I heard someone saying
that state government gives pension to widows & divorcees & told my
maid Gayatri that she is eligible for this pension. The reply I got from her
was surprising. She said, “I am capable of earning enough money for me & my
sisters right now. So I don’t need it currently. Some lady in need may benefit
if I don’t take it.” I was speechless hearing the answer.
Second incident
happened when her younger sister took admission to Computer engineering. We
offered her help & brought her sister a laptop. She accepted the help
happily. But after some months, she gave me some amount of money & said, “This
is part payment of the laptop. I will return you the total money in
installments.” When I said that I don’t need the money back, she replied, “I
know you will give me any amount of money whenever I need it, but I should have
self-respect not to beg for things when I am capable of earning them.” This
time also I was speechless.
Her family is of eight ladies. Two of her sisters are graduate, one doing post-graduation, and
youngest one will be a Computer engineer in few months.
Gayatri is a complete
package of self-respect, strength, wisdom, determination, selflessness, empathy
and many more qualities. Her family is an example of woman power. They don’t
know about feminism, independence, equal rights, financial security & all
such things. But they all are living an empowered life.
Ladies, let's empower ourselves & ladies around us.
Yes.That era is gone when ladies lived a life completely dependant on their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons during different stages of their life.This is our era. Women, especially Indian women have proved themselves in almost all walks of life and I am confident that we can do much more in times to come.
ReplyDeleteGayatri I admire your thoughts and actions. Couldn't know so much about you when I was there..
Prachi..love to see you here. Best wishes for a wonderful online experience. I've always seen you learning new things or making you life meaningful by contributing in your own good ways.A psychologist, an engineer, an artist, an instrumentalist, an educator and mentor for the underprivileged kids of Balco..still trying to make out what you exactly are..You are a complete package and an inspiration. ..get going my friend.
Thank u for your kind words dear.
DeleteSometimes small thought make big changes in thinking of a human being ....having self respect is a good thing but that with a kind heart is a big thing...
ReplyDelete