Being Woman

Being woman is such a great and special feeling. It is a matter of pride. Being a woman gives a feeling of being special, with some special powers which God has selected and bestowed on woman because HE knows that women are strong enough to sustain those powers –

· The power of kindness, compassion and unconditional love,

· The power of multitasking and managing everything with equal attention,

· The power to prepare delicious food,

· The power of having periods and bearing the pains attached to it,

· The power to bear and sustain life,

· The power to gel up in the new family after marriage,

· The power to look after everyone's needs, etc

These are just a few of the numerous powers a woman has. But unfortunately, some sections of society and people do not give that respect and place to woman which she deserves.

Today, I will discuss an inspirational story of a girl named Jyoti and the way she proved to everyone what a woman can do.

Jyoti had a sweet family of four members. Jyoti, her mother, father and an elder brother Deepak. It seems to be a small and sweet nuclear family. But it was not so. Jyoti's father was not so happy when she took birth. He regretted having a second child as Jyoti was a girl. But, Jyoti's mother loved both her kids equally. Jyoti's father always loved and encouraged Deepak and she always felt slighted. She was a bright student and always succeeded with flying colours. On the contrary, her brother Deepak was an average student. But still, he was appreciated Jyoti's hard work was left unnoticed. Her only support in the family was her mother who taught her to believe in herself. She always taught her that people and society will always have something to say, but this should not discourage you.

Jyoti never had any grudges against her father and brother. She always loved them. As Jyoti grew up, her father told her that he would not bear the cost of her education as he has to pay high fees for her brother Deepak's education. Jyoti agreed and she decided to bear to cost of her own studies. She started to work as an Assistant Accountant in a small office nearby. She used to work in two shifts and along with that she also managed her studies and household work.

Her interest in accounting field developed to such an extent that she decided to pursue C.A. as her career. On the other hand, Jyoti's father invested all his savings for Deepak's Engineering studies. After completion of their respective studies, both Jyoti and Deepak were well settled in their respective career. Jyoti gave a part of her salary at home every month.

Jyoti got married as per her parent's wish and after one year, her brother also got married. She was happy in her married life. Even after marriage, she regularly managed her time and used to visit her parents and was always available for any kind of help. On the contrary, Deepak was completed changed after marriage. He was never interested in taking care of his parents and their health. He was concerned only about his wife and son. This continued to happen. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and months into years.

Few years later, Jyoti's father fell ill. He underwent a treatment and was diagnosed with a heart disease which could be cured by operation. Doctor quoted high fees. He did not had that much of money. His only ray of hope to give such high fees was his son Deepak. He contacted Deepak for money. But shockingly, he refused by giving a reason that he has to send his son abroad for higher studies. So, he cannot give money to his father for treatment. Jyoti's father was completely dumbstruck upon hearing this.

When Jyoti came to know about her father, she ran to him, consoled him and said, "Don't worry Papa. I am with you. I will pay the entire doctor's fees. You will be healthy again." He had tears rolling down his cheeks on hearing this. He recalled all those past days when he told Jyoti that he would not bear the cost of her education, and today that same girl is paying doctor's fees to save his life. On the contrary, the son for whom he invested all his money was ignoring to pay even a penny for his treatment. He also recalled how unhappy he was when Jyoti took birth and it is the same girl who is giving him a new lease of life, a new birth.

This incident was reality check for Jyoti's father. He underwent a surgery which was successful. He started living a healthy life again. He apologized to Jyoti for being so biased and demoralizing towards her. He gained huge respect and love for her. It was new phase in Jyoti's life. She felt as if she was born again. She got both mother's and father's love.

This story of Jyoti reveals many aspects and qualities of being a woman –

· Jyoti always had love for her father even when he did not love her. (Woman has a heart filled with unconditional love, compassion and kindness)

· Jyoti became independent at a young age, managed her studies and job and excelled with flying colours. ( Women are champion in multitasking and are intelligent)

· She gave a part of her earrings at home every month. (Women are givers and have caring nature )

· She pursued C.A. and made her own career. (Women are independent. They make their own strong place in this world.)

· She always took care of her parents and was always available when needed even after marriage. (Women are capable of striking a perfect balance between relations and other things in life)

· Jyoti helped her father in his treatment, while her brother rejected to help. (Daughter will remain daughter even if she gets married)

Woman is the Universe and Nature in herself. She plays many roles – a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother – all with equal devotion and unconditional love. She works relentlessly around the clock cleaning, chopping, cooking, nursing, managing her own job, taking care of family and children, looking after every minute work, etc. She is great at multitasking and performs every work with perfection and ease -- one eye on the television set and other on the food she cooks, one ear always on alert mode in case someone calls her and other on the phone, one hand serving food to her family and other hand managing her office work. She is a superwoman to another level.

I am happy that the status of woman is changing positively today as compared to ancient times. Today, women are professional, independent and bread-earners for their families. They are breaking all the stereotype and orthodox thinking and setting an example that they are no less in any way than men. Savitribai Phule, Razia Sultana, Neerja Bhanot, Kiran Bedi, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Indra Nooyi, etc are few of the great inspirational women who act as a driving force of motivation for all other women.

In this male dominated world, women are proving their mettle and showing to the world that they can no longer be dominated and suppressed. They have their own individuality and voice.

I have a message for all the men. Please respect women, treat them properly with dignity, support and understand them and also teach your son's the same.

I also have a message for every woman reading this. Recognise your inner fire, strength and capabilities. You are much stronger than you think. Do not let other's opinion and word's dull your sparkle. Break the silence, the walls and the thoughts that stop you from moving ahead in life. Always wear confidence and be your own motivation. Value and respect yourself first before anyone else. Be unstoppable.

Feel proud for BEING WOMAN as you are God's and Universe's most specially crafted and gifted creation.

Maya Angelou has very rightly said – "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."