Sunday Story (National Women's Day Special)- Following the Right Footsteps

“So, Jigyaasa, who do you want to be like when you gro—”

“Sarojini Naidu!” responded Jigyaasa before the speaker could finish their question, her visage dripping with exuberance and her eyes lit up with awe.

Jigyaasa's response left everybody at the dinner table quite surprised, more so the speaker. To people who were accustomed to such responses as a nurse, teacher, or some other pink-collar worker, hearing the name of a political activist came quite as a surprise.

“The road less travelled looks appealing only in poetry, beta”, said Mrs Bhatt, Jigyaasa’s aunt, and the speaker who posed the question, in an attempt to reason with her niece. To her, her niece’s choice of career was not quite suitable for her. And being the most concerned relative of the lot, it was upon her to show Jigyaasa the right path.

“Maybe, bua. We’ll see”, said Jigyaasa, with a nonchalant smile, and the conversation shifted to the delectable dinner that lay in front of the gathering.

A teenage girl of fifteen, Jigyaasa had developed a precocious talent for writing. Since her childhood, she had been an avid reader—she would engorge everything she laid her hands on that had words written on it and extended beyond one page. During one of her “book-meals” had she come across a beautiful piece of poetry titled In The Bazaars of Hyderabad—one of Sarojini Naidu’s most admired poems. The poem interested her enough to read more about Naidu and that was it—Jigyaasa had found her idol.

In days that followed, Jigyaasa made it her mission to read everything of and about one of the most exemplary luminaries India had seen. And the more she read about her, the more inspired she felt—active participation in the women’s rights movement, pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement, becoming the first woman governor of a state in the Dominion of India, and not to forget her writing prowess. Whatever she imbibed about Naidu only increased Jigyaasa’s reverence for her insomuch that she decided to follow her footsteps and pursue creative arts and work for the upliftment of women, especially through education.

If one looked carefully, one could see faint reflections of the great feminist luminary in Jigyaasa. Just like her idol, she too was starting to be recognised for her oratory adroitness. And this prowess led her to be the unanimous choice as the opening speaker at the event being organised in her school to mark National Women’s Day.

Jigyaasa was elated—no other opportunity could be as perfect for her to embark on her journey than a day commemorating the legacy of her icon. She decided to use the occasion to endeavour to share with her fellow mates what it truly meant to be a feminist.

The result was more than what she’d hoped for—her address received an overwhelming response both from students and teachers alike. While the teachers appreciated her understanding and endeavour, and obviously, her oratory skills, a lot of students came up to her to thank her for enlightening them.

While returning home after a successful first day of her long-term pursuit, Jigyaasa was reminded of the brief conversation she had with her bua at the dinner table a couple of days ago. She smiled to herself for she knew that her resolve was only going to strengthen from this day on. She continued walking, eyes glued firmly to the road ahead of her.

Liked this story? Read another inspirational one- 'Flying High'.