Celebrate Women, Celebrate Life!


Every week I read many stories on rapes, female infanticide, and domestic violence. We vent out our anger and emotions so heavily that we almost present women as a weaker being. Why don’t we write more about the strength of women and glorify her? How about narrating the stories of those who in spite of all the difficulties, earn, do all household chores, raise their families and do all that with a smile. Let’s celebrate women in the ordinary walks of life!

Before I celebrate Mother Teresa for soothing many souls and Indra Nooyi for heading a corporate giant, I celebrate my Mother. I bet most of us do that, placing our ‘Moms’ on a pedestal and applauding her. But my Mother is special. She was born with one hand. It’s very strange that I didn’t realize it for 21 years. I still remember when I was admitted and the nurse told her to hold my arm tightly but she couldn’t hold it tight enough (she was on the wrong side of the bed). The nurse asked her to try it with the other hand. My mother replied very casually that she doesn’t have another hand. Till date, I couldn’t figure out why I wept after hearing that. Was it the pain of my treatment or the guilt that I never acknowledged the special effort? After all, it’s not easy to cook, wash clothes and knit sweaters with one hand, few of the many things she did, apart from the fact that she worked full time away from her husband.

My Mother was passionate about mathematics. She could solve 10th standard mathematics problems when she was in 5th. But as luck would have it, she never joined College. My grandfather died when my mother  was sixteen and with no one to support the family, she started working. If we think from the perspective of our society, third daughter, that too with a physical disability, was a burden. But, Is she? Or is any of the woman we know a burden? No.

What my Mother has done is inspiring and I’m proud of her. But I’m proud of my housemaid too - she manages five children, earns and keeps the relationship alive with her drunkard husband. I’m proud of my friend - her husband died within a year of marriage while she was carrying. Now she is bringing up her daughter and  fighting the unreasonable expectations of society. They all are living with dignity and acting as a backbone to their families.

Never in my life, I had sympathy for any woman, nor I ever will. I always tell her she has strength; I just tell her we can. Women are the backbone of a family, society, and nation. After 30 years of living in a male tarnished society, just because I believe in my strength, in the strength of a woman, in the glorified example of my Mother, I pray to God, “Agle Janam Mohe Bitiye Hi Kijo” 


Comments

  1. Firstly thanks for sharing about your mother's & all other females' stories, it reminds all of us that we need to respect & appreciate all the efforts these people put in, which we take for granted.

    That's an inspiring story & send my best wishes to your parents' on their Anniversary. God bless them...:)

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  2. A very inspiring and glorifying post.. Every woman I know will have a place in the pedestel...

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  3. Saru, am not surprized that your mother has brought you up with values one can see in your writing and exceptional traits! I too bow to all women who do so much with very little or no expectation!

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  4. Woman is shakthi, power. No one can deny it.

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  5. You made me remember how my mom faced the tough time in bringing me and my brother up when dad was away (due to his job). Initially she used to cry a lot, but then she made herself strong and did fulfill her duties and responsibilities with care. It took me so many years to realize how tough her life was. And I do salute her for that. :)
    Now when I see them together, it just fills me with ecstasy :)

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  6. I agree - let's write about our strengths instead of our weaknesses!

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  7. Wow...am just amazed...Hats off to your mom, Saru. She is another great spirit for all of us. I am proud of you that wrote about her and glad to know a part of your life. I always keep my mom at a pedestal too..yes, let's celebrate the existence of womanhood!! Cheers to you.

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  8. Wonderful... the marriage anniversary also falls on the same day making it even special.... Inspiring.

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  9. So inspiring to read about your mother Saru. Having lived in my village for a good part of my life so far,I have closely seen what women have to go trough in our places. Yet, they remain so cheerful and happy. And yes they truly are the backbone of the family as you wrote.

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  10. Very inspiring post, dear. So proud of you and your mom. As they say, 'aag me tap ke hee sona chamakta hai' I guess it must have been a similar story for your mom. Hats off!

    The strength is within us, we just need to know how to use it. Lovely post.

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  11. A woman had it in her, a woman has it in her, and a woman will always have it in her. I see you in your posts which depict the inner you, beautifully. A heart-full of salute to your mom for her devotion and courage.

    A lot inspiring and emotional post. Lovely as always! :)

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  12. A very emotional post. Mothers are the greatest and strongest. All the sacrifices and the struggles made by my mom to bring me up as a single mother started playing in front of my eyes. But in spite of all this have never ever seen her complaining.

    I am proud of your mother too :)

    Happy anniversary in advance to the lovely couple :)

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  13. Very inspiring and motivating. Hats off to your mother.

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  14. very inspiring post Saru ..

    i agree one should always write or act in favor of strengthening womanhood rather than putting it down !

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  15. Very inspiring...and Happy Women's Day in advance...

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  16. Very inspiring post Saru... your mom is one strong woman! Women who are mothers definitely have more emotional strength than men.

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  17. every women have all 3 powerpuff girls within them :)

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  18. Salute to your mother, to you, & to all those ladies who have been fighting against the dark. I salute all of them, & myself too! :)

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  19. Very inspiring post Saru! A big bow to your mom specially and to every other women who faces so many challenges, yet make life easier for people around her!

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  20. Together we form the world, we should celebrate together. Good article.

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  21. mothers have always been the pillar of strength for their children ,families exist and grow because of Mothers..Salute to every mother, in fact, every woman..
    Happy Woman's day in advance

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  22. v nice article..:)..i also salute ur mother and all other women ho had done so much..:)

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  23. My point exactly! I have had enough of sexual assault updates. Constantly outraging about them doesn't help, but acknowledging and celebrating the brave ones does.

    Your Maa is indeed an exemplary woman.

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  24. Sympathies is a wrong word here. Utmost respect! For your mother and also for all the mothers around the world. Their sacrifices and hard work is the ONLY reason where we all are right now.

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  25. Congrats! You have been nominated for Creative Blogger Awards.

    To know more, visit http://voiceofavillagegirl.blogspot.in/2013/03/creative-blogger-awards.html

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  26. Hello Mrs Saru Singhal:)
    Your beautiful and incredibly creative posts have forced me to reward your blog with the 'creative blogger award'...Congratulations:)

    For more visit my post:
    http://stillettomaniac.blogspot.in/2013/03/my-first-blog-awardthe-cba-d.html

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  27. So true and I am touched to read about your Mum.. great lady!!!
    I too love to write about my mother and my maid.. or other mums who give innumerable sacrifices for the betterment of our life and they must be applauded...

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  28. Very inspiring and touching too! Your mother is great indeed. It was pleasant to read this post as most of the recent posts written are based on rape cases and some bloggers chose to blame and humiliate all men for the brutality.

    When I was a kid and a youth, I did not realize and appreciate much for what my mom has done for me, that is to raise me to what I am now. After getting married and watching my wife struggling with the household chores and raising the kids, I learned and realized the strength embedded in a woman, and I regretted that I failed to show the true appreciation for my mom.

    Men and women need each other as they're born with unique strength and skills.

    Nice post, Saru! A wonderful appreciation to a special mom, and she deserves all the compliments in this post.

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  29. All women, especially mothers are got sent, in fact they are greater than god or any entity. I am so touched to read about your mom's courage and determination. So inspirational. Thank you so much for this post, Saru. We definitely have to acknowledge the sacrifices the women in our lives have made, at every opportunity we get. They absolutely deserve it. We would be nothing if it wasn't for them. :)

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  30. Going through hectic schedules...No worries...keep the spark alive

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  31. Very well written article. You have put it in correct perspective. Women don't need any sympathy, they deserve and should demand respect on an equal footing. I feel one of the reasons we still find women find themselves on the back foot is due to a lack of self-confidence. There may be several reasons for it, but sharing and celebrating strength of women will bring a change to this mindset.

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  32. Very moving and heart touching post. Yes there is no room for sympathy rather these are inspiring incidences which show that nothing can stop one from living a life with courage and dignity. Pay my regards to your mom. I loved it when you mentioned about your mother and then with similar concern mentioned the daily struggle of your housemaid. Yes she is a mother too in a very painful set-up. I wish all the best to your friend.

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  33. NO wonder its DEvi Shakti devine strength !!!! Women r d most powerful creation of GOD and the most reliable too :)

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  34. I reverentially bow to your mother and her 'never-say-die' spirit. Women are anyway never weak. can a whole household be supported by a weaker sex? But reading your narration, I swelled with pride.

    A very happy woman's day to you, Saru!

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  35. The article was extremely moving Saru . Your mother is so brave . Infact every woman out there is brave . We just need to realise that without kneeling ourselves before the mindless people who try to taunt us .

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  36. Very true. Everywhere a women is degraded. In movies, in educated families, even as in a society. If we could portray women in better light or atleast show the reality and their calibre, i think it would make a big difference.

    Well written.

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  37. This was extremely impressive for me Saru! At last I read something on this topic that is inspiring instead of negative - most pieces tend to spew venom at men - not only the criminals but all men! This celebration of women is moving.

    You have left me in deep admiration of your mother and the other ladies you mentioned. Thanks for sharing.

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  38. Inspiring read. Was especially moved by your mother's tale.

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  39. i went teary..........and yes ....i agree with you 200%.......i have seen such women too...and i salute them!!

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  40. Awesome!!Celebrating womanhood is not about celebrating the fact that women like Jhansi ki Rani, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa have had great impact on our nation but it is to celebrate womanhood itself !! Great post, Saru!

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  41. There is a saying: "Fearless people embrace the flow of life with perseverance and determination. They view life as an adventure not an ordeal."

    You must thank God for being born to a wonderful women.....difficulties and struggles make us the strongest. Women are the backbone of the entire world and not just a family. The world has witnessed their significance on millions of occasions.

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  42. I agree.Women don't need sympathy ! I think they are the epitome of strength. One word that I hate the most is "Bechari".
    Graet Post and I think you were so blessed to have a mother like yours !

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  43. Noble thoughts. Women stand in need of better treatment in spite of all the promises made to them and days dedicated to their welfare or honour.

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  44. I am overawed by your mom's courage & spirit.She achieved all this without cribbing about her handicap-though it was no handicap for her.Yes so many women toil against huge odds & go unsung--in fact they do not seek limelight.

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  45. You should be proud to be the daughter of such a strong woman.
    My grandmother often said that God gave the strength first and then the tribulations. She raised seven sons alone and lived to be 99 years old.

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  46. Amazing post
    I salute them
    and best wishes for your parents

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  47. happy anniversary to uncle aunty, and happy womens day. :)

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  48. As usual, your post is absolutely out of the world!

    Thanks,
    Ranjana

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  49. Beautifully written Saru. This post of yours has inspired me to write about my mother too. I will come up with a post soon on her.

    P.S: You are my most favorite writer.

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  50. Amazing ... It is sad we we are talking about protection of women and with that indirectly implying that men are stronger and it is their responsibility to protect the fairer sex. Why can't we talk about women power, their strength ?

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  51. I look forward to the day when men and women have equal rights.

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  52. Touching,inspiring,humbling... I am a mix bag of emotions right now Saru ..itna pata hai, standing ovation to your mom bas!

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  53. Saru, your mother is amazing. We often put our mothers on a pedestal, but seldom actually realise their worth.

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  54. Beautifully written ma'am. It was touching to read that excerpt about your mother... For that women have gone through for centuries, I'd surely support woman empowerment, not on the basis of being pity or as a compromise, but to build a better society where life, feelings and emotions are more valuable that being a male or a female.

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  55. That was a very inspiring story, Saru. Thanks for sharing it. The message is loud and clear: Change the narrative. Not that highlighting the plight of women isn't important, but that shouldn't be the only discussion. The best would be knowing about women who work for other women's upliftnent.
    Kudos to your mother !

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