710. WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE COURSE OF INDIAN HISTORY

-          Josheca Mukerji

Women are often considered weak and fragile. Even today, several sections of the society have an indifferent, or even hostile, attitude towards women. But there are some women who do not let these difficulties hold them back. They can even assume a pivotal role in the making of a country’s history. We do not refer to some Utopia when we talk of women making great strides in life.

Indian history is replete with examples of such illustrious women who have played a decisive role in influencing the fate of our country and shaping its future by giving new directions to the course of events. The credit of Maratha warrior Shivaji’s exemplary feat is attributed to his mother, Jijabai, who reared him up by telling him inspirational stories since his earliest days.

We have read about Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, who had taken the battlefield by storm, sending shock waves among the ruling British people so much so that the tremors were felt far and wide.

And who has not heard of the Nobel Laureate, Mother Teresa, who had dedicated her entire life for the hapless victims of the ruthless circumstances?

Then there was also the late prime minister, Indira Gandhi, who proved the common notion of women being fragile wrong and became the first woman PM of India. Also, her role was not restricted within the country but she had outreaching influences too, like in the CHOGM and NAM countries. She not only achieved success for herself but also became a role model for the others as well.

Indian history would not be complete without the mention of the Indian born astronaut, Late Kalpana Chawla, who deserved no less credit for raising the Indian prestige in the global context. The contribution of Sunita Williams, also an astronaut of Indian origin, has secured a prominent place for her name in the Indian history as well.

Women achievers in every walk of life deserve special mention because India has been a country where women folk were generally looked upon as second rate citizens and these achievers are motivating other women folks to come forth and play decisive roles. This, therefore, can definitely be said to have a telling effect on the course of Indian history. Recently, the result of the civil services exam was declared and, most interestingly, the ones who topped the exam were women. And still more interesting thing is that the woman who came first in the exam, Ira Singhal (I.R.S.), was a disabled woman. When interviewed, she said that she wanted to do something for the physically disabled people and work for the betterment of the country. Renu Raj, a doctor from Kerala and Nidhi Gupta, also in I.R.S., both 27 years old, secured second and third positions respectively. And the fourth rank was acquired by Vandana Rao from Delhi. There are so many other names who have been able to make it big in the corporate world also.

It would be grossly unfair on our part if we forget the role of the thousands of lady teachers who groomed the impressionable minds and helped in shaping the future citizens of our country, many of whom can, one day, definitely sphere head movements and become responsible for taking our country to further heights and the credit then too would go to those who helped in making them what they become – the lady teachers.

Last, but not the least, there are households where women with high potentials are not allowed to come forward. They end up as housewives. But then housewives too can play significant roles. Whoever can alter the course of Indian history, or in fact any history, are undeniably influenced by their mothers who are simple housewives. Hence, such housewives too should be given their due credits in moulding the Indian history. Also, many depend on women for the household work. What if the women refuse to do the work? Everything that is now going in a systematic way will get jumbled up. Even the economy will be affected!

Women, therefore, are a great force to reckon with and should not be under-estimated or held back.

709. The future is still so much bigger than the past.

- Tim Berners – Lee

708. I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know. Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.

- Buckminster Fuller

707. Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.

- Bruce Barton

706. The man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled.

- Andrew Carnegie

705. I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.

- Louisa May Alcott

704. Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts….perhaps the fear of loss of power.

- John Steinbeck

703. A gold medal is a nice thing — but if you're not enough without it, you'll never be enough with it.

702. God wisely designed the human body so that we can neither pat our own backs nor kick ourselves too easily.

701. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.

- Paul Boese