“What I remember from the last 30 years of my life is mostly the struggle. While my father is a very kind man, he never felt the responsibility to take care of us, so the burden fell entirely onto my mother’s shoulders. I’ve seen her toil in the fields for hours on end, only to come home and take care of us after. In fact, she still works at her age. Her hard work got us a small house in the village where we grew up.
She was married off very young; I believe it was at the age of 15. My older brother and sister both passed away, and it made me wonder on several occasions why we had to go through what we went through. I remember several nights where we’d have to do agricultural work at 3am, only to be rewarded with a measly income and worn out fingers. We were never treated with respect or even seen as people with feelings.
I decided I would break the cycle and took up my MBA, but unfortunately, due to the need for money, I discontinued it and started working. However, as of now, I do PR for a political party, and now, my hard work is finally recognized. I’m no longer seen as one of several labourers, but have built my own identity and independence.
I’ve been greatly inspired by Swami Vivekananda, to the extent where I believe some of his quotations have been embedded in me and changed my life. He taught me the importance of perseverance and dedication. Today, I’m proud to say I’m self reliant to the degree where I can take care of my family and myself. I wouldn’t say we live luxuriously, but I will say that we live happily.”