Celebrating inspiring stories of women who sowed the seeds of change

For centuries, Diwali has been symbolic of the victory of veracious over diabolical, a story that all of us have grown up listening to. The homecoming of the valiant lord Rama, after successfully defeating ferocious Ravana, right? But this festival holds a deeper meaning that most of us usually do not think of. Going down to the brass tacks, Diwali derives its actual significance from recognizing the strength of women, celebrating their empowerment, and denouncing the archaic ideology of her as an inferior being. So, this Diwali let’s eulogize the inspiring stories of women!

The women who have challenged the status quo, beaten the odds, and paved the way for our generation to break through that glass ceiling. What can be a better time to remember them, reflect on their accomplishments, and take a step to carry forward their legacy! 

Duly, let’s share a few facts on why today and every day forward, these women need to be celebrated.

“Our unity is our strength, diversity is our power.” - Kamala Harris, Vice President, USA

She wrote her name in golden letters in the history of the USA by becoming the first Indian-American, black woman Vice President. But this isn’t the only huge achievement in her list of several firsts. She encountered numerous obstacles but never stopped. She kept on transcending on the path of success by being the first black person to serve as California's attorney general in 2010 followed by California's junior US senator in 2017. She enthusiastically participated and supported Barack Obama and was also called ‘a young, female version of the president’. And finally, she became the third woman and first Asian-American woman to be selected as the Vice President on a major party ticket. 

She was raised by her mother who was her prime source of inspiration. Her mother not only successfully adopted but completely immersed black culture in her daughters. According to Kamala, "She (her mother) knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls. But she was determined to make sure we grow into confident, proud black women."

“I was raised to be an independent woman, not the victim of anything.”

Growing with the courage and wisdom imparted by her mother in her, she earned her law degree at the University of California, Hastings, beginning her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. Within years she became one of the prominent prosecutors of San Francisco in 2003. She is renowned for tactfully handling cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse.

 “If we do not lift up women and families, everyone will fall short.”

She encourages us to rise above all the stereotypes and fight for the right cause. Her story is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring stories of women!

“I would rather be a rebel, than a slave.” - Emmeline Pankhurst, Political activist

Emmeline Pankhurst was a legend who brought equal voting rights for women in the UK. She is one of the 100 most important women of the 20th century who encouraged them and successfully orchestrated the UK suffragette movement. In 1903, she founded the Women's Social and Political Union, which used militant tactics to fight against women's suffrage.

"We shall fight against the condition of affairs so long as life is in us.” 

She went to prison, sat on hunger strikes, vandalized public art, used military tactics, and kept on doing endless efforts to bring a change till her last breath. Died on June 14, 1928, she did not live to see it, but on July 2, 1928, the Parliament gave equal voting rights to women on par with the male counterparts. Her relentlessness and valour make her story one of the inspiring stories of women.

“It's very strange that we always wish to listen well for ourselves from others, but at the same time it becomes tough for us to speak good about others.” - Neerja Bhanot, the youngest Ashoka Chakra recipient, Flight attendant

A part-time model and air hostess, she was the epitome of beauty with brains. At the age of 22, she died just two days before her 23rd birthday, saving the lives of her crewmates and passengers, on Pan Am Flight 73 which was hijacked by terrorists during a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan, on 5 September 1986. She saved 359 out of 379 lives when she was the Head pilot on board. 

Her inspiring story cannot stress enough the fact that one should remain duty-bound till the last breath. It requires courage and not age to accomplish great tasks. Her grit and determination stood the test of time and even when she is not with us, her deeds remain an undying source of inspiration.

“The air is the only place, free from prejudice.” - Bessie Coleman, Civil aviator

A pioneer in the field of aviation, this American civil aviator broke the barriers of gender and racial discrimination. She faced numerous hurdles but by overcoming every single one of them she became the first black woman aviator.

“I refused to take no for an answer”

Flying schools in the USA denied her entry so she went to France and within seven months earned her license from France's famous Caudron Brother's School of Aviation. She specialized in stunt flying and parachuting and in 1922 became the first African-American to fly a public flight. She taught every soul to rise above the prejudice to fulfill the dreams at all costs and pushed womanhood to lead the charge for a progressive society.

“If the fire in your heart is strong enough, it will burn away all the obstacles.” - Dr. Seema Rao, Commando trainer

Breaking the deep-rooted stereotypes, she is India's first and only woman commando trainer. Known as the WONDER WOMAN of India, she specialized in close quarter battle (CQB). Ranked sixth in the 2019 Forbes India W-Power Trailblazer list, she has trained various special forces of the nation for over 20 years now without any compensation, sacrificing her personal life. To honour her achievements and unwavering determination, she was also awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India in 2019.

“I have willingly given up having my own biological child due to the physical demands of my work but I have not once regretted it.” 

The emotional, mental, and physical strength of a woman is perfectly exemplified by her. Her selfless act adds beauty to her character making her story one of the most inspiring stories of women.

All these stories made the world sit up and take note. It is our turn to get out of our comfort zones and fulfill our dreams. In the path of making a difference, there will be numerous hurdles, judgements, and prejudices in our way but to bring the change one must be the change. On this festive occasion, let’s rise above the age-old prejudices and stigmas to give the best shot. Rise up, women!

Wishing you all a Happy Diwali!