I would like to introduce Yashshri Naik, my personal assistant during the tenure in YASHADA and Kanchan Thorat, who works for the director general of the same organisation. I have seen both the ladies from very close quarters. So what is it that moves me so as to put them in the public space through this paper? In fact- every thing. And let me begin with some of the strengths that these two have and that must be talked about so that others too can confidently say, “We can!”

They are middle-aged women who joined service at the time when they and their families needed income. They toiled through years of hard work and at the same time handling the mundane but very important household duties, gave a proper value system to their children. Having done all this, the two decided to study further despite the hectic jobs and the family pressures that they face daily. Having graduated, both of them are on their way to complete their post graduation this year.

It is not only their education and the ambition to learn and that makes them stand out, but also their bonding with each other and with the rest of the faculty and staff of YASHADA. Ever ready to help, they have gained tremendous strength from each other. If female bonding is what we should talk about on women’s day, then these two symbolise it perfectly. Talking to each other in times of difficulty, listening, advising, being there for each other at the time of need has indeed strengthened them.

Unlike most of them, the achievements do not make them boring either. Instead, their outstanding performance during one of the dandiyas still remains a favourite of many. In fact the other day, when I rang up to thank the director of YASHADA for lending his hall for the dance, he said, “Who can refuse Kanchan and Yashshri?” So ladies, the performance speaks and even the seniors listen when we work, even if it is to borrow an institutional hall for all ladies dandiya!