By Rikita

Natalie Clifford Barney once said, ‘With renunciation, life begins...’

It was the year 2004 and every news channel covered the sport called ‘The Great Indian Elections.’ One clearly remembers Sushma Swaraj screaming on national television that she will ‘shave her head’ and ‘sleep on the ground’ if an Italian-born woman was elected for the kursi of the Prime Minister.

Within half an hour, the “elegant lady” of India’s first family of politics resigned from her position and suggested the name of the Sikh economist, Manmohan Singh as PM. With this declaration, Sonia Gandhi was welcomed in the heart of every Indian.

Wife of assassinated Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi and the foreigner bahu of India’s only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi – Sonia is the brain ruling Asia’s Tiger. There’s no doubt about the influence she wields on Mr. Singh’s decision and as the leader of the coalition party – she is the torchbearer.

Sonia Gandhi, for me, is the game changer of this decade, because her life’s tumultuous behaviour showed her the thorns and gave her the roses. From being taunted for her broken Hindi, the once-upon-a-time waitress has ceased to be an ‘outsider.’ Listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, the simplicity of her sari and her shoulder length hair cut is a picture to reckon with.

Once Indira Gandhi was called ‘The Man’ in the office, today Sonia has worn the title with certain unease. Being at the helm of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a call from her 10, Janpath home sends shivers down every minister. Today everyone knows how Ashok Chavan, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister put in his papers, when she didn’t answer his call.

Her presence at the 2008 Olympics with the French and USA President is proof enough to say that she is definitely, a dignitary China counts on. If you ask since when did the leader of a coalition party always meet the international who’s who? One can just say, Sonia is setting a precedent everywhere. The latest being her meeting with the Obamas.

She has learnt to handle the drama in the Indian Parliament. From reluctance to enter politics, today her face on Congress posters has lent it a certain charm. And the lady, graceful and tight –lipped, is shrewd. Subtly she has raised the podium for her son, Rahul Gandhi. The Nehru – Gandhi lineage although divided, will still rule the show.

The Bofors’ scam aside, Sonia Gandhi rolled the dice on the Indian chess board of politics and won. Her being an Indian is a fact, nobody can refute anymore. From Amethi to Delhi, she gave being a woman – a new status symbol. And the element of mystery she has to her persona, definitely keeps the aam aadmi interested. The movie, Rajneeti based their publicity on her life.

Need anymore reason for giving her the title of Game changer...? Just think, if she decides to endorse an advertisement any day (hopefully, never!!!) would you bet your money on her...? Blindfolded, am sure!! Sonia Gandhi, it is then.

By Tanvi Desai

The number of steps in the stairs was the number of years it took for the courts to reach a solution, maybe even more. Each step she took ahead was witness of the number of people who snubbed her, of the time she spent fighting for her own rights, of those waiting to mock and ridicule her. But for each reason to back down from the fight, Aradhana Parkash had a reason to go on- the injustice done to her best friend, Ruchika Girhotra.

Ruchika Girhotra was like any other teenager, living with her family, spending time with her friends and dreaming on her future. A future she never had because not only was she molested by the Inspector General of Haryana, S P S Rathore, he also harassed her family, driving her to commit suicide three years after she was molested. Aradhana Parkashhad fought a battle for 19 long years, in order to gain justice for her friend. Imagine being a woman in this country, whose friend was not only molested but also committed suicide. Even the biggest chauvinist would agree that the status of women in India leaves a lot to be desired. Women are raped, bought and sold like sheep, abused physically, mentally and emotionally in every corner of this country and have been treated this way since centuries. Suffering abuse and torture at the hands of a loved one, or strangers kills a part of her, but very few would have the courage to knock on the doors of the courts to get justice. Not because they are wrong, but because they fear society.

Aradhana Parkashhad could have suffered her pain in silence, and she did suffer silently for 19 years. But she refused to let fate run its course; she refused to wait for God to punish her tormenters, her friend’s killer. She took the matter into her own hands, and created her own fate. She embarked on a 19 year journey, a fight for every injustice done to women in this country. Along the journey, her parents departed for another world and all she was left with were the values they had given her, and her sisters memories. Thousands of people supported her decision and fight, yet she was alone. People mocked her, ridiculed her. Her footsteps never faltered.

If Aradhna wanted, she would have continued the game- the game of power and mockery of the justice system and Rathore so wanted to play. She could have played the game on his terms, and benefitted. She could have settled down in her life in Australia after her marriage. But she chose not to play the game. Because for her it wasn’t merely a game. It was a never ending friendship. She continued her battle even when moved to Australia, and she won. Although her fight is not over yet, she has managed to turn the game into her favour, and has managed to win the battle, as for now.

There are many quotes on how a woman inspires individuals. But none of how she revolutionizes the world. But if there were, it could be used to describe Aradhna Parkashhad.