My Life, My Rules – Being a woman in India, 2017

Being a woman in India

It brings me immense pleasure to share that I, along with 24 other bloggers are celebrating #9daysofwomanhood throughout Navratri. I thank Misha Jain for introducing me. I loved her blog Freshlybakedhead on the prompt for today ‘Being a woman in India-2017’.

 

 

Are you a Woman? Are you an Indian Woman? OH WOW!! “Give me a High-5”!

Now that’s not the sarcastic wow that’s the truthful wow. I am a woman and I am blissfully proud of it, my strength lies in being a woman. Don’t you believe me? That’s sad for you because it means you have never known a woman close enough to acknowledge the fact that how ‘wow’ a woman is/can be or maybe you are still not aware of your own awesomeness. Just stick with this post a bit longer and by the end of this post, you will know how stunning you are, and guys reading this post, you also stay with me just in case you want to clear your doubts too.

Just to avoid any debates, let me tell you all that I will be sharing only the “Positive side of Being a Woman in India”, we have so much negative to talk and share, why not speak only the bright side this auspicious festive season of Navratri. Agree?

The year 2017, we see women excel in fields like medicine, law, engineering, astrophysics, aeronautics to name a few, we have seen a boom in start-up trend in India recently and many women entrepreneurs are climbing up the ladder of success fearlessly. Did I mention sports, media, politics, and entertainment? The fields once considered risky is now topped by inspirational and passionate ladies. Women have started following their dreams and passion; they want to have more control of their careers and life; they are breaking the stereotypes and social barriers; they know what being a Woman is all about!

 

I want to share a few names of my favorite ladies who are an inspiration to many in today’s time-

 

  • Entertainment– Kangana Ranaut (The Diva) & Priyanka Chopra (The Star)
  • Sports– Saina Nehwal (Badminton Champ) & Mithali Raj (Captain- Women in Blue)

 

 

  • Aviation– Captain Trisha Mohan (Pilot Boeing 747)
  • Start-up– Naiyya Saggi (BabyChakra)
  • Politics– Sushma Swaraj (External Affairs Minister)
  • Extreme Sports– Bhakti Sharma (Youngest and 1st Asian girl to set a world record in Swimming)

 

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, “Oh crap, she’s up!”

 

Feeling good about yourself?

Not yet?

Ok, got it! You think I am talking only about famous and successful women, you think they were destined to be someone with name and fame, they are the privileged ones whereas You & Me, we are common women, living simple lives, without any goals, we watch news, get hurt, crib a lot, and go to sleep because we are women and in India we don’t have a voice. Think again!

Let’s peek into the life of a common Indian woman

♥ Below are the snippets of my life 

 

  • I was born and brought up amongst the most orthodox & conservative people, my grandparents and other relatives, but, thanks to my parents for being liberal and understanding and raising me in an unconventional way. I am the only child of my parents. YES, I AM A GIRL!
  • I was provided the best education and I was given full authority to choose which stream I wanted to study further. I AM EDUCATED!
  • I was given driving lessons for two & four wheeler vehicle while I was still in school and I got my driving license on my 18th birthday as a gift. I CAN DRIVE!
  • I used to play basketball in school team and badminton and other athletic sports during college. I PLAY!
  • I have done river rafting, paragliding, parasailing, rappelling, mountain climbing and many other adventure sports. I AM ADVENTUROUS!
  • I was encouraged to take up higher studies and afterward got supported to get through job interviews rather than pressurized about getting married and settling down. I AM AMBITIOUS!
  • I worked in the field as a marketing executive as I was fond of traveling to new places and meeting interesting people. I AM INDEPENDENT!

 

  • I decided to take a break in my career after getting 3 years of experience as I got fed up of 9 to 6 job and wanted to take control of my life. I was not looked down by anyone for this decision. I AM A DECISION MAKER!
  • I agreed to get married in my late twenties; I chose my alliance on my own through a matrimonial site. I AM PRACTICAL!
  • I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, my family respects me and I love them. I AM COMPASSIONATE!
  • My body has stretch marks, I am fat and struggle to fit into my clothes, I have dark circles under my eyes, I am a Mom and I AM BEAUTIFUL!
  • I have dreams to fulfill, I have aspirations, I have goals to achieve and I work towards them and I learn something new every day. I AM ZEALOUS!
  • I am a woman and I have special coaches in Metro train, dedicated seats in public transport, I am privileged. I ENJOY MY RIGHTS!
  • I am free to take decisions on my own; I am a proud, independent, educated, practical, confident, strong, beautiful, kind, determined as well as an empowered Indian Woman. YES, I AM A WOMAN!

 

It’s quite easier to look at flaws but if one look beyond the flaws, everything seems beautiful!

 

I hope the glimpse I shared above about my life makes you believe that Being a Woman is not all about being unfortunate but knowing your worth and capabilities and to be proud of being what you are… A strong woman.

Did you notice the main picture collage at the beginning of this post? That collage shows 3 women, one is, of course, me and the other two are my mothers, my real mom, and my law mom. If I talk about young generation, The Gen Z, they are too technologically advanced, quite independent and too audacious for their age but my mothers belong to the age of ‘Baby boomers’, that generation was not allowed to be independent, women had no say in any decision-making process back then, they were not encouraged to study and get even basic education, they were basically devoid of any rights they had.

But, this is 2017, women of all ages are being empowered, there are no age barriers to stop them to achieve what they desire. And here comes the story of my mothers. I will try to keep it brief but you all will get the idea,

  • Both my mothers are living their independent lives, they take their own decisions.
  • They know how to use technology in today’s time, they are definitely tech savvy.
  • They give us our space and freedom and don’t force their decisions on us, they are quite understanding.
  • Both my mothers’ respect and like each other, they have a very special bond. (you can get the idea from pics)
  • My mother in law has accepted me the way I am, we share a beautiful mother-daughter relationship. (again look at the pics)
  • Moreover, they are breaking the norms and social barriers.
  • They are taking bold steps in breaking the stereotypes.
  • My mother in law considers me a daughter (not as a daughter) and my husband takes care of my mother as a son.
  • We are Women of 2017, strong, confident, generous, proud, gentle, determined, smart, witty and strong-willed.

In the end, I want to share how we 3 women are breaking the stereotypes and fighting the so-called useless society. I did a few series on Instagram and Babychakra on how my mother in law accepted me as her daughter, how both my mothers are now ignoring the society and spending time with each other like friends and how my mother in law is coming out of her cocoon and finally living her dream life.

Check the links below to read these stories-

Instagram Post on how we are breaking the stereotypes. Click Here!

BabyChakra Post on how my mother in law is spreading her wings. Click Here!

 

These are the common women who inspire me the most!

Ladies, now repeat with me,

“Yes, I am a Woman and I am Proud of myself”

Lastly, I want to thank the man in my life, Sumit, for always being a pillar of support and never doubting my actions and decisions. For letting me believe that we are together in this and I can always count on him.

Empowered women help in empowering others and they don’t need to push the men away too.

 


I would take the opportunity to introduce Sumira Bhatia, who describes herself as a ‘Cuckoo’ and is a mother to a super cute boy Uday, she blogs at The Cuckoo’s Nest. You will get mesmerized by her writings, check out her blog on the prompt for today.


 

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66 Comments

  1. Parneet Kaur September 21, 2017 at 1:14 pm - Reply

    Truly inspirational write-up girl!!! The way you pen down your thoughts in incredible. I have known you as a friend who believes in sharing her experience. At the same time, I always look forward to read your blogs which give real insight of motherhood.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:12 pm - Reply

      Thanks a lot Parneet for appreciation 🙂

  2. Asthha Agarwal September 21, 2017 at 1:36 pm - Reply

    Everytime I read your post, it gives me a sense of motivation that I should not give up. For whatever it is. Whoever are there around me and whatever the situation is. It boosts me up. Even a simple small line means has such a message in itself. You are truly a wonderful writer. The way you deal with daily and normal life changes inspires me alot. Looking forward to more inspiring blog like this.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:13 pm - Reply

      Thanks sweetheart, this means a lot to me to know that my experience motivates you 🙂

  3. Sumira September 21, 2017 at 2:15 pm - Reply

    Loved reading this. What a way to start Navratri. Neha you brought the wow back in Woman! ?

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:16 pm - Reply

      Thanks dear, yes we women are wow 🙂

  4. sumit kumar September 21, 2017 at 2:28 pm - Reply

    I’m so proud of you. I always love what you write. And your perspective about women in India is absolutely right. Great points about the post are-

    – you shared your story as a strong woman rather talking about any celebrity

    – you gave realistic examples of empowerment of both moms’ and beautifully explained the relationship.

    All the best for Blogathon.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:19 pm - Reply

      Thanks for always being with me 🙂

  5. Sheeba Vijesh September 21, 2017 at 3:28 pm - Reply

    Wooo…. Super duper post neha… Loved every bit of it… Go girl, go!

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:19 pm - Reply

      Thanks a ton dear 🙂

  6. Rupali September 21, 2017 at 3:35 pm - Reply

    Lovely write up Neha. Truly these iconic women are role model in today’s time and I am sure after reading your blog all women will just say Wow to celebrate the womanhood.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:20 pm - Reply

      So glad you liked it, thanks a lot, dear 🙂

  7. Pushpa September 21, 2017 at 5:41 pm - Reply

    Nice write up Neha..

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:20 pm - Reply

      Thanks for stopping by Pushpa 🙂

  8. Richa Kaushik September 21, 2017 at 5:56 pm - Reply

    Oh my my!! Grl u nailed it with each word u wrote. I completely agree with you. I am proud to be a woman. We r best beings who forget their worth easily. But I think we should keep ourselves reminding about all positives we have. Keep writing…live life king size. Love.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 6:22 pm - Reply

      Thanks sweetheart, you are too kind, am proud to have friends like you 🙂

  9. Khyati Gulati Tewari September 21, 2017 at 7:09 pm - Reply

    This is by far the best post that I have come across as of yet. Loved your writing style, loved the inspiration quotient in the post and I am definitely going to come back to this one again and again

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 8:07 pm - Reply

      These words are a great source of motivation for me, thanks a ton Khyati for these lovely words, means a lot to me as a budding blogger.

  10. Priyanka September 21, 2017 at 7:51 pm - Reply

    So encouraging and full of positivity. Awesome write-up Mano. So proud of you. Loved the way how you have celebrated womanhood in your post. Keep going Lady?

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 8:08 pm - Reply

      Thanks a ton Jhuma, all the motivation gets doubled when it’s coming from friends. Thanks for being there always!

  11. Gunjan September 21, 2017 at 8:29 pm - Reply

    Wow! What an inspiring blog. It actually creates a sense of belief…. Yes, we are wonderful, we are bold and we can achieve anything in this world!

    Yes! We can.

    Keep writing these inspirational blogs….Stay blessed….

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 10:51 pm - Reply

      Thanks a lot dear…❤ Yes we can !

  12. Pushpendra Chauhan September 21, 2017 at 8:33 pm - Reply

    I am your regural reader of your posts, your all writeup awesome. You beautifully described about women hood, I think we in society need people like you who caring for women , think about them and we have to give respect and love them for their unconditional love and sacrifices to their families. Hats off to you.
    Jai Mata Di
    Happy navratri.

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 10:38 pm - Reply

      Thanks so much, getting a positive comment from a man definitely says the world is heading towards the right direction. Thanks a lot Pushp 🙂

  13. Sonam September 21, 2017 at 9:38 pm - Reply

    Wow very beautifully you have explained real life woman… awesome write up

    • Neha Sharma September 21, 2017 at 10:38 pm - Reply

      Thanks dear 🙂

  14. Megha September 21, 2017 at 10:14 pm - Reply

    That’s an inspiring post, so many women can relate and get inspired with it

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 12:11 am - Reply

      Thanks Megha 🙂

  15. Rohit sharma September 21, 2017 at 10:40 pm - Reply

    This is amazing and practical. Your journey, many can relate to it.
    Knowledge vs action. Very powerful, thank you for sharing.

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 12:11 am - Reply

      Thanks for your kind words 🙂

  16. Charu Gujjal September 22, 2017 at 12:17 am - Reply

    Loved your take on the prompt. Indeed women of 2017 are completely self-sufficient. Cheers to womanhood!!

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 2:12 am - Reply

      Thanks Charu 🙂

  17. Salma Mehajabeen September 22, 2017 at 1:48 am - Reply

    Such a bold post and a great inspiration packed with positivity

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 2:13 am - Reply

      Thanks Salma 🙂

  18. Akshaya September 22, 2017 at 11:42 am - Reply

    Beautiful round up of strong inspirations! Love that your mom & MIL top the list.

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 4:26 pm - Reply

      Thanks Akshaya 🙂

  19. karuna chauhan September 22, 2017 at 11:58 am - Reply

    I loved reading about you and was so moved by your inspiring life journey!

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 4:28 pm - Reply

      Thanks Karuna 🙂

  20. Anubhuti Seth September 22, 2017 at 1:08 pm - Reply

    Such a beautiful take on the prompt sharing about not just the famous personalities but also your favourite ones …mom and mom in law..loved the line ‘It’s quite easier to look at flaws but if one look beyond the flaws, everything seems beautiful!’

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 4:29 pm - Reply

      Thanks for your kind words and liking the post 🙂

  21. Ophira September 22, 2017 at 1:41 pm - Reply

    This is such an inspirational post. We love to see such strong and independent Indian women. Its time we come together and celebrate womanhood!

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 4:29 pm - Reply

      Thanks for finding this post inspirational. Cheers to womanhood 🙂

  22. Prisha Lalwani September 22, 2017 at 10:33 pm - Reply

    simply loved reading your blog!! Treat to the eyes and the mind!!

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 11:57 pm - Reply

      Your words means a lot to me, thanks for finding this post good to read. Thanks a ton ❤

  23. Mahak @babyandbeyondin September 22, 2017 at 11:10 pm - Reply

    Loved reading this. You made me feel proud! The last picture is just awesome…just look at these 2 ladies. Way to go!

    • Neha Sharma September 22, 2017 at 11:54 pm - Reply

      Thanks a lot Mahak ❤

  24. kausar September 23, 2017 at 12:47 am - Reply

    really an inspiring words.Picture of a real life woman is emerging out from your write ups.Many times during and after pregnancy woman become low and nervous but from your blog every woman should learn how to see there life positively after facing so many ups and downs.i really admire you neha.

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:21 am - Reply

      Thanks a lot, dear 🙂

  25. Dipika September 23, 2017 at 11:33 am - Reply

    This is an inspirational write up with a positive dose of yes we can do it! I can relate to this as a woman, not just because it’s my choice but also as I have been brought up like that. Lovely initiative and happy to read post.

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:22 am - Reply

      Thanks for liking it Dipika 🙂

  26. Kinshoo September 23, 2017 at 5:23 pm - Reply

    Inspiring post Neha written beautifully. I loved the way just made me feel proud of myself and you. CHEERS!!

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:22 am - Reply

      Thanks Girl! 🙂

  27. Shipra Trivedi September 23, 2017 at 10:09 pm - Reply

    Neha, I am now a big fan of your blogs. And this one is very very inspiring. We often forgot our importance and powers being a woman. But a post like this reminds us that we carry a value our families and for the society. Sharing your post with rest of the world.

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:23 am - Reply

      Thanks a ton Shipra, means a lot to me 🙂

  28. Nishi September 23, 2017 at 10:32 pm - Reply

    Yes i m proud to b woman…..luv ur post…very deep thoughts abt womanhood….

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:24 am - Reply

      Thanks Nishi 🙂

  29. renu vashishta September 24, 2017 at 12:10 am - Reply

    An absolutely attention grabbing piece of writing! Loved it and me proud of myself.

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:25 am - Reply

      Thanks for your kind words 🙂

  30. Elina wadia September 24, 2017 at 12:29 am - Reply

    I absolutely loved how you’ve not only proud about yourself and have an amazing sense of self worth, but what I loved more is how simple yet motivating you are!

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 9:25 am - Reply

      Thanks Elina 🙂

  31. Deepa September 24, 2017 at 6:44 pm - Reply

    It’s quite easier to look at flaws but if one look beyond the flaws, everything seems beautiful! – Exactly. Being a woman in India has both positives and negatives.

    • Neha Sharma September 24, 2017 at 7:20 pm - Reply

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts Deepa 🙂

  32. NEHA JAIN September 25, 2017 at 7:37 am - Reply

    Love the pics and the write up. More power to you girl. When the family is in our side, the world is so right!?

    • Neha Sharma September 25, 2017 at 6:37 pm - Reply

      Absolutely..

      Thanks Neha ❤

  33. anupriya September 25, 2017 at 11:08 am - Reply

    This really was a feel good post. I really appreciate the extent to which you have gone to make every woman feel proud of herself. Kudos to you!

    • Neha Sharma September 25, 2017 at 6:46 pm - Reply

      Thanks for appreciating my write up Anupriya ❤

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