What does "being strong" mean to you? For me, being strong isn't just about how tough you can be on your own. It's not confined to the battles we fight alone or the obstacles we overcome in solitude. It's about how we stand by those we care about, how we extend a hand in their moments of need, and how we choose to be a pillar for someone else even when we're grappling with our own storms.
How does family shape your perception of strength? My family is the foundation of my strength, a constant presence that teaches me the true essence of unconditional love. Through both their actions and words, my parents and sister have instilled in me the essence of unconditional love, showing me that the deepest forms of strength stem from the bonds we nurture. Take, for instance, my passion for marathon running and mountaineering, which initially bewildered my family. The thought of me embarking on adventures across unfamiliar terrains and weather, often accompanied by strangers, filled them with concern. My mother, in particular, coming from a modest village background with limited formal education, found it challenging to connect with my enthusiasm for these pursuits. The idea of dedicating countless hours to train for runs across the country or to trek into the mountains was foreign to them.
Despite their apprehensions, their support never wavered. They saw the joy and fulfillment these adventures brought me and chose to embrace my passions. Their backing came not from an understanding of my interests but from an unconditional love that prioritized my happiness, ready to adjust their comforts and expectations. My parents went to great lengths to support my dietary needs to ensure I was well-fueled to run stronger and recover swiftly. My dad, in particular, played a pivotal role in my training sessions, waking up early to accompany me as I ran laps in the dim morning light. When it was too dark, he would light my path with the car headlights to ensure my safety. Moreover, when I decided to pursue an MBA at 29, a time when many of my peers were settling down, my family's support became a shield against the doubts cast by others. Despite societal pressures suggesting their support was misplaced, they stood firmly by my side, ensuring I had a distraction-free environment to focus on my preparations. These and many other moments with my family have profoundly shaped my perception of strength. They have taught me that true strength is not solely about personal grit and perseverance but equally about the relentless support and love from those dearest to us. Their faith in me, irrespective of the choices I made, has been an inexhaustible wellspring of strength, molding me into the individual I am today.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? My father always taught me a simple yet profound lesson “Do your best, and let the rest be. Success isn't always about reaching the goal.” He instilled in me the understanding that there will always be factors beyond my control. When challenges arise, I lean on this wisdom, asking myself: Have I truly exerted every effort? Have I looked beyond my personal ambitions to see the greater picture, to ensure that my efforts are not just for self-fulfillment but for a larger good? If the answer is yes, I find peace in the knowledge that I have committed my best to the task at hand, regardless of the final result.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My mom is my role model. Originating from a rural village, her educational journey was cut short due to traditional beliefs that prioritized marriage for women over personal growth. She faced the loss of her father at the tender age of two, and upon marrying at a young age and moving to the city, she encountered the challenge of not knowing any language but her mother tongue—a barrier she still faces today. Despite these hurdles, she carved a path for herself with remarkable resilience. Her talents are exceptional, particularly her passion for designing. She adores creating dresses for me and my sister, dedicating countless hours to stitching, designing, and even hand-painting sarees and dresses with intricate designs. More than her artistic abilities, she’s the linchpin of our family’s social connections, ensuring strong ties with the parents of our friends, relatives and welcoming every guest into our home with unmatched warmth and hospitality. From her, I've learned the true essence of being genuinely excited, warm, and loving toward others without expecting anything in return.
Her determination taught me that language is no barrier to forming deep, meaningful connections. Deprived of a college education herself, she was adamant that my sister and I receive everything she missed out on, constantly encouraging us to pursue education and careers, and to nurture warm relationships. She rejoices in my achievements, often saying, "When you win, I win too." Her steadfast presence beside me, ready to face any criticism, as long as I'm chasing my passions, has been a guiding light. Through her actions, she's taught me the profound lesson of what it means to invest your heart and soul into pursuits you cherish, and equally, the importance of supporting others in their passionate endeavors, despite societal critique. To this very day, there isn't a topic I hesitate to bring up with her. Her genuine interest and eagerness to learn about areas unfamiliar to her not only reflect her supportive nature but also her immense capacity for understanding and empathy. This unwavering support and curiosity make her not just my mother but my lifelong confidante and an endless source of inspiration.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? To me, genuine strength emerges from weathering life's storms, which, in turn, equips us to empathize with and uplift those facing similar trials. Encountering someone ensnared in struggles mirroring my own past, I've learned that people won't truly open up or connect without being given the space to do so. How can I ensure they feel they can depend on me? By fostering a safe environment where individuals feel understood for their values and concerns. This often means being vulnerable myself, sharing my own story, even at the risk of exposing my emotions and laying bare my past challenges. Embracing openness and emotional honesty, allowing one's authentic story to unfold, is never a sign of weakness. Rather, I see it as a testament to incredible strength, the kind that only comes from allowing oneself to be vulnerable.