Amazing Women: Knocking out challenges!

The ‘Indian Woman’ has been making waves over the last couple of weeks. A landmark judgement by the Delhi High Court ruled that a woman can be a karta, a unique position of leadership in the Hindu Undivided Family defined by ancient Indian texts that has historically always been held by men. In a debate that stirred the nation, groups of women demanded equal rights to gain access and entry to places of worship. In other news, Indian businesswomen have been taking the start-up world by storm, and Indian sportswomen have been leaving a mark at various international tournaments.

“People used to say that boxing is for men and not for women and I thought I will show them some day. I promised myself and I proved myself.”

Mary Kom

In many ways it is a glorious time for women in India. With resilience and strength women in India have been beacons of hope and inspiration for generations overcoming prejudices, cultural barriers and inequality.

In recent times there have also been dire claims on the state of violence against women, lack of equal rights in not just workplaces but also other areas such as sports, politics, arts, culture and overall society have become issues of national concern and rightly so! However, despite the odds, there have been numerous women that have put India’s name on the world map.

From business leaders who are at the helm of affairs at some of India’s largest financial, technology and consumer businesses, to political powerhouses, sportswomen who have trained with dedication often with little resources or support, women who have authored globally acclaimed books, made music, arts and films that have wowed audiences the world over, climbed Everest, been on space missions, stood up for animal rights, feminism and societal welfare.

It is their examples that we can all emulate.

Let’s look at some of these successful, wonderful women and learn from their experiences to chart our own path to success.

Step out on the court with a clear goal. Saina Nehwal has witnessed prejudice throughout her career — whether it was critics who wrote her off too soon, or even her own extended family who were not too thrilled with her career choices. Saina has, however, come a long way since, and once said, “Once you are satisfied with your goal, it is the real happiness.” Get your head in the game and eye on your target, and you are set to roll!

Channel your inner Mary Kom and knock out challenges. The five-time world boxing champion once shared her story of determination saying, “People used to say that boxing is for men and not for women and I thought I will show them some day. I promised myself and I proved myself.” Hailing from a humble background, Mary Kom had to overcome insurmountable odds right from limited financial backing to undue societal and cultural pressures.

Read the full article by subscribing to the print magazine or the digital edition.