water and forcefully made her drink. After nearly ten minutes of staring at each other and sitting quietly, I quickly exchanged a glancewithAsha to confirmwhetherwe shouldgo ahead. She gave a nod of her head. Asha has the same facial structure as her mother. I could easily guess how Gayatri would have looked in her younger days.

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I took a deep breath knowing I would be subjected to even worse situations in her life. My stomach churned, I again inhaled deeply and asked my next question after the brief break,

“How did you manage after what happened to you?” I asked her softly.

Gayatri took few moments to reply. I could see her preparing herself to continue her story. After what seemed like a long time, she spoke, very softly,

“When Asha’s dad went away, it was a very big disaster for us.” Her voice softer than a whisper and her eyes- the saddest I had seen in my entire life.

Gayatri was left with nothing. Two children and no future plan, as to how she was going to feed them. Gayatri was devastated to the core! For the next three months, she did not eat or drink or sleep properly. Her relatives (including the man who went out of station upon seeing Ajay) looked after her children. They lived with Gayatri for a while, sent Asha to school, prepared food and looked after the house. Gayatri was not in a state do any of the above mentioned things. By now, she had completely distanced herself from everything.

Gayatri only cried and wept. That was the only thing she could do. Fate-At-It’s-Worst.

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As the time passed, her relatives were not able to help as much, because they had to take care of their own lives, and the daunting responsibility of running the household now lay on Gayatri’s weak shoulders.

What seemed impossible to Gayatri at the outset- was strangely her only option. Fight! She tookafirmdecisiontostartworking,so thatshecould feed her children.

The mother of two, single handedly worked from morning six to evening six, at people’s homes, which included washing their dirty clothes,sweepingthefloor,washingtheutensils,preparing food etc.

“I worked like a maniac, juggling between six different homes,whichwould fillmy pocketwith an amount of ` 700 at the end of the month. It wasnothugebutatleastsufficientformeandmychildren to eat two times a day.”

Gayatri’s parents had been a great support her throughout her difficult times. Her fatherfought along with her for a while but a year later he also passed away. That was another big shock for Gayatri.

“I was hardly beginning to recover when my father left us- once again I was all alone.”

Ten years passed very slowly and by now Gayatri was slightly healed of the trauma of her

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husband’s death. She still missed him and misses him till date.

“Our world would have been far better if he would have been here.” A tear quickly rolled out of her left eye and found her way into the pallu of her saree.

But wait! The most lethal Yorker of life, Gayatri was about to face now.

The year was 1998 and the unthinkable happened. Once again!

“My…My…..” Gayatri couldn’t speak further. Tears were rolling down her eyes like a river being unleashed. I could sense what she must be feeling. Unimaginable!

Asha had to intervene and she signaled me to stop. I did. She ran inside the kitchen and brought her medicines along with water. Gayatri gulped in the medicine and sat quiet. Completely motionless! -Her eyes- an epitome of sadness.

“My brother was diagnosed with a rare disease and in 1999 he passed away.”Asha’s voice had the same sadness that I had heard in her mother.

Sanjay was 16 and he died due to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

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This is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while usually not fatal in most people is the most common cause of heart-related sudden deaths in people under 30. It’s the most common cause of sudden death in athletes. HCM often goes undetected.

Gayatri was completely devastated. Her life had collapsed around her. She didn’t know where to go or what to do. She just couldn’t bear the pain of Sanjay passing away, that too at the tender age of 16.

Gayatri’s life had only one aim now- to concentrate all her energies (if at all she was left with some) towards Asha. She was twenty now and her relatives were forcing Gayatri to get Asha married.

Some of my readers might think that Gayatri wouldn’t have taken the decision to get Asha married and send her away, since she would end up all alone.

Read on...

The year was 2001- the dawn of a new century. Gayatri took one of the most difficultdecisions of her life. Getting her daughter married- the only person, she was left with.

“Two years after my brother passed away, maa did my marriage with whatever small amount

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of money she had saved. It was an arranged marriage and the best part was that my in-laws didn’t demand any dowry. They were ready to accept me just in a single pair of saree also.”Asha said.

That was it! Gayatri was all alone now-both at home and in life.

To combat depression, Gayatri called her mother to live with her in Delhi.

What to do now? Gayatri was 37, and she was working as a domestic help for the last thirteen years. Now, she only had her mother to look after.

“I decided that I would work even more, in more number of homes.”Gayatri said, “I could not just sit at home. If I would have done that, then who would have given me money? I had to work in order to survive and look after my mother. I had no other option!”

Gayatri’s eyes speak a lot more. They clearly show the kind of compulsion she was subjected to by this thing called life in order to survive.

“I started working in around ten homes doing everything from washing and cleaning to cooking. Getting their kids ready for school was also a part of my job.”

For the next nine years, Gayatri followed this routine. She would leave early morning at

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aroundsevenandwouldcomehomebyfiveintheevening.

“Whole day I used to work. I would come home once in the afternoon to prepare food for my mother and after resting for one hour, again leave for work. In the evening when I would come home at five, I, alongwithmymother would preparefood and talk. What else we could do?”

Fate! That’s all I can say.

Fate did decide to take Gayatri’s ultimate test.

“In the early part of 2000, I started feeling acute pain in my wrists, stopping me from doing anything which involved heavy use of my hands, like washing clothes, cooking, cleaning etc. I was made to stop abruptly once again in life.”

True! How was she supposed to earn money, when she would not be able to work? The pain in her wrists would not allow her to pick up evenawaterfilledbucket.Shefeltasifthepiercingpain would kill her.

“We did consult many doctors but nothing worked. Nobody could identify the cause behind the acute pain. My savings were slowly spent on the medicines.”

Even after a lot of running around consulting doctors, Gayatri’s wrist pain did not go away.

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“I continued to work with that pain for almost ten years. I would cry sometimes, sitting in a bathroom, while washing clothes at somebody’s house. I would continuously cry because washing clothes required the most amount of hand use and that was the thing I was not able to do.”

Finally, after ten hard years of excruciating pain, Gayatri was forced to quit all her domestic help jobs!

“After giving up all the jobs, for a while me and my mother survived on whatever money we were left with from my savings… how to earn money ahead? That was the big question.”

When God closes one door, he opens another. This is what happened with Gayatri. Finally, God showed some mercy on her.

“A neighbor lady, who was working at a shopping mall as a lady security guard told me about some vacancy that they had. The job was easy; I just had to stand outside ladies changing rooms, keeping an eye on the number of clothes people take inside.”

Although the job seemed easy and simple, there was a catch!

“The problem was that I had to wear a shirt and a pant with a security belt, plus a security guard cap.”

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There is a faint smile on Gayatri’s face as she narrates this. Thankfully, she is normal now.

“I was comfortable with everything else but how I could have worn a pant and a shirt? I had never worn anything other than a saree my whole life.’ Gayatri’s smile gets wider.

“So, did you wear those clothes?” I asked.

“Beta, I had to!”Gayatri kept it short.

I understood the subtext behind her short sentence. It was a necessity to work so that she could earn and have food at least two times a day.

The lady fought and fought hard. She conquered destiny with her will power.

Gayatri Sharma joined as a lady security guard in a shopping mall in March 2012, at the age of 48- for a salary of ` 6500.

“TheInitialfewdaysweredifficult.Iwasnew to everything. Slowly I started understanding my job much better. I would see young girls and young ladies coming to the shopping mall to buy clothes, I felt good seeing them happy. I always smiled at everyone I met in the shopping mall, whether I was in uniform or without the uniform.”

Life had come full circle for Gayatri. It was the same Gayatri, who at a very young age was scared to see and deal with the outside world.

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Here she was! Thirty three years later, doing the same thing- dealing with the outside world, all alone in a shopping mall, wearing men’s clothes. Just to survive in this big, bad, brutal world.

After nearly spending a year in the shopping mall as a lady security guard, Gayatri wasquiteconfidentnow.

“I was happy, because I didn’t have to do anything that would trigger the pain in my wrist. I just had to stand, and stand for eight hours.”

“Is it easy? Standing for eight hours at a stretch?” I asked, imagining doing it myself.

Gayatri just smiled in return. I understood what she wanted to convey through her smile. It was a strange way of describing pain. What an irony!

“I was making a salary of ` 7,000 after a year. They increased ̀ 500 after looking at my hard work.” She smiles, “to create an alternate source of income, I started making aachar (pickles) and papads at home.”

This was a new and brave little initiative by Gayatri.

“I slowly started getting orders from people I used to work with at the mall. Gradually, with a strong word of mouth the orders increased.”

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“How do you manage working as a security guard and taking pickle and papad orders at the same time?” I asked, amazed at the spirit of this woman.

“I have a shift from ten in the morning to six in the evening, after which my mother and I used to work on the orders.” She said with a blank face.

“Used to?” I asked. Suddenly I realized what a mistake I committed by asking this question. I looked at the corner of her small room, where in a small temple, three photo frames were kept. I need not ask anything after that. Her husband, her son and the last one was of her mother. She looked very old in the photo.

“She passed away last year. She suffered a major heart-attack.”Gayatri said. Her eyes- I was constantly, subconsciously praying to God that she should not cry now. I had already made her cry twice. I didn’t want it to happen for a third time.

Strangely, as if my prayers were answered by God’s grace, Gayatri didn’t cry.

“I was really not prepared for my mother’s departure. She was the last person I had- she was my strength.”

Something suddenly struck me. Wouldn’t she be alone again, after her mother passed away?

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If that’s the case, then it’s really unfair on God’s part. Why? Why only Gayatri was given all the pain in the world, especially when she was a really gentle and good hearted lady?

The answer lay in what Gayatri spoke next,

“I think it’s all naseeb (karma)! May be, I was born with this kind of fate.”

I was left with no words. I couldn’t think of anything further to say.

“My daughter, who was married for over a decade, had problems in her married life. All bad things happen to us only! Well, leave it. She came to live with me after my mother passed away. She has two daughters. She also works in a beauty parlor to support her children. I along with my daughter make roughly ` 15,000 per month.”

“I want to live for my granddaughters now. I would work till my last breath to provide them with everything. I will never allow them to go back to their father; he is an alcoholic and beats my daughter too. Such a useless person he is.”

I could clearly see a graph in Gayatri’s life. A graph that initially only travelled south. It created turbulence in Gayatri’s life. Slowly things became marginally better, but only marginally.

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Today, Gayatri and her daughter Asha both work and earn. Both the ladies have only one aim in life - to educate Asha’s two daughters; Ashlesha and Aakanksha. Both are nine and six, respectively and both go to school.

Gayatri’s life has truly been remarkable. She has seen everything- love, loss, more loss and finallysomehappinessinhergranddaughters.Herlife truly teaches us to continue working despite the heaviest of odds. The bigger challenges of life would always trouble you, but you as a person should always continue working- if not for anything else, then for your children.

Iwasalmostabouttofinishtheinterview,the time was 1 o’clock and suddenly the door opened and Gayatri’s two granddaughters came running home from school. They came sprinting inside and straightaway hugged their grandmother.

“They love me a lot.”Gayatri’s face suddenly started shining like a bright star upon seeing her granddaughters. She kissed both of them on their forehead, and they ran into the kitchen.

“I live for them and my daughter now- nothing else.”Gayatri said with a sparkle in her eye.

I got up from the small sofa that I was seated on and prepared to leave. She blessed me and I touched her feet. Her daughter did a Namaste gesture and I repeated it.

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I don’t know why but something radically changed inside me after hearing Gayatri’s life story. I started feeling quite serene. Very few of us face the kind of troubles she faced in her life.

My outlook towards women who work as security guards or work in any other job which is not meant for them, completely changed. All women do work very hard when they have to feed their children- especially when there is nobody to support them.

I have immense respect for all the ladies who work hard, really hard. In Gayatri’s case- she did all that, just to feed her children. REMARKABLE!

Gayatri walked me to her door. I again touched her feet- I felt an overwhelming joy for touching the feet of a truly spectacular lady.

She blessed me again by keeping her hands on my head. It felt surreal; I suddenly had an urge to askher onefinal question. I quicklymadeupmy mind that I would- no matter what- ask what I needed to know.

“I am extremely sorry Gayatri aunty; I made you cry many times today.” I said, speaking a sentence which was nowhere in my scheme of things.

“It’scompletelyfinebeta.Iwishyou,loadsof success.” She said in a motherly tone.

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vwv

“One more thing I forgot to ask.” I said nervously.

“Ask beta.” She said calmly.

I geared myself up; I really wanted to hear this answer. I don’t know why but I felt it was really important for my system. Three, two, one, go…

“You said that you had intense pain in your wrist when you used to wash clothes at other’s houses. I guess it was really unbearable. Still you kept working?”

Gayatri thought for a while, I guess she framed her sentences and then calmly spoke,

“If I would have sat at home due to pain, we would have starved. I had a daughter whom I had to feed and I had to get her married. So, it was because of her that I worked nonstop, despite the pain that killed me every day.”

The sight that I dreaded the most, sometime ago, now I will cherish it always- a tear rolled down from her left eye. A tear of joy! – signifying that the bad time is over now. She looked calm, beautiful and serene.

OUTSTANDING!OUT OF THIS WORLD!

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Thank you very much for being with us till the end.

We really hope that you were fascinated with all the real life inspiring stories.

If you want to convey your message to any lady in the book, then please e-mail us on,

[email protected]

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