Not Durga, Not Lakshmi

While walking through rural Haryana, I was deeply struck by the names given to young girls: names like Antima, Kaafi, Maafi, Batheri, and Kshama. The irony of these names—synonyms for apology and regret—contrasted sharply with the lofty rhetoric of empowerment. This poem emerges from that memory, a stark reflection on the hollow celebrations of Women’s Day and the harsh reality many women endure.

And while we sit

in our plush cabins,

dressed in the choicest garms,

talking about empowerment, 

inspiration and elevation 

of "we, the women", 

a girl is born

in the rural remotes,

and for the rest of her life, 

she will be called, 

no,

not by the names of Durga or Lakshmi, 

but by the synonyms

of apology and regret.

Happy women's day.

Sounds so hollow...right???

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Her power, unbound

This poem is a spontaneous expression of admiration and reverence for the essence of womanhood. It captures the strength, creativity, and life-giving power that women embody. It attempts to celebrate their role as the foundation of life and a force of nature. Random thoughts come together in this piece as a tribute to the resilience, beauty, and limitless potential of every woman.

You are the very nature,

the seed of all life, you are,

a beautiful masterpiece.

Potent, powerful, proficient power.

Yes!!! You are!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha