By Palak Thakkar
Is there any relatable definition of feminist, can you all ladies out there shout yourself as feminist? The answer would be NO. A lady, a woman are all synonymous to feminine but the term feminist is not gender-specific. Rather the term feminism is overrated in today’s world.
The very commonly used Phrase ‘Feminist’ has a broader meaning and there can never be the exact definition of feminist in any language OR any age group of generations (Whether gone or to come). But hey let me give you the dictionary definition of feminist in case if you haven’t searched or read : An advocate of feminism, a person who believes in bringing about equality of all the sexes (Women and men) in all aspects of private and public life
A surreal example I want to site here is when I visited my aunt's place and she was shocked by my narrative on how I and my husband cook dinner cordially helping out each other. In return to her astonishment, I proudly shook my head in dignity. In addition, she advised me to cook food only by myself for my dear husband, it’s not her fault but the tradition she has ivied with and situations in her life as made her biased and thoughtful in other ways.
Metamorphosis is actually a scientific term to describe physical body changes in the life of a creature usually an insect; it is therefore metaphorically relatable to a girl’s life as she passes through multiple changes in her life covering all stages from adolescence to menstruation, to getting married to finally adoring
motherhood. As they say ‘change is the only constant in life’, but only a girl can relate and consummate the emotional challenges they bring in a kind of roller coaster ride. We all realize this sooner or later in our lives but only a few can actually contribute to smoothen the ride.
A son, a father, a husband and a brother has all the senses to realize the unfathomed sacrifices made by a mother, a daughter, a wife and a sister but even if they sense this at an early stage of life they remain earthed since they are not raised in a way to realize their importance and accept the feminine. If sons are not raised to realize their sacrifices, daughters should not be raised to make those for anyone else. What comes in their path is lack of societal consideration, irrational dogmatism and prudent laws of being stronger than the opposite gender.
A girl has to leave her parents, a girl has to rethink her career decision, and a girl has to face body shaming after her hormones treat her, but it’s tangible enough that she accepts this changes without a doubt and scorn for the society or her family. And yes she accepts these changes with deeply bound integrity as smoothly as she welcomes her menstrual cycle. Trust me this journey from sweet home cocoon to discovering a lady within is not a cakewalk.
It is not her duty she is performing, or legacy she is taking ahead but she is contributing her part in building and maintaining the societal norms following with her own happiness and for the happiness of everyone surrounding hers. Even if she has to justify and defend her alter ego for everything else. The beauty lies in the power and confidence she beholds in carrying her own little happiness in every role she plays.
The beauty lies in her graceful deeds and persistence without expecting reciprocation of her actions. For me, my idol of selflessness is my mother and there are many role models surrounding you as you peep out of life’s window.
With movies like ‘Thappad’ facing criticism all over the world; the concern is not the subject extended over just one slap but concern is the feminine voice raised against something considered trivial in norm society. These movies are bold enough to show that voices are being raised and heard in today’s age where there is now no place for orthodox perceptions and stands as a mirror for society.
I want this metamorphosis to extend to your thoughts, your deeds, your attitude wherever and whenever by society and for the generations to come.
As said by Oscar Wilde, A cynic is a person who knows the price of everything and value of nothing.
Know her value and you know her indeed.
"Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham"
O Keeper of righteous vows, remember this,
Whenever dharma is in decline,
Or there is an upsurge of adharma,
The Sacred Feminine will incarnate.
She will defend dharma.
She will protect us.
- Ramayana
By Palak Thakkar
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