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
