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‘Sarees’ of Soul: An Open Letter on Women Empowerment
Draping 6 yards of wisdom, abuse, paradoxes, and choices – The Indian and the International Women
There is a part of the traditional Indian 6 yards draped attire called, the ‘saree’, that hangs over the shoulder. For some women it flutters to attract and seduce, for some, it covers India’s never-ending saga of violence, abuse, and scars that in turn hides the never-ending violence Indian men lace on their women. I call them the ‘sarees’ of the soul. For what remains after the beating and rapes and yards of burned and torn drapes, are souls always seeking freedom and rescue from the never-ending injustice on India’s women.
During the era of Maharajas and Maharanis of India, it was the shrouded wisdom of many of the royal wives and consorts that the kings relied upon and acted on their advice, however, their ‘sarees’ nor souls had room for shared enlightenment. Now, women empowerment, in today’s India, battles with a very slight edge in being empowered to lead. This is evident today, not just in India, but around the world. Statistics, unfortunately, rule over speculations, and for the empowered woman, it is still a poor showing. Very Poor.
So, what exactly are we celebrating during this Women’s History Month? I am an international woman, being Indian of origin, American at living and Universal in the soul, wearing the ‘saree’, wearing the pants, relentlessly fighting for survival and equal dominance and demands of fairness. While warring for acceptance and territorial intelligence to be recognized and embalmed even, for the wisdom and brilliance I carry along with my burdens, I choose to challenge every adversity in my path. This calls for celebration every day.
The 2021 theme for Women’s International Day was Leadership. It should always have been, more now than ever. In my Ted-Talk, the soul message was about women leading, not pleading. Leading by choice, not by position. It is believed, give a man a book, he may learn something from it but, give a woman a book and she will teach the world.
This is my open letter to every woman on the path of furthering women empowerment in India and around the world:
You are EMPOWERED! Like our souls, we own empowerment. Take it. You do not have to fake it to make it your own.
To my countrywoman on either side of the world, choose to challenge and make real the desires you carry on your ‘pallav’ (the Indian term for the part of the saree that hangs over the shoulder) and or, choose to challenge the hidden ‘balls of fire’ in the pants you wear!
Cheers then, to our month-long celebration and the empowered years ahead. Speak up. Speak true. Speak from your soul. I enjoyed this quote by Angie Chang, co-founder of Women 2.0 (one of the largest global communities of women working in Technology), who when in an interview said, “if you speak openly and often, you don’t need to speak loudly.”
Sincerely in speaking, writing, and empowering,
Seema Niloufer Azharuddin
About the Author
Seema Azharuddin has been actively involved in a variety of fields like acting, producing, writing, journalism, and consulting, including being a champion for several causes and campaigns. Currently, she continues to volunteer as a spokesperson for the Indian diaspora for Biden’s presidency and contributes to a number of publications.
Truthful, hard-hitting and a no-nonsense piece Seema. Love the way that you have used the Saree as an analogy and a metaphor !! Keep writing such passionate pieces and keep enlightening the uninitiated.
I’ve been reading many articles from Seema Azharuddin, the author and they’re truly inspiring. This is one of the best article.
Know her personally as a good friend. Known her for her commitment for whatever she takes up . Now for women empowerment, we have to make women not the week gender , these should be taught in schools to boys and girls. Wish you all the best make indian women proud.
Wonderful article ! Time for women to blossom shine and bloom to their highest potentials! … well written seema/.. let’s create our own new paradigms ( not fight for a place in the systems men have set up for us !) may our inner light shine and radiate till everything is illuminated x
Always admired Seema’s positive energy in the face of the many adversities she has faced. But with this article she speaks for every woman in every part of this world.
Look forward to reading her thoughts on the various issues that are of concern to her, and to the rest of us… we who merely talk and do little to make the change.
Thank you and thank you again Seema.
Love does Happen !!
The imaginative and sensitive manner in which Seema has talked of the reality of women is hard hitting.
Great piece. Keep it up.
Loved reading Seema ❤️ enjoyed thoroughly !
Please keep writing …you write so well !
Seema is clearly writing from the heart. I respect her addressing frankly and fearlessly the truth about the treatment of women in her native country. May her advocacy encourage women everywhere to work for the safety, fairness, and respect they of course deserve.
This piece beautifully communicates the heart-wrenching reality of many women around the world who are struggling to survive and find their place at home and work. The message of hope and making beauty out of ashes stood out to me. Saluting all women who continue to make a difference in this ‘indifferent’ world. Kudos to women writers like Seema who are bold to share their thoughts that inspire both, women and men.
Loved the straight forward, honest & from the heart expression of the reality of women & the bold call to women to empower themselves by coming out of their metaphorically used saree draped status. Wishing you all the best Seema for your future endeavours .
Brilliantly woven with depth and sincerity. One FEELS the words, the genuine passion, as well as ‘get’ the message. It’s tangible! I loved every word! There are no words! Words are sometimes all we have, and your words satiate the need to know. SO impressive, my dear Seema. You surpass even yourself! Quite an accomplishment. Eternally your friend and fan.
Seema & I grew up as children in the same Indian neighbourhood & even then Seema always fearlessly stood up for herself. It never rankled for her to say ‘no’ to anyone, she always chose to be a warrior not the victim, she surrounded herself with people who treated her as an equal & empowered her girlfriends always generously giving back. Reading this honest hard hitting article substantiates the positive empowering thoughts Seema has upheld through the years & I know will always be the priority driving force behind this phenomenal lady…my friend.
A pithy and powerful affirmation and exhortation. Her message to me is “just stand up, and speak your truth.” Also, “your dignity is innate and inalienable.” An important message for all women, nay, for all of humanity to take to heart.
Loved the article! Indian, and for that matter most women are always the ones left to manage home and career and constantly make sacrifices. It really is time to take the lead and put ourselves first. Thank you for the inspiring words!
Seema, this is well written. It is powerful and uplifting for us women. Great article! Loved it!!❤️
One of the most inspirational articles on empowerment. Beautifully written and communicated.
Love the article and love the saree! As someone who enjoyed running around in a saree and heels in my early 20s, I reckon I was on the privileged side using the saree to flaunt my femininity. Your message here referencing the saree to empowerment and leadership is truly on point. Continue to inspire us with your beautiful words please!
A profound piece…woven logically with an intriguing flair, that represents the soul of every Indian woman. Her skin being the first line of defence, which camouflages her inner beauty that adorns 6 yards of a cloth! The quintessential saree that demonstrates our national pride, revives the symphony of a day in the life of Indian women.
Enjoyed reading your beautifully articulated thoughts Seema. Your candid views are definitely true but as a woman leaves a sad feeling in the heart. May your strong articles be a source of courage and strength to women across the world.
Let us support and encourage women who need us. That is our empowerment.
Waah !! Very thoughtful and courageous ….
Seema sheds a light not only on Indian women but all women and empowerment. Long overdue. Look no further than the cry for justice by Rukini Rao, efforts to bridge the gap in financial aid by Chetna Sinha and fighting for gender equality by Deane de Menezes. Standing on the sidelines is not good enough. Gracias Seema
“For what temains after …” – chilling, poignant words. Morne also what had been before, long before the souls seeking freedom and rescue. That precious short time of childhood innicence, where childhood was childlike – for those fortunate few. For most it seems it was not.
Predator/prey, perpetrator/victim, asailant/assaulted, murderer/murdered – these descriptions flow forever. This is not a problem that can be easily solved but a situation that must be endured. Develop the strength and determination to support what is correct behavior and identify and address incorrect behavior. I use these words to Lift Us all above our cultures and lifestyles, are Regional beliefs and attitudes, when what is right or wrong is subjective and differing in the extreme from one country to another. A ‘thing’ is either correct or incorrect there is no third option there is no “usually good or sometimes bad depending on the circumstances.” For th e Womens History Month – Seema, lead the way to focus on Womens Future – expand your focus, remember being victimized doesn’t mean you are a victim. The very term itself can be victimizing. Never accept other people’s labels and definitions and apply them to yourself – you define you. Empowerment comes from within it is not something that anybody external to you can give- So too is freedom. When the mind is free the physical location of the body is immaterial.
Such an inspirational article on empowerment! Beautifully written! I have known Seema for several years, and in that time I have felt empowered by her courageousness, her intelligence, and her strength. She is a force to be reckoned with and a dear friend. The type of woman every man wishes they had by their side!
It’s sad we call ourselves a civilized advanced society respectful of the rights and dignity of all but yet we disregard and don’t value the very person who made us the men we are. These beautiful ladies who raised nurtured and gave us everything. There love is the reason we are civilized and see the need to treat all as equals. Hopefully soon we will stop this nonsense and value respect our equal partners for I owe all that I have to a great woman, my mother, sister and love of my life.
Excellent piece Seema. It’s time for women to give up the shackles of attire (so restrictive for women in many countries) if they so chose, and engendered attitudes and forge ahead. With women like you, there’s hope for the world.
Seema always writes from the heart and paints such vivid pictures of how women wear the Sarcee and pants in their continual fight for empowerment. Most motivating was her call for women to lead, not plead and for us to challenge the hidden ‘balls of fire’ in the pants we wear. I have also fought to empower women and truly concur with her statement “give a woman a book and she will teach the world.” Well done Seema, as always. I look forward to reading your next piece.
A wonderful piece of writing Seema….and straight from the heart ! Extremely relatable! Every woman would be able to connect to this.
Kudos!
Six yards of grace….graciously enumerated by Seema Azharuddin….more power and equality for us
So beautifully written and empowering Seema!
A very inspiring article on women empowerment, you have always been very outspoken on social matters . One of your best .Loved it
Thank you to ALL of you who have commented on this beautiful article by the delightful and empowering Seema Azharuddin! I am so honored to have met her and that we can share her powerful and inspiring voice here on Love Happens!