Movie time with Padman.....

Movie time with Padman.....

I was going for a movie in a theatre after a long time. My days of first day, third show had almost disaapeared from my life except for those rare viewings of children's movies or social films along with my son.
Today, was different. At the call of duty i was going to see the movie "Padman" along with school girls of class 8 to 10 of the Zilla Parishad schools of Palghar district.
There was so much of excitement in the air. Girls sitting in groups and talking animatedly. Waiting with baited breath for the movie to start.
My formal speech before that informing them about the scheme might have been a dampener for them but it was important to share the idea and ideology behind the scheme. Keeping it interactive and short, I thought I must make it as bearable as possible. They happily shared that for most of them this was their first viewing of a film in such a big theatre. Many of them were aware of the importance of menstrual hygiene and sanitary napkins. Some of them were even using it. However they were full of gratitude that they would be getting good quality sanitary napkins at rupees five in their school under the Asmita scheme.
Soon after the interaction we started the movie. It was so endearing to hear enthusiastic responses at appropriate places and peels of laughter on some joke akin to a family screening. We also gorged on samosas and cold drinks in the interval.
On chatting with them I found them to be having a good time.
The movie Padman is a sensitive and crisp potrayal of the efforts, struggle and perseverance of a man to facilitate menstrual hygiene.
Laxmikant is a loving and passionate husband who discovers the woes of a menstruating wife soon after marriage. He is aghast at the use of a unhygeinic and unclean cloth as protection during menstruation by his wife. The social taboos of being isolated from the house, inability to mingle due to impurity shock him. He takes it upon himself to ensure that his wife gets to use hygeinic products. His dilemma at the steep cost, his embarrassment due to various experiments including one on himself make him an outcaste in society. He is deserted by his family including mother and sisters. His wife is forcefully taken away by her brothers.
Yet undeterred he continues with his struggle, not hesitating to work as a domestic help in a professor's home to learn about making good quality cheap sanitary napkins. He is scorned by the professor but manages to get tips for manufacturing from his son through the internet and moves on.
He discovers the four important steps for manufacturing sanitary napkins and sets up a makeshift workshop by using his massaging skills to get a loan from a miserly moneylender. He successfully makes good quality sanitary napkins with no takers.
A desperate bunch of friends of a Tabla Player, unprepared for her menstrual cycle in search of sanitary napkins bump into him and his life gets transformed.
The lady not only uses his pad, terms them as good as the others but also introduces his machine at innovation forum, thanks to her IIT professor father. He goes on to win the President's award and laurel after laurel thereafter including a Padmashri and is declared to be a Padman by none other than the legendary actor Amitabh.
The tabla player, Pari, his well'wisher becomes his saleswoman sacrificing a hi-fi job. Together they create a network of women using and selling the pads he manufactures. They also learn to set up units by themselves and get empowered to take loans. The product is branded as "Pari" after the Tabla player.
Their success makes him an invitee to the United Nations. His "linglish" speech there discussing the social impact of menstrual hygiene tugs your heart. He innocently shares his name is Lakshmi but that he does not want to chase money unlike others. He confesses that India maybe a country full of problems but those problems gave him the opportunity.
While the whole world does R&D , research and design, he did T&F, Try and Fail till ultimately a fairy made him fly and he became LaxmiCAN from LaxmiCan't.
His pad at Rs.2 was an example for men who would probably die if they bleed for half an hour. He dreamt of making every women, mother, sister and his country strong since menstruation was natural and would continue forever so also would the pad business.
I came out of the theatre with a conviction as strong as his that with the launch of the Asmita scheme, Maharashtra would be a harbinger of good health for women. With the 4 "A"s of awareness, availability, accesibilty and affordability, the network of Self-help groups of MSRLM Umed, the state would become 100 percent pad using state. The lofty ideals of protecting women's health and providing her with the option of a sustainable livelihood of trading in sanitary napkins has seen light due to the valiant efforts of a dynamic leader and a Minister, Pankaja Munde and a tech-savvy Secretary Aseem Gupta.
The novel idea of screening of "Padman" for girls who never had this opportunity felt wonderful. With gratitude in my heart I mingled with the girls who were gung-ho after the movie. Watching this movie would certainly remain memorable.....

Silver Jubilee.....

Silver jubilee....

The morning sun made me get up with wishes for my husband's birthday. Apart from the 'Paal Payasam' made as prasadam it was another day with the three of us going our respective ways to school or work.
A call from one of my friends reminding me that 25 years ago on this auspicious day we had joined government service set my thoughts rolling.
I was in the 5th standard in the St.Aloysius High School, Bhusawal when a motivational talk by Mr.D'sa an ex-student of our school who had become an IAS officer inspired me and remained in my mind. The seeds of my journey to achieve the goal of becoming an IAS officer were sown in my mind.
Reaching there has been a circuituos path and a long long struggle. Nonetheless, I have reached the destination. And today when i look back 25 years.....25 years....such a long time actually feels like yesterday when i began my journey with stars in my eyes and dreams in my heart.
I attempted for the Maharashtra State Public Service examination along with the Union Public Service examination. My joy knew no bounds when I got selected as a Sales Tax Officer, a class 1 gazetted officer in the Sales Tax Department in the Government of Maharashtra. This perhaps was the first step towards my goal. A long time has elapsed since my first posting yet my memories are fresh. I still recall how I entered into the sales tax office building, a combination of confidence, hope and pride that I was to join one of the most important departments of the prestigious state government services.
I was already working as a lecturer in History in the University of Pune. It was a difficult decison to leave from there specially since I was equally good in academics and the Head of the Department of History felt that I was more suitable for academics than administrative services. In fact he sounded me about the follies of leaving saying that I would be a square peg in a round hole, highly unsuitable to fit in any other job apart from teaching.
However civil services was not only my own dream but also that of my father. To him it was important that I appear for UPSC and become an IAS officer. I was already preparing for the UPSC examinations and had given the preliminary examination and so chose to join Sales Tax since i felt that soon I would make it to the UPSC.
So i entered Vikrikar Bhavan exactly a year ago on this day , the 26th March 1993.
A job gives us so much of satisfaction and security and when that job is a permanent gazetted officer's class 1 post, it makes one feel much more secure. I felt grateful and blessed for having got this opporrunity which only a few got. I had anyways made up my mind that I would be appearing again for MPSC to improve my rank and also for the UPSC to achieve my ultimate aim of becoming an IAS officer. My heart was joyous and mind reeling with thoughts of the next milestone of UPSC.
The first few months went off in training and after that I slowly started settling down in my work as a Sales Tax Officer. However I cleared the next MPSC examination again and was selected as a Deputy Collector. As we went to the MPSC office to find out the future course of action , we had to cross a shop selling music casttes and playing sad songs. One of friends went up to him and requested him to play happy songs and we almost danced instead of walking on the streets.
There are so many spontaneous things one does when young. Also one dreams of success and satisfaction of having got the opportunity to do something for the society.
25 years ago this day i had a stable job with one thing less to worry about. The long hours of labour and burning the midnight oil were bearing fruit. I was on a threshold with thoughts in my mind to contribute to the state's growth and self devlopment.
As a Deputy Collector, I had the opportunity to work on different posts and complete a number of projects. I have had the immense satiafaction of working as a Sub-divisional Magistrate, of conducting elections peacefully, rehabilatIng project affected persons, acquirig land for important infrastructure projects etc.
Now that I have been nominated into IAS that desire too has been fulfilled. Working as CEO, MSRLM for the empowerment of women through self help groups iin the Department of Rural Development is very satisfying.
A journey which began 25 years ago has been enriching with various opportunities and challenges, ups and downs. At times I felt that i have been able to live up to my own expectations and at times i have felt lost. As a woman there are multiple roles one plays at home. One has to balance the home front and family with work and balancing both is tough at times. One does undergo a lot of guilt when one is unable to find time for home and the kids. Most women undergo this dilemma to a large extent unlike men. However the support of my family made my path smoother. Except for a few occassional hiccups things have been positive.
Being on the cutting edge in the state government has enabled me to contribute positively to the growth and development of the society. There were times when I felt dejected and lost. A few people let me down and did things to make me feel upset or little. A lot of things I wanted did not happen. However many more people made me feel better, infused confidence in me and gave me the strength to surge on. My will power, faith and hope kept me going. I look back today without bitterness and with contentment and gratitude for what I have rather than what I don't have. I am healthy, positive and happy. With God on my side what more do I want?

Adivasi BhaTki Art from Gondiya district of Maharashtra....

Adivaasi Bhatki Art...( Tribal Bhatki Art)....Durgabaicha Doh and other paintings....

India is a country of diverse vibrant cultures and tribal art constitutes an important part of this rich heritage. 

Tribes are believed to be the aborigines, the original and indigenous inhabitants residing mostly in jungles or in the deep interiors of the land. They have therefore been able to preserve their age old customs which have been transformed into popular art forms reflecting their lifestyle, rituals, ceremonies and celebrations. Art forms like Madhubani, Warli, Gond, Bhil, Patua and others are popular tribal art forms which most of us know. 

I was therefore taken by surprise when one of our SHG woman from Gondiya said that she was developing Adivasi BhaTki art. I saw the paintings and felt they are similar to the Gond. However, the artist Yogita Dinesh Mouje from the remote Gondiya district of Maharashtra explained that there maybe some similarity to Gond art but it was art of their own tribe BhaTki. They are tribals and she being one among them had taken it upon herself to do research on what she calls as Adivasi Bhatki art and develop it further.

I was extremely intrigued by her grit and confidence. She felt that there was no point in chasing the mundane or depending on works like MGNREGA for a livelihood. She was keen to develop the Bhatki art, take it to glory in the nation and abroad and also make it her livelihood. Her exihibits are on display at Ajeevika Mela at Pragati Maidan. When I went there for a visit she took great pains to explain the art form. She stated that the paintings depict original stories from the lives of the tribals , their lifestyle, rituals, celebrations. On display were an array of colours weaving stories of simple ways of living, dance forms, fishing. and others jungle tales. One painting depicted a story of a cobra who had devoured a deer and had wrapped itself around a tree to speed up the process of digestion. 

I was really touched to hear the story of a painting by the name Durgabaicha Doh. Doh in Marathi means a bund or a small dam. Yogita stated that Durgbai had five brothers and they worked on their field. There was a huge shortage of water in their village and the brothers decided to build a small dam ( doh) to conserve water. The sister would carry food for them everyday to the worksite.The site was located at a distance on a hill.

The ground was rocky and also extremely tough to work on. The weather used to be hot and the brothers found it difficult to work with clothes so they would work without wearing clothes. They therefore told their sister that she should come with the food but bring it up to them only when they indicated and signalled to her to come up through a sign after they were clothed.

One day Durga came with the food and waited for a long time for the indication but the brothers were busy with work and did not communicate. After waiting for a reasonably long time and worrying that the brothers might be hungry or in some trouble she went up the hill and found them working without clothes. The brothers caught unawares were ashamed and jumped from the hill they were digging. Durga also followed them to death. The story is hearsay but a folk lore she has heard. She said that the doh remained incomplete but still exists  by the name of Durgabaicha doh. One of Yogita's painting tells this story. Incidentally a mela is held every year in Bhandara district during Makar Sankrant in memory of Durgabai and her brothers and a temple is dedicated to her. 

Each of the BhaTki painting made by the artist has some hidden tale. Her conviction to work hard on this art form to make a name for it not only in India but internationally made me awestruck

If you are at Delhi please do go to the Ajeevika Mela at Pragati Maidan, see her exhibits and explore something new.....The Adivasi BhaTki Art....

#AJVK2018 

#SarasAajeevikaMela2018

Destiny.....

Destiny.....

Her engagement to him was sudden, like a romance out of the blue. Cupid struck in the background of an arranged marriage. For those of us who are unable to find our partners or unable to have that 'love marriage', our parents have to undetake the ominous task of matchmaking. The horror stories begin with the matching of ' horoscopes'. What follows thereafter are meetings with the prospectives which are not necessarily exuberating. The youth of this day view this rigmarole as archaic yet have to undergo it as an option if they are not 'cupid' enough in finding a life partner. Though social media and the openess in modern times have made such meetings less embarassing as kids get the option to meet by themselves. The process is still cumbersome.
Amidst all these worrisome thoughts was Varsha on the threshold of marriage. Horoscopes were exchanged and prospective grooms examined. The desire to find someone in Mumbai was foremost.
It was therefore a matter of great joy when Anirudh and Varsha's horoscopes matched. What was even more encouraging was the broadmindedness of his father in emphasising that the choice of the boy and girl was most important and that they should meet by themselves and decide. There was no looking back. Things fell in place and we were blessed with the most wonderful groom for Varsha and a made for each other couple. A quick engagement happened and was followed by many joyful moments. The families excitedly began the preparations for the wedding.
Everyone was in a happy mood waiting eagerly for the wedding. The first shocker and dampener was the suddem demise of our beloved eldest brother-in-law at Bengaluru. It was the first blow. Suddenly my mother also fell ill and left for her heavenly abode. Another grand aunt of Varsha too passed away. The biggest shock was yet to come when Varsha's maternal grandmother passed away all of a sudden hardly a week before the marriage. Her parents, specially her mother was shattered. Her father worried. As we rushed to the hospital where her grandmother was declared to be no more Varsha was uncontrollable with sorrow. Though the demise was sad and sudden her grandmother may have had the premonition and had therefore instructed that come what may the wedding was to happen. It was therefore decided that the wedding would take place as scheduled.
The environs were certainly dull. To rejoice or no was the dilemma. Most of us felt whether having a joyful celebration was appropriate. The mehndi and sangeet functions were therefore morose. Though the DJ was belting out number after number nobody came forward to dance. Each one was waiting for the ice to be broken.
I suddenly derived the strength and took it upon myself to break the ice. This was once in a lifetime celebration for Varsha and we had to make it special. As i started dancing to the tune of Mehndi hain rachnewaali, my co-sister and Varsha' s mother burst into tears but settled soon. The stage set for celebration there was no looking back. The wedding and reception were conducted with gaiety. The only sore thing was the absence of Varsha's mama and mami who couldn't make it to the wedding due to the period of mourning but the presence of their children made up for that loss.
Destiny makes us go through so many trials. So many times we are caught unawares. We make plans of rosy tomorrows not knowing that the Lord in heaven has other plans. The sad and sudden deaths in a row not only made us extremely tense and worried but also question the propriety of a joyful wedding. All the persons who had passed away had completed all cycles of their life. They had had the satisfaction of living life fully. While the departure of a close relative leaves a void in our lives,  at times we need to move ahead with sagacity. The decision to go ahead with Varsha's wedding was the need of the hour and it was accomplished with great satisfaction with the blessings of the Lord and all the departed souls.
The biggest lesson learnt was to stand steadfastly in sorrow and be prepared to face them. To be there with each other and the family in times of trouble. To realise that the darkest hours are before the morning. That sunshine will adorn our path so one musn't look forlorn nor give up. Death may close many chapters but it also opens many new ones. It is perhaps better to do one's best for the living than be ritualistic after someone's demise.
Varsha and Anirudh are now on a honeymoon in their dream destination.
Destiny completed the circle of life. God is gracious and kind. Life has many ups and downs but is certainly beautiful.

Asmita: Project for Menstrual Health Management and Sanitary Napkins

Asmita a unique concept for menstrual health management and sanitary napkins

Asmita....mazhaa hakk mazhaa gaurav"....

Asmita, the unique identity of a woman, Asmita the dignity of a woman....a deep rooted thought which reflects on what a woman is entitled for. Asmita, a woman's pride, her rights and glory. No wonder this name was chosen as a brand name for the launch of a product associated with woman's personal hygiene-Asmita sanitary napkins by the Hon'ble Minister Rural Development and also by the Secretary,RDD, Government of Maharashtra.

In society, menstruation and the menstrual cycle of a woman have different connotations, religious, traditional and otherwise. Engulfed between the social and personal milieu it is rarely a matter of serious discussion. While television advertisements of different companies have made people aware of the need for hygienic products still purchase of sanitary napkins is a hush hush topic. It is also something which women like to keep to themselves due to shyness or certain taboos associated with the same.
While urban women are aware, have more access and to a large extent are also able to afford use of sanitary napkins, the rural counterparts have to grapple with accessibility, affordability, availability of good quality sanitary napkins. Added to it is the lack of awareness.
The Minister for Rural Development, Government of Maharashtra, Ms.Pankaja Munde therefore took a very welcome step when she put forth the idea of making available, affordable good quality sanitary napkins in the village itself.
A scheme was worked out by the Department under the meticulous guidance of the Secretary Rural Development, Aseem Gupta. Under it , the Department floated a tender for procuring the lowest rate for supply of 3 types of sanitary napkins- 240 mm, 280 mm for women and 240 mm thickness, for use girls in the age group 11 to 19 years studying in Zilla Parishad schools. The napkins are tri-fold with wings along with a disposable pouch. The idea was to provide cheaper sanitary napkins but with the same superior quality comparable to those available in the market in a price range of Rs.60 and Rs.80/- for 8 napkins.
After following detailed government procedures a tender was floated to procure rates for manufacturing and the lowest quote for a pack of 8 napkins complying to quality standards was finalised
Once the rate for sanitary napkins was fixed through open tender process, they were to be procured and marketed by women of self-help groups of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission ( MSRLM) by adding on Rs.5/- as commission for marketing so as to provide another means for livelihood to them by way of trading.
MSRLM as most of us are aware is a society under the Department of Rural development, Government of India and the State Government of Maharashtra working for empowerment of women in rural areas.
A three pronged strategy is adapted to eliminate their poverty and backwardness by way of enhancing their productivity, providing means for additional livelihoods to them which are allied to agriculture like poultry, goatery and by skilling them for employment or self-employment. The motive of the government is to ensure that each rural household should be able to earn at least Rs.1 lakh by way of annual household income. Till date over 2 lakh SHGs of women have been created and over 5 lakh households have been transformed due to provision of varied livelihood options to them. Trading and selling of sanitary napkins has now been added as another option for livelihood to SHG women.
What is even more important is that all activities to be undertaken for implementation of the scheme are technology enabled and have been developed with great application of mind and are accessible only by way of mobile app. The complete transaction is online without human interface.
The first step in this direction was creation of an app whereby SHG women could register themselves as traders. Only those SHGs who are registered on the NRLM portal, have an NIC code and follow Dashasutri, the ten principles of NRLM can be registered. The ten principles include regular meetings, savings, internal lending, regular repayment of loans, writing books of accounts, taking care of their health, nutrition, sanitation, access to education, take support of all government schemes, participating in panchayat raj institutions and indulging in sustainable livelihoods. Registration can be done by a simple process after downloading the Asmita app from the Google play store. Once they have downloaded the Asmita app they can register themselves by getting an OTP. They will be provided a unique id code on registration. They then become eligible to place orders for selling sanitary napkins but before that they have to recharge the wallet for placing of orders. This can be done by visiting the Aaple Sarkar Sewa Kendra and taking support of the Kendra chaalak. A minimum amount of Rs.3000/- has to be recharged since orders can be placed in multiples of 140 packs. Once the wallet is recharged and the amount is reflected in it the SHGs can place order for procuring sanitary napkins, the amount for the order will be deducted from the wallet and go into the pool account created by Yes Bank. On confirmation of receipt of the amount by way of sms, the manufacturer will accept the order and direct his taluka representative to hand over the contingent to the SHG who can pick up the product from the taluka godown.
On confirmation of receipt of the product by the SHG via app the amount from Yes Bank pool account is debited into the manufacturer's account. The transaction is now complete and the lady is entitled to sell the product on MRP. It is compulsory that the SHG registers sale of every pack on the app to avoid misuse. Asmita napkins are available to all women at the rate of Rs. 25 for 240 mm and at the rate of Rs.29 for 280 mm. Girls in the age group11 and 19 in Zilla Parishad schools will be provided sanitary napkins at the rate of Rs.5/- The remaining amount will be borne as subsidy by the Rural Development Department.
A four pronged strategy to improve awareness regarding menstrual health and the use of sanitary napkins and also make it affordable, accessible and available is the main thrust of the scheme.
Statistics reveal that only 17% of women use sanitary napkins during menstruation. The remaining use cloth or other modes which maybe unhygienic and unhealthy making them vulnerable to uterine diseases and cervical cancer. Increasing awareness is therefore the first aspect which the scheme hopes to do by way of wide publicity.
The movie "Padman" dealing with this sensitive subject was released recently and would be used to create awareness apart from effective ad campaigns. But the silver lining are the other three “A”s- Afforadbility. Accessibility and availability. Standardised good quality sanitary napkins will now be available at every village at an affordable rate and easily accessible for purchase with women SHGs cutting out shyness normally experienced while making purchase.
The Asmita scheme was launched on 8th March 2018 by Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the presence of Ms.Pankaja Munde, Honble Minister for Rural Development and the Honourable Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri. Dadaji Bhuse along with the famous film actor and now a proud Padman Akshay Kumar.
A tableau displaying the product along with a team is moving around in districts creating awareness in the hope that the percentage of use of sanitary napkins will go up from 17 to 70 within a year.
While the napkins have been subsidised there may be some women who still do not have the means to finance themselves and for such women the government has come out with Asmita Fund wherein benevolent donors can annually sponsor sanitary napkins for a girl or woman at a cost of Rs.182 only. Donations for the same can only be made online on web portal
http://mahaasmita.mahaonline.gov.in

Our honourable Chief Minister, Shri.Devendra Fadnavis and our Honourable Minister Smt.Pankaja Munde have set examples by doing so.

Let's also contribute to this worthy cause.

The ideals are lofty and so are the dreams which emphasize on health and hygiene for the woman.
On the sidelines are others discussing the issue of disposal of used sanitary napkins. A lot of comments are being made about the environmental hazards which maybe caused due to used sanitary napkins. . Efforts are already being made by providing incinerators and giving directions to Gram Panchayats for purchase and installation.
What needs greater thought is our change in attitude. All of us our aware of the common use of baby and adult diapers which are equally harmful to the environment perhaps more due to their size and numbers used. Monthly change of toothbrushes, shaving sticks etc. in metros may possibly cause more harm as their decomposition is indefinite. However no objections are raised to their use. Hackles are raised against use of a product convenient to women. The issue of environmental protection is not only complicated but also mindboggling and certainly needs attention. However the use and disposal of sanitary napkins by women is just one aspect. Ways and means for biodegradable options and products can be worked out. For the present let unaware women and girls get initiated into menstrual health management, understand the use of sanitary napkins and start using them.

International Women's Day....

8th of March is being celebrated as International women's day for more than decades. The day invites a lot of attention to women and their fantastic qualities with accolades pouring in. Suddenly being mothers, sisters, daughters, wives catches so much attention. The eulogies standing short of turning women into super human beings , glorifying them as devis, shaktis and what not. As if being devoid of any of these qualities would strip them off their status and make them less human. Phones get clogged with greetings, messages and phone calls since morning. Every institution plans celebratory functions.

These celebrations have always been a cause of wonder for me, along with their veracity and purpose. While some women do welcome it as a means to draw attention to the burning topic of gender justice others feel that identifying a single day, making it a ritual thereafter which the realities continue to shatter this bubble of womanhood are futile.

Honestly speaking it takes all kinds of people to make this world. While there maybe many women like me who have grown to be independent thanks to the upbringing and support from the family there are several more of them devoid of freedom to be themselves. They continue to remain in the shadow of relationships unable to break the fetters due to lack of education, power, resources, not having the guts or simply because they have learnt to compromise. Also the independent and successful women may present a picture of glory but in reality may have sacrificed a lot for the same in comparison to her male counterpart.

In the real world differences stiil begin at birth of a child and the celebrations thereafter. While gender sensitivity has grown by leaps and bounds gender equality certainly better, true equality is still a distant dream. And equality is certainly not being similar to men or being able to do things men do. It does not mean losing your femininity or becoming masculine. It does not mean being in state of war with men. Biologically different from each other men and women cannot be similar or equals in every sense of the term but the status accorded to them and rhe opportunities to get educated, to work ,to wield power reflect gender justice. The glass ceiling may have been broken and women are seen in all fields yet they are able to do that only after getting a lot of support which may not have been thought of or required for their male counterparts. Yes certain biases do remain in the sub-conscious mind. The number of women political representatives and leaders we have are a reflection of the real picture when reservation in legislative assemblies and parliament is still engulfed in hurdles. Even the panchayat raj institutions and local bodies where 50 percent reservation for women exists the Sarpanchpatis or immediate male relatives rule the roost. Schools and colleges may have large numbers of girls but the rate of dropouts is certainly high. In rural areas and in a lot of urban areas the stereo types in the professional world still remain. The choice of dreams in education, the types of jobs sought, the challenges in getting any seat of power reflect the true image of a woman in society. Eve teasing and crime against women continue to be rampant.

Till date women are seen as objects to lust for and are portrayed as such in certain circles. Their acts are questioned, their dignity eroded. Young girls and infants are victims of perverts and media tells us gory tales of disrespect. Somewhere deep down in the minds and hearts lurks a bias, a thought and maybe a fear that men may be overpowered due to independence accorded to women. Her vulnerability is therefore at the receiving end to reiterate her true place in society.

The issue is not about being a housewife or being a homemaker in modern parlance. Her identity is mauled for being at home and supressed for being away from it. So most women who fly high are akin to kites tied to strings always in control with the dangers of being cut and falling on face if they fly too high. Yet women are striving hard and working towards success in all spheres of life. Their grit, determination, hard work, organised and methodical way of working help them in growing. Adapting to vices and bold dressing in the name of liberation is also surprising. Outward appearance, colour, clothes and looks of men are rarely commented on in business meetings however they do become a cause of distraction in the case of women. So what does it take to be really free and liberated? What does it take to be equals in a world where equal pay for equal work is still a myth in the agricultural sector? What does it take to stand by a woman devoid of lip sympathy and accepting her mentally in any role? Why are women still not accepted as leaders in the bastions of power? Why are women who are home makers looked down upon and why convenient positions of work like teaching, women welfare pushed down her throat? Why are house husbands or men in lower positions than their wives ridiculed? Do we ever celebrate men's day ? Does singling out a day in honour of women and sidetracking the core issue serve any purpose? To the truly liberated who have brought up their children as equals and to those who accept these women as human in any role and not as a service providers, do not belittle them it does not matter but for the others who know the truth in their own minds and are far from accepting women as equals gender equity has to be felt and understood. So maybe till such time this needs day be celebrated not to glorify woman or womanhood or to place her on any pedestal but to realise that women are human and have dreams and aspirations too. They too have the intellect and knowledge and need opportunities to channelise them. They need to live without shadows of guilt while working away from homes. Their dignity needs to be respected to prevent crimes. And hence even a stand taken only once a year would resonate throughout the year and open minds. Conversations would be started and schemes for upliftment of women would be launched leading to that thought.

Relegating celebration of a particular gender on designated days may be belittling for now but it will certainly lead us to that day when womanhood would reach its true stature and the need for such a celebration may stop. For now let's reiterate gender justice.....

Fragrant Beyond Boundaries....

Fragrant beyond boundaries.....

1947....seventy years since independence....freedom from the foreign rule....Studied in History at school and maybe by some in colleges.... Remenbered with cliched patrotic songs and functions year after year....and then??? Oblivion....till next year when the day comes again to get on with the routine. 
How many of us have understood the pathos of the India's struggle for independence or even thought about the trauma of the partition? How many of us even try to find out what must have transpired during the entire period of the struggle for independence and what all followed during the tumultuous period? What happens when one is able to see, meet and hear senior citizens in their eighties, nineties and even hundred who are victims of the parttion and had to migrate out of Pakistan to India for no fault of theirs, so suddenly for the sake of administrative convenience? Yes see, hear and meet people of that era and undergo a catharsis.
On a bright and pleasant Sunday morning i had the opportunity to attend a function at Kurukshetra in Haryana in honour of those who had come back from Pakistan to India during the partition. Sumedha Kataria, the Deputy Commissioner and DM of Kurukshetra, a colleague during training at the IAS Academy at Mussourie and now my confidante had organised a cosy function at her residence inviting about 40 persons who had come back from Pakistan and settled in India after the partition. The gathering included officials, friends and well-wishers who also got inititated into the past with the screening of 2 beautiful films. One " Gajab ke log" which was a tribute by the Kataria sisters to their parents and the second was a film on people affected by the partition, Yaadein1947 made by Keshav Mahta. As the film.unfolded we could hear many senior citizens sharing their experience of the difficulties during the exodus from Pakistan, the problems of finding their feet in India and settling back again, their anguish of being uprooted from their own homes, the yearning to be back, the pinings for the unruptured past. Their words revelaed the wounds in their heart and the scars in their minds.  
What touched our hearts was the never die spirit which each one of them had. It also reflected on the passion and desire of a simple film maker like Keshav to reach out to the few of the golden oldies who may perhaps be the last human link to that era. Sooner or later they would be gone forever and with them their tales and stories. The making of this film is therefore a treasure. The sensitivity with which the film has tackled the subject is touching specially when one of them calls a person at Pakistan to know about his then home. With thoughts curated superbly the film makes people talk and put forth their emotions on this sensitive subject.
The summing up of the programme by Dr.Madhav Kaushik, litereteur and Vice President of the National Academy of Literature who shared many thoughts about the partition enabled all of us to empathise with the partition and its realities. We may have hear many stories but interaction with the unsung heroes brought us face to face with many unknown facts.
Dr. Chandr Trikha well known writer on the partition shared anecdotes of that era. With scores of people coming back several Indians were at the frorefront offering help the refugees. Sumedhaji's father was one among them. Imagine his shock on going to receive people returning from Pakistan with provisions and food on their arrival and coming across a train full of dead bodies. Can the negative bearings of such emotions ever be wiped out?
Yet one finds that Sardarilal Kataria raises 7 daughters with faith and hope for a new tomorrow. He also instils confidence in them to be equals in a society and contribute to its growth. And they make it possible for mere mortals like us to meet a 100 year old walking with without any human support for the programme. They made it possible for us to hear an 88 year old lady sing a beautiful song which women sang while spinning thread on the Charkha. They made it possible for two octogenerians to share their thoughts of coming back from Pakistan and settling in India without bitterness. They made it possible for me to receive blessings of so many positive human beings. 
My heart guilty of having left behind my son during a weekend felt greatful for this experience. I may have spent 48 hours without him but would have been poorer in experience had I not met these people, learnt about them, listened to their thoughts, undergo their emotions. It also made it possible for me to communicate to him about them and not only make him aware of the such intricacies of the freedom movement but also make him richer in thought, realising that we are fortunate to be living happily untouched by that shock, in the comfort of our own homes, having our roots to delve on. That we owe it to these senior citizens, for us to share their timeless experiences with all we know so that the coming generations learn to value them....

The Joys of Innocence....

In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives we often overlook simple joys. A casual walk, sweet talk, a caress, a gentle kiss, warm hugs and the affectionate touch. 

I had the pleasure of being at home after long on a holiday thanks to the festival Holi. Though my son Vishnu was busy till the afternoon with Holi celebrations we could spend some loving moments once he came home. 

His casual banter brought a smile on my face and his anecdotal tales peels of laughter. As we cuddled and spoke it dawned on me that we were doing this after ages. He is as busy as me if not more with school and cricket. With my hectic schedule and frequent travel for work we have to steal moments togetherness. 

What turned out to be a great pleasure was the walk to drop his friend Aryan who had come to meet Vishnu. As we walked back hand in hand after dropping Aryan, we giggled and chortled on his funny jokes. My hand went on his shoulder and as i removed it he put it back and said let it remain, it feels so good. As i caught his attention he said again, yes it feels so good. I could almost feel a lump in my throat even as I was struck by his innocence. 

A simple gesture is all we desire to feel wanted, loved and special. A look, a glance, a touch, a hug or a kiss reassuring us of love, letting us know that someone cares. Soothing words and eager ears to listen without being judgemental- to show that one cares come what may and are there for each other come what may- for sharing thoughts and emotions, joys and sorrows. 

Just a little gesture made me realise it was so simple to be happy when one reaches out to someone genuinely and when your loving son reaches out to you, the pleasure is even more.....