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Come 8th of March every year and the populace across the entire globe are agog with activities and enthusiasm to celebrate (read observe) the International women’s day. On this day the menfolk irrespective of their race, faith, profession, and social strata endeavour pay their debt of gratitude to all female who touch their lives: mothers, grannies, aunts siblings cousins, wives all these and more relationships that exist in innumerable societies and cultures.
Come to think of it India has emerged as the 3rd most powerful economy in the world. But has this benefited the common female on the street in any manner ? Not really. There are countless instances of domestic violence, dowry demand resulting in mysterious, tragic deaths of the hapless brides, divorces on flimsy grounds, marital rape, molestation or sexual abuse by acquaintances and relatives galore; lately there has arisen a diabolic phenomenon: lovers, husbands live-in partner brutally chopping their sweethearts’ bodies only to stack them in refrigerators or scattering them in the woods for carnivores to feast on! If these aren’t disgrace nay cruelty to the Eve then what is?
Yes, our Nation has dispatched spacecrafts to Earth’s own Moon and planet Mars … the latest to join the bandwagon is a similar spacecraft headed to the Sun. Now, look at the girl clad in rags, selling flowers, pens toys at traffic signals and crossroads; blissfully unaware she screws up her eyes to look up when the Sun is too hot…and wipes the sweat off her brow.
Or consider the beggar woman in tattered garbs with a whining naked child in her arms; the poor mite’s face plastered with dirt, dry tears, and phlegm. It is heart wrenching to realize how all the progress and prosperity of the land fails to provide daily bread to the humblest of its citizens.
The recent decades have witnessed a mushrooming of schools colleges universities and technical institutes . As per the latest reports of National Statistical Office (NSO), the female literacy rate in India is approximately 70.3 per cent. In 2015, the Government of India launched the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme to create awareness about gender discrimination and women empowerment in the country. A commendable step indeed.
But the change must come from within the hearts of our Men at the grass root level of society. They are wont to browbeat and bully their women into silence for fear of physical abuse. A shout out to them: Please for Heaven’s take treat the women with dignity respect and tenderness; they too have the right to a good life. The time is Now
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It is a blessed feeling to envision a world that is built on the pillars of diversity, inclusion, harmony, and fairness. International Women’s Day 2024 is based on a brilliant theme: Inspire Inclusion. The presence of women in all walks of life is important because they are the backbone of families and communities.
A woman in her different avatars can create wonders. As we talk about female empowerment and gender equality, there are an infinite number of questions and issues that we need to ponder upon.
How difficult is it for a woman to strike a balance between her responsibilities at home and in the workplace? Are women as powerful as men? How important is it for women to support other women? How should the aging process be handled? The list just does not end.
I pick four phenomenal women who are icons of woman power. Over the years, they have shared their take on these issues that are often discussed in today’s world.
“I don’t think women can have it all” – Indra Nooyi
It is a big task for a woman to efficiently manage both work and her family, and she cannot do it all by herself. Former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi explains that the biological clock and the career clock are in total conflict with each other. When a woman plans to have kids, that could also be the time when she actually needs to build her career. Then again, as she reaches middle management, her role as a mother warrants that she give attention to her teenage children. She shares how she and her husband really had to work hard to meticulously plan their life and make sure their girls were cared for.
According to Nooyi, there are not as many woman CEOs because they face the challenge of juggling work and their families. She feels that young family builders and women need adequate support for the advancement of their careers.
Nooyi imparts an intelligent piece of advice to young women who dream of reaching the summit. She tells them to think carefully about what they want from life:
“Think hard about the climb to the top. It is a pyramid. It gets very, very steep… Once you decide to go for it, build a support structure that\’s second to none because that\’s what you\’re going to need.”
“A woman has to be stronger than a man” – Sudha Murty
A trailblazer who inspires millions, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty’s journey to break the glass ceiling dates back to the 1970’s. In her early twenties, she had confronted industrialist J.R.D Tata on his company’s sexist hiring policies.
Murty advises young women to be bold and to speak their minds at work. If they feel that they are qualified for any job, they need to move forward themselves to reach the goal.
Humility is what defines Murty, and among others, one of her greatest qualities is her terrific sense of humor. During a conclave at Bengaluru, she said: “I just want to tell all young entrepreneurs that it is very difficult to deal with a more successful man. They are not normal, they are eccentric, they don’t have logic at home – only in the office\”.
Acting as the perfect cheerleader, she appreciated the power of women and continued: “And a woman has to be stronger than a man. He (Murthy) may be very strong in his company, but I am double of that. Every entrepreneur’s wife, I feel, she is more gifted, more hard-working than their husband, a better manager, an excellent CEO, and a great companion”.
“We cannot be catty” – Michelle Obama
Women need to be there for each other for the upliftment of their sorority. Former First Lady of the USA Michelle Obama strongly believes that unless women all over the world love, value, and cherish each other, there will be no progress. Like a best friend, one woman needs to hold the other’s back to provide support at all times.
Obama points out that we are sometimes taught the wrong thing: that only by competing and holding someone back can we succeed.
She stresses that we cannot be catty and adds, “We cannot compete and see one person’s failure as our success. We can all rise together. We can all win.”
“Being told I’m ageless isn’t right” Cindy Crawford
Aging is a natural process, and a woman should accept these physical changes with pride and dignity. American supermodel Cindy Crawford, in an interview with Haute Living, said that being called ageless puts too much pressure on her. She is happy with the way that she is and does not want to look like a 25-year-old because she is not one.
She is aware that her face has gotten much thinner and that her mouth is not as full, but she embraces these changes happily and does not let them come in the way of her career path. Although she sometimes does not feel as confident, authenticity is what she values, and she keeps her real self going. In Crawford’s words: “Aging is what happens if we’re lucky… It means that I’m alive.”
It is not a smooth ride. With the jolts and bumps, women need to continue their journey. And only by being persistent and proactive can they facilitate the process of creating a playground of which equality, inclusion, respect, and acceptance are the cornerstones.
With the special occasion on March 8, here’s to wishing all women around the globe a very happy International Women’s Day!
Trigger Warning: This speaks of stalking, violence against women, and murder by a stalker, and may be triggering to survivors.
Justice prevailed after 6 long years.
A ‘NO’ once said or said over a thousand times holds only the same meaning when uttered by a woman.
Ashwini, a college-going 20-year-old student was stalked by a man in the year 2018 in Chennai. On Valentine’s Day, he barged into the house and tied the Mangal sutra forcibly around her neck after which he claimed her to be his wife. The girl’s mother had filed a complaint with the police. He was warned and informed not to trouble her again. Yet the stalking continued.
On an afternoon in the same year, he cornered Ashwini right outside her college when she was heading home. He was not ready to let go of her despite the earlier happenings. He threatened her that he would set himself ablaze if she did not accept him. Still, she stood bold in her stand and moved back a few steps away from him. At that moment, he took out a knife and slashed her throat. The passersby caught him and thrashed him down. Later he was handed over to the police. The forensic reports matched her blood stains on his shirt and evidence was unshakeable in this crime.
A few days ago, the verdict was out and he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Love cannot be imposed on one another. Men say they love a girl deeply which in a few minutes turns deadly into revenge when they are being rejected by them.
To him, his family nor his life mattered. He was not afraid to commit the crime in broad daylight. Do movies influence them? Or do friends encourage them in this way? The answer is unknown.
The responsibility lies within the individual and then with his family. As education focuses on many topics, the importance of respecting women also needs its share of space in the upbringing of every child. The topics of inclusion and equality no longer can stay on paper but need to enter every individual’s mind in the right way.
Let these incidents turn into lessons to prevent such happenings in the future.
Image source: YouTube/ still from the film Ranjhaanaa
In every Indian household, from the morning breakfast to the evening dinner, the unique flavour and taste present in every dish make it impossible to find a similar experience anywhere else in the world. Anyone who visits India and tastes the local cuisine even once cannot forget it, as the meals here come with a special ingredient – love and affection.
Whether it’s the taste of a mother’s cooking or the unique flavour from the hands of grandmothers, our minds are captivated because it includes their care and boundless love for us. And it’s not limited to a few women; you’d be surprised to know that every Indian woman has a distinct taste and richness in her cooking.
One city that is renowned for its food in India is Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Known as a paradise for food lovers, this city boasts diverse markets where you can find a wide variety of culinary delights that will make your mouth water.
The entire city is a bustling marketplace where you will encounter so many varieties of food and drinks that witnessing them might leave you salivating.
In this very city, to spread the taste of their own hands, Ramkali and Seema from the Kalaria village in the district of Indore, associated with the Kalaria village’s Sai Self-Help Group, had decided to start their own food truck. They had made up their minds, but the question remained about where they would get the money to initiate this venture.
Though there were concerns, there was also a belief that something would work out. Both of them were part of a self-help group, and they knew the benefits of being associated with it. They realized that if they wanted, they could obtain the necessary funds through this group. They were confident about securing a loan.
These women discovered that in Indore, under the DAY (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana) state Rural Livelihood Mission, a project called ‘Ajeevika Mission Swad Sangam Food Truck’ had been initiated. Once they learned about this opportunity, they decided that they would not let it slip away under any circumstances. Officials from the government also extended their complete support to these women.
An event was organised in Indore where these women were honoured with the key to their food truck in the bustling marketplace. During the Republic Day celebrations on January 26th, they were also given the opportunity to launch their livelihood Swad Sangam Food Truck. This was a significant opportunity for these women associated with the Self Help Group.
A woman from the group, Ramkali, expressed, “I am happy that our group got this opportunity, and both of us received the food truck. We will serve customers delicious and clean food. Our effort is to cater to the preferences of students and everyone else. It brings us great joy to share that on the very first day, we earned Rs. 2000.”
These women have been provided with the opportunity to establish a new identity along with becoming self-reliant. The government is consistently encouraging these women. Members of this group have received training from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management in Bhopal, ensuring they face no shortcomings in their work. These women have also taken a loan to enhance and expedite their business.
This is not the first time that women have resolved to progress in their work in this manner. Today’s woman is awake and determined to improve her life in any way possible, regardless of the challenges she may face.
Ravivar Vichar has made a commitment to bring forth the stories of every such woman and make us aware of their lives.
In this WomensWebXMahilaMoney impact series, we bring you entrepreneurs like Seema and Ramkali who had not just the ambition to grow, but took the steps needed to bring their dreams to fruition. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App on Google Playstore or visiting the website here.
Nowadays, when people talk about gender equality, I find it very strange. No matter how advanced the society has become, differences are still maintained between men and women. There is still a perception that a woman’s place is primarily in the domestic sphere.
Let us shed light on the reasons behind society’s skewed perception and challenge the stereotypes associated with mothers who are actively engaged in shaping the future of their children.
From a young age, individuals are often taught gender stereotypes that dictate traditional roles and responsibilities. Women are expected to be caregivers, while men are encouraged to be aspiring providers. These ingrained beliefs perpetuate the misconception that the mother’s role is limited to the home, prioritising child care over professional activities.
A prevalent myth associated with motherhood is the notion of sacrifice. Society romanticise the idea of selflessly devoting oneself to raising children, often at the expense of personal ambitions. While parenthood undoubtedly requires sacrifice, it should not come at the expense of a woman’s personal goals and aspirations. Embracing motherhood does not equate to giving up one’s identity or professional activities.
Despite societal progress, double standards regarding parenting roles persist. While fathers are often appreciated for their involvement in their children’s lives, mothers who prioritise their careers or personal aspirations are scrutinised. This disparity reflects deeply entrenched biases that undermine a woman’s capacity for autonomy and professional fulfilment.
Contrary to popular belief, mothers who actively pursue their career goals serve as powerful role models for their children. By demonstrating ambition, resilience and determination, these women teach valuable lessons of independence and self-worth to their offspring. Furthermore, their success challenges traditional gender norms and promotes a more inclusive society where women are celebrated for their diverse contributions.
Breaking free from societal expectations takes courage and flexibility. Mothers who violate traditional norms may face criticism, criticism, and even backlash from their communities. However, by prioritising their personal growth and professional development, these women pave the way for future generations to adopt a more egalitarian approach to parenting and gender roles.
The notion that a woman’s role is limited to domestic duties is an outdated and harmful notion that undermines gender equality and stifles individual potential. Mothers are empowered to pursue their passions and aspirations while actively contributing to their children’s future. By challenging societal norms and adopting a more inclusive definition of motherhood, we can create a world where women will be empowered to thrive personally and professionally, and where the future of our children will be looked after regardless of gender. It will be shaped by the unlimited potential of those who do it.
Women women women..
What is it you want?
Why nothing is enough for you?
Why do you always scorn?
Your rights are in place.
You have benefits and legal aid.
Family support is constant
And your career is brilliant!
Then why you are always on the edge?
Holding on to pain and suffrage!
Sometimes searing with rage,
Sometimes brimming with regret.
With a soft smile, the woman sighs!
Her smile barely reaches her eyes.
For she has learned the hard way to live
That her intentions will always be misconceived.
For she knows not how to express
The urge to be loved cared and respected!
Neither with diamonds nor with chocolates.
But with hands held close through pain and distress.
For she knows not how to explain
The pangs of guilt that kill her within.
Be it her meetings or her chores –
Her ‘not being enough’ is a constant scorn.
She tries hard, to put up a strong face,
As she hurries down through a desolate place
During the wee hours, on an empty lane
Wondering if something happens, will people blame her, yet again?
She is tired of trying every time
Making everyone believe her mind.
Not what others expect her to be.
Rather, what she dreams of becoming.
So now she stays silent and upright.
Lost in her thoughts but strong in her mind.
Working her way through the noise,
Growing, falling, and becoming one of her kind!
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
The film looks at rural India with a loving gaze while still showing its jagged edges. One of the in-law families reacts with shock and despair, while the other is transactional to the extreme, more upset that the lost bride was wearing jewellery gifted by them than the loss of the bride herself. The chilling reference to bride burning that has been hushed up because the groom was a local strong man, the forceful pushing of a girl into marriage just because it’s what society expects, rather than asking the girl what she wants, bringing up a girl to be useful in her sasural rather than independent – these themes are so relevant even today. It goes into recognisable territory with the MLA, closeness to whom confers a certain amount of influence to prod the local bureaucracy into doing their job, but who couldn’t care less about the people he represents unless he can use them for electoral benefit. The director has been careful to point out, in an ironic scene, that it is all religions, not just Hinduism, that women’s identities are covered up – a necessity in the republic of taking offence.
A fun detail is the sports quota female cop who is hardhanded but who ducks out of meetings for her ‘anda’ allowance. The movie also has an optimistic heart – when you think of what ills might have befallen these women vs that they mostly meet good people and land on their feet. Little touches like the groom trying to impress his new wife by speaking English, or the way the bride finally finds the courage to call him by name in public are very sweet, while a mother in law and daughter in law pondering the idea of ‘teraying’ to forge a new equation makes you smile.
There are many metaphors woven in subtly, or perhaps that’s just the overanalyst in me. For instance, there is a hinterland custom of getting into a train wherever it halts, if there is no station nearby. This is jugaad but also a marker for a directionless life where you are just blown along by circumstances. The fact that one of the bride’s doesn’t even know the name of her destination underlines the way that so many women just have their life’s course decided for them.
The cast is fabulous, be it the newbies or the older, experienced actors. Sparsh Srivastava as the naive, loving new groom brings a sweetness to his role and is ably backed by Nitanshi Goel as the naive, helpless, trusting bride who is almost childlike in her reactions. Her transformation is believably done, without her turning into either a cynic or a revolutionary. Pratibha Ranta looks a little too polished to be a village girl but that could be my stereotypes coming into play, and acts her part well. Durgesh Kumar as the clueless cop is recognisable as the memefest-favourite ‘Dekh Raha hai Binod’ from Panchayat, while Chhaya Kadam does the trope of a cynical but goodhearted woman without any surprises. Ravi Kishan is having a blast as you can see, with his corrupt, pan chewing, cynical cop take and walks away with any scene he is in.
Among the few weaknesses is a tendency to pontificate and the trope of new bride changing old attitudes, like we saw in Rocky Aur Rani, with the transformations coming about a little too quickly – the action is supposed to have taken place over a period of 4 days. But that’s forgivable in a movie that gives you so many reasons to tear up, or to laugh, including the ‘bidaai’ scene with its retort of ‘tu hi saath chala ja’ – IYKYK!
In a Bollywood now dominated by ‘projects’ – large bloated budgets mostly vehicles for star presence and many lacking a coherent story or characterisation, direction marked by louder-bolder-darker, Kiran Rao’s movie is a gem. Subtle direction, a fabulous story and authentic performances make it a truly special one. There is a 14 year gap between her last film, Dhobi Ghat, and this one. But I hope she will not be Laapataa for as long before her next venture!
In the heart of Vellore, where the hustle and bustle of daily life often overshadows dreams, Bhavana Reddy, a determined fishmonger, embarked on a journey that would shape her future and send ripples of inspiration through the community.
In this WomensWebXMahilaMoney impact series, we bring you entrepreneurs like Bhavana Reddy who had not just the ambition to grow, but took the steps needed to bring their dreams to fruition. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App on Google Playstore or visiting the website here.
Bhavana’s fascination with fish, an affinity that goes beyond the ordinary, became the driving force behind ‘Good Day Sea Food’. She dreamed of providing the city with high-quality, fresh, healthy live fish. Despite scepticism from those around her, Bhavana pressed forward, fueled by a passion that refused to be extinguished.
For three years, Bhavana Reddy tirelessly managed her live fish business while pursuing her CA, balancing the ebb and flow of entrepreneurial responsibilities with the demands of academics. “Nurturing a fish takes time and dedication, much like achieving your goals,” she reflects, her eyes reflecting the wisdom gained from both her studies and her aquatic companion.
However, the turning point came when Bhavana envisioned expanding her business to a better locality. Capital became the elusive key, and despite her husband’s support, the financial gap seemed insurmountable. It was at this juncture that Mahila Money stepped in, offering a lifeline in the form of a business loan without the burden of collateral.
“Securing the loan from Mahila Money was a breath of fresh air. The process was not just smooth; it was a testament to their trust in my vision,” Bhavana shares, her gratitude evident. The loan amount became the catalyst for Good Day Sea Food’s expansion, breathing life into her dreams.
With the capital, Bhavana invested wisely in oxygen cylinders, live fish stock, and essential supplies. The new branch, aptly named ‘Good Day Sea Food’, materialised and flourished. The Mahila Money loan paved the way for Bhavana to obtain a trade license, marking the official start of a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.
The impact of Mahila Money on Bhavana’s life was transformative. The new branch in Vellore catapulted her monthly income by an impressive 25,000 INR, bringing financial stability. Bhavana’s ability to fully support her family became a testament to the ripple effect of empowering women entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, Bhavana envisions two more thriving centres in Tirupati, proof of her newfound confidence and business acumen. “Mahila Money Loan not only boosted my income but gave me the courage to take calculated risks and nurture my business,” she expresses with gratitude. “To fellow women entrepreneurs, I say, embrace your dreams with Mahila Money’s seamless lending process. #JiyoApneDumPe – Live life on your terms!”
Trigger Warning: This contains descriptions of mental health trauma and suicide, and may be triggering for survivors.
Author’s note: The language and phraseology used are not the author’s words but the terms and narrative popularly used for people living with mental illnesses, and may feel non-inclusive. It is merely for putting our point across better.
I have seen how horrifying was the treatment given to those with mental illness.
In the early eighties in my grandmother’s village in Himachal Pradesh, every winter vacation, one subject of curiosity for me besides village life was a man who used to be tied to a wooden pillar on the ground floor of his house with thick ropes. Sometimes he would be calm and composed, call us to go near him and he would smile at us kids and at other times he would be extremely agitated and throw pebbles at us or hurl abuses. The common belief was he was “possessed” but generally he was the target of ridicule and amusement for most.
I could never forget how he would howl and howl for food or water, while his wife worked to support their three kids. How he would be taken inside after sunset chained.
Its only now that when I look back at it, I realize he was not just living with a mental illness but also being abused by a family who didn’t know any better. He was not only denied treatment but also compassion and basic human rights. He passed away a few years later.
Many years later I met his wife who told me she had to give in to the panchayat’s demand to chain him.
Several years later when I was a teenager, a neighbor lost her only son on his maiden journey aboard a merchant navy ship. Overnight his mother became someone else, she would keep talking to herself loudly, roam in the neighborhood alone at odd hours, attempted to kill herself. Finally, her husband put their other two kids in a boarding and her in an institution while he sailed.
Met her daughter after almost a decade, and I came to know she was institutionalized for many years before she passed away. Her daughter said, “I still can’t forget how she suffered and how helpless we were.” She also talked about the stigma both she and her sister faced because of their mother’s illness for jobs and marriages and how it left their father also in chronic depression.
These are two of the thousands of mental health tragedies around us. We would accept criminals back into the society but even those mental health patients who recover fully or partially after treatment are not accepted in families, in society. In the “connected but lonely” world of today we need to be even more sensitive to people who need a shoulder to rest their head on, a listening ear, a sympathetic gesture and professional help. Sometimes a little effort to let them vent and hear could save a life, could save a family.
As an Indian woman, I’ve witnessed the pervasive silence surrounding mental health in our society all my life. It’s a topic shrouded in stigma, swept under the rug, and seldom discussed openly. Despite being a buzzword, mental health remains an “untouchable” space, with few willing to confront it head-on. However, my journey as a survivor and advocate has led me to recognize the urgent need for change.
In recent years, social media platforms like Instagram have seen an influx of self-proclaimed mental health influencers. While their intentions may be noble, their approach often falls short, perpetuating toxic positivity in the guise of awareness. This phenomenon is particularly concerning as it trivializes the complex realities of mental illness, offering quick fixes and superficial solutions.
Amidst this backdrop, the plight of Indian women’s mental health often goes unnoticed. While Women’s Day is celebrated annually with fervor, the conversation rarely extends to the psychological well-being of women. Instead, the focus remains on superficial discounts and promotions, neglecting the deeper issues at hand.
Fueled by these observations, my co-founder Vivek Satya Mitram and I conceived the idea of the Bharat Dialogues Women & Mental Health Summit.
Our goal was simple yet ambitious: to initiate a multi-dimensional conversation about mental health, specifically tailored to the experiences of Indian women. We envisioned a platform where survivors, caregivers, professionals, and advocates could come together to share their stories, insights, and strategies for change.
The summit would serve as a catalyst for breaking the silence surrounding women’s mental health in India. It would provide a safe space for individuals to speak openly about their struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. Through panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, participants would explore topics ranging from self-care and resilience to systemic barriers and cultural taboos.
I envision survivors bravely sharing their stories to experts offering valuable insights, every voice adding depth and resonance to the conversation. I am aiming to find sensitive and sensitised Media coverage bringing attention to the issues discussed, sparking public discourse and policy debates. Local organizations launching initiatives providing much-needed support and resources to women in need. Most importantly, individuals who had previously suffered in silence finding solace in knowing they were not alone.
Tell your story. Shout it. Write it. Whisper it if you have to. But tell it. Some won’t understand it. Some will outright reject it. But many will thank you for it. And then the most magical thing will happen. One by one, voices will start whispering, ‘Me, too.’ And your tribe will gather. And you will never feel alone again. – L.R. Knost
In our world, being a part of a minority group, any minority, is always extremely challenging.
It brings with itself very systemic issues of acknowledgement, acceptance and inclusivity. Almost always. For example – ethnic minorities, religion driven minorities, etc.
Today I am going to talk about a minority group that I belong to, in a world which has merely 10%-15% of people like me. I am talking about a minority group which consists of Bill Gates, Leonardo da Vinci, Amitabh Bachchan, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Barack Obama! Any guesses?
Well, I am referring to the left handers of the world, the group of people for whom left is not right and right is wrong. It may amuse a few as to why this is a topic for discussion in a TED talk. You will get to know as I proceed.
Before I start, we need to address an extremely important question…
What makes a person left- handed? And why is it so rare? Clare Porac, a professor of psychology at Pennsylvania State University who studies handedness, explained that there are two alleles (uh-leels), or two manifestations of a gene at the same genetic location, that are related with handedness; the D gene and the C gene. Now the D gene promotes right handedness; but the presence of the C gene means that one can be either right- handed or left- handed; there exists a 50% chance for each. As you would have figured out by now, the D gene is more commonly found in the population and is more likely to occur as part of the genetic heritage of an individual. The genetic position that controls hand preference of a person contains an allele from each parent, and there are 3 possible genetic combinations. Individuals who are DD are strongly right-handed, DC individuals are also mostly right-handed, and CC individuals are either right-handed or left-handed.
Now that we know about the true cause of why people have different hand preferences, let’s go into the actual problem here.
So, seemingly a non-issue for 85 to 90% of world’s population, left handers do not exactly have a joy ride. Just to share a few situations, many school desks are made only keeping in mind the right handers, these desks have an arm rest/ writing pad convenient only for the right handers. The regular stationery one gets like scissors, pens, and even rulers are suitable for right handers only. Just think about it. Our script (in most languages) is written from left to right. Try writing in your notebook from right to left with your right hand. It is quite difficult! Many left handers adapt to using right- handed products in their own unique way. For example, almost all scissors are made for right- handed people. Therefore, a left- handed person would have to hold scissors like this. Even after adapting to using right- handed scissors, a dangerous long- term effect on the hand would ensue. This has already happened to professional hairstylist Simran Singh, according to the economic times.
As one grows older and finds their ways of dealing with the world meant for the right, including learning to write in a way that the ink does not smudge, unfortunately, there are numerous more challenges waiting to be embraced.
Due to the rarity of left- handed people, numerous cultures around the world believed that people who prefer their left hand were dirty, gross, and evil. Even after the scientific explanations, many cultures continue to hate left- handed people. For example, a little boy from Rajasthan was forced to use his right hand in school; but because he could not, he was continuously punished and finally removed from the school! Only because he was a left- handed person!
Back home, talking about my experience of being a left hander, I would like to share a rather amusing incident that happened with me. A priest who was invited to perform a puja at our home, requested all of us to offer flowers to deities from our right hand. When I used my left hand instead, he objected and next I heard a logic defying argument that offerings to God has to be using right hand and left hand is quote unquote, un- auspicious. This was followed by a mini lecture (even my parents were not spared) on how I should try and use my right hand as it is a bad omen to be left hander, something like a troll. Needless to mention that I am keenly observed by the same priest with extreme curiosity and apprehension whenever he pays visit to us.
My parents were sternly advised to forcibly change my natural inclination of using my left hand. Grateful I am that better senses prevailed, and they let me grow naturally. It is important that way because being a left hander or a right hander is not a matter of choice but according to the dominance of brain.
While I was researching on this topic, I found out that in India, conventional families reject girls to be their daughters in law if they are left- handed! Girls are made to cook using right hand as their predominant hand, even if it isn’t. If we start to go to the roots of our country, I am sure we will find many such bizarre superstitions attached to a left hander.
Being a left- handed is not a disability, dysfunction, nor does it require a special treatment anywhere. This is not a story of inequality or a fight for rights. This is the story of lack of awareness. This is the story of social and mental prejudices. What needs to be done is to counter the rampant practices associated with the left handers being a taboo. What is needed… is only a little bit of empathy and acknowledgement in using one’s left hand as their predominant one.
After all, Left is also Right!
(PS: I came on a Youth TedTalk 3 years back and spoke about this but want it to be read by more and more people)
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