Renowned Olympian and Member of Parliament (RS), PT Usha, emphasised the importance of recognising and enhancing innate talents during the ‘Sthree Shakti Sangamam’ event organised by the Mahila Samanwaya Vedi Ernakulam district committee in Kochi on February 18.
Reflecting on her journey to success, Usha shared that she achieved remarkable heights by identifying the talents bestowed upon her by nature. She underscored the significance of reinforcing these talents through unwavering, sincere, and truthful efforts. The Olympian attributed her achievements to a combination of natural abilities and dedicated perseverance, shaping her into the individual she is today.
Usha, who has represented India in 91 countries and secured 103 medals for the nation, humbly acknowledged that her accomplishments were not solely due to individual efforts but were the result of collective collaboration. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she received to represent Bharat Mata on the global stage.
PT Usha said that she was sharing the dais with Dr Tessy Thomas who is one of the experts par excellence who devised the mechanism for piercing into space, one of the Panchabhootas. Due to this reason, she offered her respectful pranams to that gem of a woman. And, she offered her respectful pranams to Brahmacharini Devaki Chaitanya, a savvy veteran in our precious epic texts like Bhagavatham, Narayaneeyam, and so on. Brahmacharini Amma is the seat of knowledge and wisdom.
Usha said, while standing in front of hundreds of women, that she reminisces about her childhood. She had to study in the light of kerosene lamps. She used to eat kanji (rice gruel) with the help of ‘spoon’ made of jackfruit tree leaf. She remembered the traditional kitchen wares, instead of modern mixers and grinders, in her house. Spoons were made of coconut shells. Cosmetics like kajal were always home made. She practiced the race on loose soil. She suffered all sorts of childhood illnesses, and a local lower grade doctor’s medicines made wonders. Her parents wore simple clothes.
Still, Usha grew beyond Jambu Dweep and Bharath Khanda and reached the heights, thanks to the greatness of Bharat mata and blessings of her parents.
Usha said, “all those sitting in front of her might definitely have some or other talents. All are gifts of God. Women are powerful, shaktiswaroopinis. If women have the power to protect a family, they can definitely protect society and get involved in national reconstruction. We do have inherent powers, we should realise them. According to Brahapurana, all are created by Brahma. All are the children of Manu.”
P.T. Usha delved into puranic stories elucidating the origins of man and woman, emphasising the significance of the term ‘dharmapatni,’ which she defined as a role model for women who promote and preserve rightful conduct in life. Drawing inspiration from the character of Draupadi, Usha emphasised the importance of self-confidence and courage for women in society.
Dr. Tessy Thomas echoed Usha’s sentiments, asserting that women’s empowerment should commence at home by ensuring equal treatment of children regardless of gender. She emphasised the need to instill a mindset of equality in society from an early age. Drawing from her experiences working under the late APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. Thomas highlighted the importance of eradicating gender discrimination in professional settings.
Furthermore, Dr. Thomas stressed the importance of family support for women to balance career and family responsibilities effectively. She emphasised the need for husbands and families to support women in managing both employment and household duties.
Both Usha and Dr. Thomas’s speeches underscored the critical role of self-confidence, courage, and family support in fostering gender equality and empowering women in society. Their insights shed light on the transformative potential of individual empowerment in promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.
