You'll be alright,kid

Recently, I came across a beautiful song by Alex Warren, an up-and-coming artist:

"You'll Be Alright, Kid."

This song is a much-needed anthem—for the young, the middle-aged, and the old.

Sometimes, all we really need is someone to validate our feelings. Someone who acknowledges our fears. Someone who simply says, "It's okay."

But in today’s hyperconnected yet emotionally distant world, even our closest relationships have shifted. Friends change. Some use you, some ignore you, and some check in only once a year. Even our very own millennial parents are often unaware of how their parenting styles affect us.

In the name of protection, they make us vulnerable.

They linger—steering choices around education, career, relationships, and even something as simple as clothing.

"I know what's best," they insist—until the child, conditioned by dependence, asks for emotional protection—only to be labelled weak or rebellious.

And the cycle continues.

Escaping this cycle is hard, as even ancient Tamil literature attests. Purananuru (Poem 193) captures this struggle:

Like a deer chased by a hunter across a swamp—

that’s like the upturned skin of a prey—

it may try to run and escape,

but it’s always bound by the ties of kin.

அதளெறிந் தன்ன நெடுவெண் களரின்

ஒருவ னாட்டும் புல்வாய் போல

ஓடி யுய்தலுங் கூடுமன்

ஒக்கல் வாழ்க்கை தட்குமா காலே.

Breaking free from family or social expectations is like running through a swamp—you try, but your heart keeps pulling you back.

So, when life around you feels overwhelming, remember these words:

    

 "'Cause friends move away, and people get older

Your heart's gonna break over and over

You're not to blame, so don't blame yourself

I hope this helps.

You're gonna ask, "Why?"

You're gonna want answers

Gonna feel like no one ever understands you,

You're gonna think twice before you start praying,

And wonder when the walls will stop caving,

I hate to be the one to tell you this,

But you’ll be alright, kid."

Passion is overrated

 

Passion Is Overrated: The Case for Discipline Over Emotion

In modern society, passion is often glorified as the key to success, happiness, and fulfillment. From motivational speakers to self-help books, the message is clear: "Follow your passion, and everything else will fall into place." While passion can be a powerful motivator, it is also overrated—an unreliable and sometimes even dangerous guide for making long-term decisions. Discipline, consistency, and practicality often matter far more than fleeting emotional enthusiasm. This essay argues that passion is not the ultimate driver of success, that it can be misleading, and that a more balanced approach—one that prioritizes hard work, adaptability, and rationality—leads to better outcomes in both personal and professional life.

The Myth of "Follow Your Passion"

The idea that passion should dictate one’s career and life choices is a relatively modern concept. Historically, people worked out of necessity rather than personal fulfillment. The Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism created more specialized jobs, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that the "follow your passion" mantra became mainstream. Steve Jobs’ famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech, where he urged graduates to "do what you love," cemented this idea in popular culture.

However, this advice is problematic for several reasons:

1. Passion Is Fleeting

Passion is an emotion, and emotions are unstable. What excites someone at 20 may bore them by 30. Many people enter careers based on passion, only to burn out when the initial excitement fades. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who pursued careers based solely on passion were more likely to experience dissatisfaction when the work became routine or challenging.

2. Not Everyone Has a Clear Passion

The assumption that everyone has a singular passion is unrealistic. Many people have diverse interests or no overwhelming calling at all. Telling someone to "follow their passion" can create anxiety, as they may feel inadequate for not having one. Cal Newport, author of So Good They Can’t Ignore You, argues that passion is often the result of mastery, not its precursor. People grow to love what they are good at, rather than being naturally drawn to it.

3. Passion Can Lead to Poor Decisions

Passion can cloud judgment. People may pursue impractical careers (e.g., acting, professional sports, or music) with low odds of success, ignoring financial stability and market demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only a tiny fraction of aspiring actors, musicians, and athletes actually make a sustainable living from their passions. Blindly following passion can lead to financial hardship and regret.

The Superiority of Discipline and Skill

While passion is unreliable, discipline and skill development are far more dependable. Success in any field requires sustained effort, not just initial enthusiasm. Consider the following:

1. Mastery Requires Repetition, Not Just Excitement

Becoming exceptional at anything—whether playing the violin, coding, or running a business—requires thousands of hours of practice. Passion may get someone started, but discipline keeps them going when the work becomes tedious. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, in her research on grit, found that perseverance and long-term commitment were better predictors of success than talent or passion alone.

2. Many Successful People Weren’t Initially Passionate

Some of the most accomplished individuals did not start with a burning passion for their work. For example:

• Warren Buffett became interested in investing only after studying under Benjamin Graham.

• Meryl Streep initially considered a career in law before discovering acting.

• Elon Musk did not have a lifelong passion for electric cars; he pivoted from software (Zip2, PayPal) to space (SpaceX) and automotive (Tesla) industries based on opportunity.

These examples show that success often comes from adaptability and skill acquisition rather than rigid passion.

3. Passion Follows Competence

Research in self-determination theory suggests that people develop passion for activities in which they feel competent and autonomous. In other words, passion is cultivated through effort and achievement, not discovered through introspection. A musician may start playing an instrument out of curiosity, but true passion emerges after years of practice and improvement.

The Dangers of Overvaluing Passion

Beyond being unreliable, an excessive focus on passion can have negative consequences:

1. Unrealistic Expectations

The belief that work should always be exciting leads to dissatisfaction when reality sets in. Every job has mundane aspects—paperwork, meetings, administrative tasks—that passion alone cannot make enjoyable.

2. Job-Hopping and Lack of Commitment

Millennials and Gen Z workers, raised on the "follow your passion" ideology, are more likely to switch jobs frequently in search of fulfillment. While career changes can be positive, constant job-hopping can hinder long-term growth and financial stability.

3. Ignoring Practical Considerations

Passion-driven career choices often overlook practical factors like income potential, job security, and work-life balance. A struggling artist may love their craft but suffer from financial stress, while someone in a stable but less "passionate" career may enjoy greater overall life satisfaction.

A Better Approach: Purpose, Pragmatism, and Persistence

Rather than chasing passion, a more effective strategy involves:

1. Developing Skills That Are in Demand

Instead of asking, "What am I passionate about?" a better question is, "What am I good at that the world values?" Building expertise in a high-demand field increases career stability and opportunities for growth.

2. Finding Meaning in Work

Passion is not the only source of fulfillment. Many people derive satisfaction from competence, contribution, and relationships at work. A teacher may not be "passionate" about grading papers but finds purpose in shaping young minds.

3. Embracing the Grind

Success is rarely glamorous. It involves showing up consistently, even on days when motivation is low. As author Seth Godin writes, "The thing that separates amateurs from professionals is that professionals show up even when they don’t feel like it."

In conclusion, passion is overrated. While it can provide initial motivation, it is too unstable to be the sole foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. Discipline, adaptability, and skill development are far more reliable. Instead of obsessing over finding a passion, individuals should focus on becoming valuable, resilient, and persistent. Passion may follow, but even if it doesn’t, a well-built career based on competence and practicality will lead to long-term success and stability. The next time someone says, "Follow your passion," it’s worth remembering that passion alone is not enough—consistent effort is what truly matters.

Manifest - 7 steps to living your best life

A Book That Found Me at the Right Time

December 2024—a phase in my life when I felt like a failure, unworthy being, trapped in a cycle of mere existence. Societal pressures were mounting, uncertainty loomed over every decision, and I found myself blaming others for my downfall. Self-loathing, self-sabotage, and doubts seemed endless.

A month before, in November, I had come across Manifest – 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi but chose instead to buy The Golden Road by William Dalrymple. As if by fate, Manifest found me again—this time through my uncle, who lent me his copy.

From the moment I picked up the book, I couldn’t put it down. It became my Bible, my therapy, and my closest companion in this lonely, uncertain journey.

More Than Just Manifestation – A Practical Guide to Self-Transformation

Even though I was familiar with manifestation, mindfulness, and meditation, this book filled the gaps in my understanding. It helped me recognize where I was lacking, how to overcome my fears, silence my self-criticism, and reframe my mindset. Nafousi’s simple, fluid language makes her message both accessible and engaging, making this book a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-improvement.

Her seven steps to living your best life transform manifestation from a passive wish into a proactive, dynamic process. Reading and applying her methods led me to deeper self-reflection, clarity in my vision, and a greater awareness of the barriers I had unknowingly built around myself. While breaking these limitations is an ongoing process without a fixed timeline, the book has given me the tools to start dismantling them.

It taught me to trust the universe again, embrace divine timing, and fully immerse myself in the present moment. Each chapter is filled with exercises that guide readers toward self-discovery and meaningful introspection.

The Last Page – A Message That Resonated Deeply

I strongly recommend reading the last page of the book first—it was what truly drew me in.

THE LAST PAGE

Throughout my life, I’ve been told: You can’t do this. You’re not fit for that. You won’t find balance. You must pursue a “real” career. These words became ingrained in me, shaping my self-doubt and reinforcing invisible barriers. But Nafousi challenges this mindset, reminding us that once we free ourselves from these limitations, our best self—lying dormant—can finally emerge.

As a child in school, I sang “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” But as I transitioned into adulthood, I forgot the essence of gratitude. Nafousi reintroduces this concept in a profound way—"Gratitude without caveats." She emphasizes appreciating life’s abundance without conditions, fostering a deeper sense of contentment.

While Manifest draws insights from various other books on manifestation and the law of attraction, this single book is enough. It consolidates wisdom into a practical guide, sparing readers the need to buy multiple books on the same subject.

Since reading it, I feel like the universe is guiding me, leaving signs along my path, and—most importantly—I’m learning to enjoy the journey. Whenever I feel lost or uncertain, I turn to this book for realignment.

For anyone seeking self-development, Manifest is not just a book—it’s a transformational experience.

What is beauty though ?

 The beauty of the world can only be experienced by someone who is willing to see it. 

- Roxie Nafousi 

For a long time ( really a long time, trust me ), I was misconstrued by the term - BEAUTY.

To me, beauty was merely a reflection of my outward appearance, shaped by the demands of TV advertisements and the influence of social media personalities urging me to buy those cosmetics.

But, slowly but surely, I came to realise the true meaning of what's beauty. 

Here's my poem about it.

She said, " If you apply this cream, you will look fairer."

I asked, " Is fairness only in the color of skin ? 

Isn't fairness an attribute of character ? 

Being fair to me, is being bold,

 Strong in voicing out malice,

Free from the chains of partisanship."

 She said, "You have very big lips. It doesn't look good."

I said, " Oh, my lips serve a greater purpose. 

My lips make me smile even more bigger,

Something the world needs now more than ever.

My lips turn me more articulative,

And exhibit command over my perspectives."

He said," Your feet is very wide, like a man's."

I said," Yes, they are strong, like a man's feet.

They lift me, each time I fall.

Humbling me, by rooting me to the ground,

Carrying me forward, onto my destiny,

And are a testament to my perseverance."

He said, " You're so short."

I said, " Well, my height is not linked to 

The values that I have imbibed.

I am taller when it comes to the strength of my character,

The depths of my compassion,

And the heights of my aspirations."

They said, "You chose the wrong path. You're a waste."

I said, "The path I chose was mine, and I stand by it.

I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity

To choose, to explore, to unlearn, and to grow.

I've ventured into diverse fields, accumulating knowledge

That would have taken a lifetime to learn

Had I walked any other way."

Being beautiful, from the inside out,

Requires immense courage.

Saying no, rejecting prejudices,

Enduring the stings and bites of judgments,

Are all acts of fortitude.

Cheers, to each one of us,

Celebrating our strengths and 

reminiscing our blemishes. 

Where words fail, music speaks...

Trending in all social media, Coke Studio Pakistan has become an icebreaker, showcasing the cultural heritage of Pakistan, which was not known as much to the outside world. Watching Coke studio Pakistan, has made me realise, that Pakistan is not what it seems as portrayed by the media.

 It's filled with hope, a hope for better days, it is filled with love, a love for music, a love for unity, an aim to echo it's music beyond borders. And it did so !

India is loving Coke studio Pakistan right now ! 

Songs like Chal Chaliye, 2 AM , Mehman, Piya piya calling -  has garnered more fan base in India. 

It has reached to the young minds and hearts of both the countries - which poses us a new question - Can the 'India - Pakistan' rivalry come to an end ? 

Optimistically , maybe in the near future.

The youth of today want a really good future, a peaceful one. 

Moreover the recently conducted elections in Jammu and Kashmir was successful. But at the same time, in Azad Kashmir ( PoK ) there were Roti - Bijli protests , 37% inflation slaying the people real hard.

This contrasting scenario has posed the need for a structured approach, towards a more united neighborhood and Pakistan giving up old grudges. 

We need an end, where no more Jawans are sacrificed, no more youth are polarised, no more drugs, no more terrorism. 

As Malala once said, " With guns you can kill terrorists, but with Education you can kill terrorism." 

Cultural unity can transform foes to bros. 

10 promises I made to myself (bonus 2 more)

Human beings evolve everyday, both mentally and physically. As Time passes by, in the process, it heals everything and changes the way you think. It might cut out some negative people in your life, it might add some kind and positive people to balance it out. But, as Time grows, we should also strive to grow better, developing a growth mindset. 

I promised myself with 10 rules,  for my future self,  to follow these golden when life gets low or out of my control. 

1. Always love yourself !  Loving yourself can change the whole perspective of your self-esteem. People can't understand what you are going through 

2. Health investment is the best investment 

3. Never give up on yourself

4. Do not compare your life to others. 

5. Digitally deconnect from toxic vibes. 

6. Identify toxic friends very early & detach / ghost, before they eat you inside out. 

7. There will be setbacks in life in every stages. But how you cope & regain strength matters.

8. Take care & be patient towards your parents and family. 

9. Always keep learning. Never get away from the learning curve. 

10. Never give a shit to your annoying relatives circle. Never listen to a single word from them,  especially, when they criticize or demotivate you. 

11. Show them, rather than justifying yourself, as Dhoni said -- Bat ah la pesu, Vai ah la illa. Let your success silence them. 

12. Leaders & successful people never take the right decision - but they make that decision right by working hard & smart towards it. 

If I were a boy ...

If I were a boy, I wouldn't have to do the dishes,

If I were a boy, I wouldn't have to wash the clothes, 

As my sister or mom would even wash my shoes.

If I were a boy, I would spend more time on my studies,

If I were a boy, I would get the whole day to focus on my career, my hobbies and goals. 

As I would get to undermine my sister's ambitions and dreams.

If I were a boy, I wouldn't be screamed at or judged for driving a bike. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn't be subjected to the constant criticism of my decisions,

As whatever decision I would take, would be the best. 

If I were a boy, I could spend late hours enjoying with my friends. 

If I were a boy, I would have the luxury to eat, and not to cook. 

As my mother and sister would take care of the kitchen. 

If I were a boy, I need not do 7 hours of unpaid household invisible labour. 

If I were a boy, I wouldn't be subjected to Double suppression. 

As patriarchy dictates that I need not contribute to the house that I live in. 

If I were a boy, I need not be careful,

If I were a boy, I could wake up even at midday,

As everything that I need would be provided for me. 

If only I were a boy...

Learn to be selfish

Yes. The title of this post is quite controversial. But, I really can't help it and I must share my thoughts on this ASAP. 

The other day, I was telling my mom - learn to be selfish. My mom was intrigued by this as you are. 

Calm down. Let me explain my theory. 

There is a thin line between being selfless and being selfish. In all places and situations you can't be exhibiting selflessness. And nobody expects you to be a philanthropic altruistic person. 

Sometimes we do selfless things for people so that, we may be liked and loved. But, we must realise that, there are 1.3 billion people on this planet, and getting everyone to like you is impossible. 

Rather, concentrate on YOU. Improve your mental health. Invest in your physical fitness. Be selfish when it comes to your health and peace of mind. When you're selfish in caring for you, only then you can care for others by being selfless. 

When you understand this thin line, you can see wonders happening to you. You get much more clarity and happiness in your approach to life.  There is less negativity surrounding you and you decide what to take in and leave out. 

When it comes to your health, YOU COME FIRST. Others all deserve a second place. 

Start learning to be selfish. 

 

Perseverance

Recently, I watched the movie - The Shallows - once again. A really good movie indeed .

 The main protagonist Nancy Adams, a doctor by profession , had lost her mother due to cancer, and wanted to visit a secluded place that her mother used to surf. 

After few months she visits the place and begins to surf. The locals assure her that there are no sharks or any other  wild sea animals in the bay. She surfs several times and enjoys the process.

When she goes for a final last surf,  she notices a dead whale floating on the ocean. To her dismay, the whale was killed by a great white shark, which eventually attacks her. Her leg is bleeding and she swims to a nearby stone and makes up amateur stitches in her leg with her necklace. The shark, also being a persistent animal, never gives up in attacking  her. Finally , Nancy manages to kill the shark by impaling it in buoy anchor.

The movie , though, a little dark vibed and anxious to watch, shows us the tenacity and courage of both Nancy and the shark. Neither of them gives up - either in attacking or by saving themselves. 

Pondering over it, I was in the conception that, even if a shark had such a determination to hunt Nancy, then , as humans, we must show a hella-lotta-courage on our approach to life.

COMFORT ZONES

Comfort zones are situations and places where we dwell upon almost all phases in our life. 

If Nancy had just waited for help without undertaking any efforts, she would have died waiting for her saviour. The same goes with us too. Many of us choose to be in our comfort zones, rather than exploring the other side. 

How to come out of your comfort zone? 

1.) At first, its very difficult to even identify the comfort zones. Many of us don't even realise that we have permanently lodged there. Next time, when you're feeling afraid to do some things, and the inner feeling in you says, "don't do it, stay where you are and be safe" - don't listen to it. This is how you know that you're in the comfort zone. 

2.) Acknowledge your inner feeling and act in the opposite way. Venture into that difficult task.

3.) You might not do well in your first attempt at that difficult task. But it's ok. Because every veteran was once a beginner. So, keep trying. 

4.) After many trys and failures, you achieve the growth mindset and succeed in your task. 

If a shark can have the tenacity to persevere, then why can't we ? 

Failures

All my school life I strived to be the best. I at least tried to be. But now , I have lost myself in the years. I'm searching for the old version of me -- the ambitious one , the optimistic one , the brave one. 

Where am I ? What am I doing ? Is it worth sacrificing all my precious youth for this ? Should I have chosen a different career path ? All these questions ponder my brain now. 

From a young age , I wasn't accustomed to many failures. I didn't know how the failures tasted. But last year , my first failure - failing to clear the UPSC prelims , was like a tornado hit upon me , demolishing me from within. I blamed myself heavily on the process. I blamed myself for everything. I didn't feel like doing anything and just watched movies on Netflix all day. 

Then, I appeared for many other competitive exams like TNPSC and SSC. 

Guess what... I failed in those too. 

I couldn't accept it. All my friends are well settled now , and I still feel so stagnant in my life. I didn't feel independent. I didn't feel courageous. I didn't feel anything. I felt so empty from within. 

Then , I read this beautiful quote on Google , 

This quote saved me. I realised that I have changed emotionally-- substantially . After a few months, I couldn't believe myself. 

I have become more braver now, more outspoken now. And, I have this discreet confidence lingering in me all the times.

Sometimes, all my body needs is rest. I have realised that, it's okay to be quiet and do nothing and sleep -- step away from all the chaos for sometime. It kinda relaxes me overall. 

And now , even though, failures taste bitter, I won't be able to avoid them in my whole life completely. It's a part and parcel of this beautiful process. Failures made me what I am today. I thank my failures for it, and decided to move on to be the " better me ".

Even though the whole world wouldn't believe me, I will believe in me and trust my process -- for sure. 

For , hope is being able to see the light in all the darkness.  

I'm in the process of learning to embrace my failures. And , I strongly believe, you will too. 

Cuarentena thoughts

 Cuarentena thoughts...

   I have always waited for a day, where I didn't have to keep an alarm to wake up. But, didn't expect it to be in this situation.  This had been a total unexpected blow this year for all of us.

The judgement day:

The day the results came out, the only question on my mind was, " Oh God, why us? " .

   There were a lot of " Nevers " I thought of.

1. Never thought our results would have turned positive.

2.Never thought we would be one among the 6pm Case load statistics.

3. Never thought they would put up a sticker in front our house.

4.Never thought I'll re-install Whatsapp.

(And there is much more!!! You would find it very boring though, if I continue the list 😜)

   The course of the battle:

      The first couple of days were very chaotic, for I didn't understand what to do. I was really angry with the whole wide world now (over- dramatic, I know;) It was like all my stacks of dreams, came down crushing, all at once.  

      The most dreadful things you have to do, when you're "positive" is that,

·      👉you have to take in chunks of medicines

·     👉drink those tormenting bitterest of bitter fluids

·      👉doing exercises to increase your SPO2 levels and

·     👉piles of chores, adapting to whole new routine.

     As days went by, I was like in a deep state of slumber, waiting to be woken up by some external force. Every day the same old routine - eat, movies, sleep, repeat. 

What I learnt during the course?

💢 What a dramatic change needed in our food habits! These were the days I had avoided all the junk and eaten really "healthy foods". 

💢‌ It was rather a fierce battle within our minds. This period demanded tough mental strength, which I rather didn't experience for a long time now.

💢 ‌My most favourite lesson of all - learn to accept the reality and cope up with it. It's okay to be angry and stressed. It all lies in the fact that how you recover from it.

The next factor:

  I had been in a state of conundrum on how will I proceed further, building my dreams again. Remember, the external force I mentioned earlier - there is no such thing like that. Don't wait for anyone or anything to rouse you from this state of hibernation. It all resides in you - internally. Taking a deep breath, start everything afresh.

 

The other day while I was watching the movie, "Eat, Pray, Love ", I really fell for an amazing line - "One must always be prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation". This helped me to embrace the metamorphosis, that I had been going through and be proud of it.

After all, this too shall pass...

 

   PS: Cuarentena is quarantine in Spanish.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

       

                  

      

     True to the words of Jane Austen who quoted , " I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives." These amazing women grabbed each and every opportunity, and shined bright.

Women in battlefield: 

When at a time , princesses and queens were merely dolled up, these women chose a different path and arose as leaders.

      Velu nachiyar was among the first to demonstrate agitations against the British. Not only did she go down in the pages of history for conducting the first suicidal bombings against the colonisers , but also as a great warrior , who impressed Hyder Ali with her sheer courage and perseverance.

     Bhima Bai Holkar, belonging to the brave Holkars of Indore, excelled in guerilla warfare. As her name itself says Bhima - brave, she suppressed the British advancement into the Holkar territories.

      Kittur Rani chinnamma, staged an armed rebellion against the British to protect her territory from annexation by doctrine of lapse and later imprisoned. Still now , she is celebrated as a heroic figure in erstwhile Karnataka and the Kittur Utsav is being celebrated in her memory. 

Women in the great revolt: 

     Drawing her inspiration from Bhima Bai Holkar, the Rani of Jhansi, was one among the efficient leaders of the Great revolt. From a very young age , she mastered archery and other skills. Though she was defeated by Hugh Rose, she metamorphsed the course of the battle and also inspired women in the years to come. 

      Begum Hazrat Mahal posed a big threat to the British. William Rusell, a reporter at The Times in 1858, quoted that the Begum had excited all in Oudh , encouraged her subjects to actively participate in the revolt. She prepared the modus operandi for the battle and put up a tough resistance for the British. Till her last breath, she refused to submit to the British inspite of the promises made by them.

Women in Indian Independence movement: 

    There are a lot women, whose legacy have been unheard of. Moolmati, the mother of Ram Prasad Bismil, showed valiant stances in the Freedom struggle and portrayed a different version of motherhood. When Ram Prasad Bismil, a revolutionary was hanged by the British, Moolmati exclaimed she was proud of her son and let her another son to participate in the struggle. 

    Gaidinliu, a Naga tribe, fought incessantly against the Britishers, who exploited the tribal community with high revenue taxes and cheap labour. After her imprisonment for 14 years, she strived hard for the upliftment of tribes. This earned her the name ,"Rani Gaidinliu - daughter of the hills", from Nehru. 

    There were a lot of women who were revolutionaries and chose the path of rebellion to achieve independence. 

    Bina das, who on the day of her graduation, fired shots at the Governor of Bengal, Stanley Jackson and underwent a rigid imprisonment. Right from a young age she resisted the colonisation and looking upon SC Bose as her role model, she actively involved in revolutionary movement and was in the forefront of Freedom struggle in Bengal. 

    Aruna Asaf Ali , went underground for years to escape her arrest for hoisting the Tricolour and actively involved in politics, women rights and other social issues throughout her life. 

   Lakshmi Sahgal , a doctor by profession, enthused with SC Bose's ideas, vigorously involved with the INA and continuously voiced out for women rights even on her deathbed.

  Women were also inspired by Gandhian ideals and clinged to them lifelong. 

“Where is the other half of Egypt? I see only men who represent half the country! Where are the mothers? Where are the sisters? You must not forget that the hands that rock cradles also build persons”, a line from the famous speech of Madame Bhikaji Cama, who saw women as capable leaders-in-making and encouraged them to participate in the Freedom struggle. It is very much intriguing that, she was an important figure in the struggle, but she did this all away from the Indian soil. She was a great orator and participated in world conferences, talking about India's struggle for freedom. 

   "This is congress radio, somewhere in India", must have troubled the British a lot. Usha Mehta, ran an underground congress radio setup against the British All India Radio.She had to make personal financial sacrifices to keep up the radio going. She later said that, "A transmitter of our own was perhaps one of the most important requirements for the success of the movement" .

     Gandhi was deeply inspired by Thillaiyaadi Valliamai's sacrifice. Being at a tender age of 15, she defied all the odds and fought against apartheid and the troubles of indentured labour in South Africa. 

    Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, was the most important figure in reviving Indian handicrafts and other cultural forms. She founded the Indian National theatre to revive theatre arts and helped in forming the Indian handicrafts board. 

    Sarojini Naidu , a well known name in the Independence movement, was an accomplished poetess. British philosopher and author Aldous Huxley wrote, " If all Indian politicians are like Mrs. Naidu, then the country is fortunate indeed.” She brought in more women participants in the Independence movement and was at the forefront in civil disobedience movement. 

   Rukimini Lakshmipati, was jailed for taking part in the Vedaranyam salt Satyagraha. She was greatly inspired by Sarojini Naidu and went on to become the first woman health minister of Tamil Nadu and advocated Ayurveda and other indigenous health systems. She joined hands with noted tamil literarian Kothainayaki ammal in the freedom struggle. 

    South India's Jhansi Rani was the title given to Anjalai ammal by Gandhi for her vigorous participation in the freedom movement. She also became the first women to involve in the non- cooperation movement from the south and sold all her properties and belongings to spend it for the freedom struggle. 

 Women in shaping the society: 

 A woman of many firsts - Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, earned huge respect from Gandhi , for her continuous fight against the evil devadasi system. Founder of the renowned Adayar cancer institute, she was an ardent activist for women and children rights , and fought for the Freedom cause alongside Sarojini Naidu and Annie Beasant . 

  The self respect movement in the south saw several women leaders coming out of their comfort zone . Nagammal, kannammal, Alarmelmangai thaayammal and Dr. Dharmambal to name a few. They sought gender equality and justice to not only women , but for the oppressed people from all walks of life. 

Surpassing the hurdles : 

   We can say that the present society has been moulded by these women warriors. All of them, broke the barriers of the conservative Indian mindset. They championed intercaste marriages, widow remarriages, women education, gender equality and several other rights. Some led a life of example for their ideals, thus setting a role model for the younger generation.  

   All these women , were educated . Some, exceptionally well versed. But yet, in present era India's female literacy rate is only 53.7%, creating a gender literacy gap of 21.6% in comparison with the males.

 True to the words of Ambedkar , 

"We shall see better days soon and our progress will be accelerated if male education is persuaded side by side with female education”, female literacy will create more dynamic leaders. Remembering and honouring all the fearless women would not suffice. Rather , holding on to their high virtues and following it , could change the course of our lives. 

PS: This is my attempt in writing an essay, for women's day, remembering the unheard sheroes...Thank you for reading it till the end...  Even if you didn't, it's ok 😜😜 Thank you for visiting my blog 😉😉

(This contains 20+ Indian women personalities all in one write-up.)