This weekend, I met some amazing young women who were all pursuing undergraduate / technical course in the city. Each was from a marginalised background, and had overcome almost unimaginable obstacles to get here.
Many had lost one or both parents, some had escaped child labour or child marriage, all were from socially and economically backward communities.
Yet, they had prioritised the need to get an education, and were hoping it would help them break the poverty cycle.
Since I always land up early for any event, I was able to spend time with some of them. The stories they told about how the survived the lockdown were horrific- stories similar to the ones we read about, but chilling since they were recounted by people who had survived it.
The other thing common to them was that they were all ambitious. Though most were first generation school graduates, they all dreamt of clearing the competitive exams, or getting jobs as teachers.
Reservations were created to help people like this, and it made me happy to know that at least some of them would be able to avail them, and achieve their ambitions.
I couldn't have asked for a happier #WomansDay
They inspired me to keep doing what we do because it matters.
When the time came to address them, I was at a loss for words. What advice could I give to a group of women who had overcome obstacles I cannot even comprehend. They didn't need me to tell them they are already winners; they know it.
In a voice choked with emotion, I could just remind them that after what they have overcome to get this far, nothing could be beyond their grasp. That they should continue to dream, and make those dreams come true.
That is the true meaning of #WomansDay
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