The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Celebrating the quintessential woman

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Sunday, Mar 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Celebrating the quintessential woman

Amutha Kannan

N. Vanitha, N.V. Sreejaya and Mallika Badrinath

COIMBATORE: The world knows that March 8 is International Women’s Day. What most of us do not know is that, come 2011 this day would have been celebrated 100 times. So many beautiful occasions to remember and celebrate the woman since 1911.

The day, according to many, more than anything else, is an opportunity to remember the women in their lives – mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, friend, teacher and colleague. Wikipedia says that the day is celebrated like Mother’s Day in many parts of the world.

In the eyes of true feminists, the day is associated with a clarion call for women’s liberation, empowerment and equality. But, the five women – achievers – who gathered to address the students (both boys and girls) of PSG Institute of Management here on Saturday did not come to glorify their achievements or warn the girl students to be careful of the male clan. They just bared their hearts and lives and let the students pick lessons.

N. Vanitha, Chairperson of Sharanalayam, Pollachi, spoke about the drive that made her establish her children’s home. She made them understand that love for God was not in mere worshipping or rituals but in being human and doing good for the less privileged and needy.

“Do at least one good deed a day. It is good deeds that make us a beautiful person.”

Pointing out that there were 35 lakh sex workers who were below the age of 10, she urged women to be assertive when facing sexual harassment. S. Premakumari, Head, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University for Women, underlined the role of women in promoting healthy lifestyles for members of the family. “Do not yield to taste alone. Consuming all kinds of food including varieties of vegetables and fruits is a must.”

N.V. Sreejaya decided that she had to become a lawyer even when she was 12. Today, as an advocate dealing civil, corporate and family cases, she impressed upon the students to be aware of their rights and laws that protected women.

“Equality should be viewed in competition with men. It is appreciating the right of women to do what they like to do best and giving them a level playing field.” She urged women not to put up with domestic violence and abuse.

However, after 20 years in the bar, she has come to the conclusion that 90 per cent of conflicts that came to court were avoidable.

Culinary expert Mallika Badrinath, attributed her success to her love for creating things. “Though I borrowed recipes from my family members and friends, I perfected it through my own creativity.” Her 23 cookbooks and her television show are a major success because of the careful tips and precautions that accompany her recipes, she said. She stays away from the business part which is handled by her husband.

Journalist and columnist Vaasanthi urged the girls to make something of themselves. She told them to rely on their own capabilities to achieve. When the discussion came to an end, it was a refreshing experience for the youth.

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