In the kaleidoscope of Indian culture, the goddess holds profound significance, embodying the eternal feminine essence that encompasses every aspect of existence. She is the divine force – the Shakti, who bestows life and nurturing warmth upon the cosmos. The goddess personifies the eternal cycle of birth, growth, and transformation. In Indian mythology, she manifests in myriad forms – benevolent, compassionate, nurturing, fierce and destructive. Her multifaceted manifestations mirror the boundless spectrum of human experience as she stands in all her glory, orchestrating the symphony of existence.
Venerating the goddess is a homage to femininity, recognizing it as the cradle of life and the source of cosmic energy. This reverence of the eternal feminine transcends religious boundaries, weaving itself in the tapestry of societal life in the form of cultural practices, festivals, and rituals. Celebrating the goddess is an acknowledgment of the profound role played by women in society – embodying strength, resilience, and empathy that is intrinsic to the feminine spirit that creates and sustains life.
Today’s Indian woman, like the goddesses of lore, is multifaceted – she deftly balances numerous roles with aplomb and poise. Much like Saraswati, she wields the quill of knowledge and seeks intellectual pursuits. Durga’s fierce determination courses through her veins as she courageously faces challenges, embodying strength, and resilience in every stride. Like Lakshmi, she brings prosperity not only to her home but also contributes to the economic fabric of society. The modern Indian woman seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary dynamism. She navigates the complexities of modern-day existence, armed with the wisdom of the ages, with grace and compassion as well as strength and determination.
In the urban cityscape, as a working woman, she performs the delicate dance between career, wifeliness, and motherhood. Dressed in a tailored suit or a crisp saree, she ventures into the corporate arena, where glass ceilings, stereotypes and pre-conceived notions abound aplenty. She handles meetings, deadlines, teams, and clients. She knocks on the boardroom door, a predominantly male dominated realm, enters, and carves out her own space. Her struggle is not merely against a corporate hierarchy but against prejudices, objectification, as also questions about her capability, and her ability to handle her soaring professional and personal aspirations.
As the clock ticks through the day, her professional persona blends seamlessly with her role of a wife and mother. She juggles with PTA meetings, school drops and pickups, supervision of studies and narration of bedtime stories. The office gives way to the kitchen, where she whips up culinary delights, and the work-desk morphs into a dining table where she nurtures through food, and fosters strong familial bonds through interaction and shared laughter. The weekend arrives as a respite, yet her responsibilities remain unabated. From being a cheerleader to her kids at a cricket game or a dance recital, to stepping in to resolve a critical issue at work, or tending to domestic chores, she expertly tackles it all. Amidst all this, she also manages to snatch pieces of “me time” to recharge her own batteries, to face a new week of challenges and intricacies of her dual existence.
As a contemporary urban housewife, she assumes the role of a conductor, orchestrating the harmonious symphony of domestic life. In the fast-paced, cluttered urban life, she creates a home that is a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst chaos, a place where one belongs. She transforms mundane household tasks into acts of love, infuses each corner of her home with warmth and hospitality. Her tireless devotion to her family knows no bounds, as she unwaveringly dedicates her life to home-making and caring for her loved ones. Without batting an eyelid, she makes the difficult choice between ambition and compromise, embodying the timeless essence of love, nurturing, and sacrifice.
In the verdant rural landscape, she stands tall as a symbol of resilience and sustenance. She embodies the timeless spirit of the earth, her hands tilling the soil and nurturing life. Amidst the rustic simplicity of her surroundings, she is a proponent of tradition, and ancestral wisdom, yet also progressive, embracing bits and pieces of modernity, with enthusiasm. She toils under the scorching sun, her labour often unrecognized and undervalued. She has limited access to resources, to modern technology, and opportunities for economic empowerment. At times, even necessities like food, clothing and shelter are hard to come by. And yet, her tenacity shines through, as she sustains the rural heartbeat by encouraging her children to acquire education, to broaden their horizons. She motivates her spouse and community to adopt modern technology in day-to-day life, infusing a difficult existence with hope, vitality, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
She is the woman of today.
In the sphere of industry and entrepreneurship, she is a visionary trailblazer. In the realms of art and culture, she is a creator as well as a muse. In the ever-expanding frontiers of science and technology, she leads as a pioneer and an innovator. She champions change, advocating for gender equality, social justice, and women’s rights. She fearlessly confronts injustice and discrimination, as she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. In the quiet moments of everyday life, she supports and nurtures, whether tending to the needs of loved ones, lending a helping hand to a stranger in need, or simply leading by example with quiet dignity and grace.
As time marches on, seasons change, so does the landscape of her journey. Her personal and professional paths witness both triumphs and setbacks. Yet, her spirit remains an unwavering force, that persists and transcends beyond the confines of her immediate world. Her song is one, sung through the ages, an anthem for those who dare to dream, against all odds. Her life is a testament to her indomitable spirit as she deftly embraces progress while retaining tradition, symbolizing the beauty and essence of womanhood in its purest form.
As she pauses to bask in her accomplishments, ones which she has earned, has fought for, with blood sweat and tears, she stands tall, her heart a brimming reservoir of pride, joy, and satisfaction at how far she has come. In her eyes burn twin flames, unwavering and bright, that illuminate the path ahead, of new frontiers to be conquered, new challenges to be overcome, a whole new world to be created. And as she surveys her surroundings, taking in the thunderous applause from all quarters, for the path she has traversed, deep in her soul she knows with utmost certainty, that a glorious future awaits her, that she is far from finished, that she has miles to go before she sleeps.
About : Rashmi Madhu Kumar
Rashmi Madhu Kumar is a Learning and Development Consultant who works with organizations to enhance performance through understanding and modifying individual and group behaviors. She designs and facilitates targeted interventions to improve skills, increase engagement, and foster effective communication. Her work involves assessing needs, creating customized training programs, and measuring the impact of behavioral changes on overall success.
Outside of work, her role as a mom to a vibrant teenager has taught her invaluable lessons in patience, communication, and the power of positive reinforcement, skills that seamlessly integrate into her consulting work. In her free time one can often find her lost in a good book. Reading has been a lifelong passion, offering both solace and inspiration in equal measure. She also dabbles in painting and sewing, finding moments of comfort, creativity and expression through these artistic pursuits. Alongside these interests, she and her husband, are passionate cooks, exploring and experimenting with diverse cuisines.
Rashmi can be contacted on rashmi.madhukumar@gmail.com
