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Meet Seema Srivastava who will inspire you to dream of a better world
Meet Seema Srivastava, a woman who is making waves in the male-dominated field of politics. As a child, Seema was always interested in social issues and community service. She dreamed of making a difference in people’s lives and had a deep desire to serve her community. However, being a woman in a male-dominated society, she faced many obstacles along the way.
Seema, who currently holds the positions of Meerut Metropolitan Vice-President of a political party and President of Saath Welfare Society Register, Uttar Pradesh is a shining example of what women can achieve when they set their minds to something and work hard to make it happen. Her organization, Saath Welfare Society focuses mostly on aiding the underprivileged in whatever form, educating the public about traffic laws, raising awareness of cleanliness in society, etc. Saath Society works predominantly for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ as it believes that a girl child ought to be treated equally to a boy in all aspects of her life. She deserves the same respect and love as everyone else.
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Seema’s life was not an easy one from the very beginning only. She was born into a family where they already had six aunts. In a male-dominated society, it was evident that the addition of another girl child would not be warmly welcomed.
Seema’s grandfather served in the police force in Pre-Independent India. During the partition, he migrated to India leaving behind everything that he and his generations had built in Pakistan. The trauma and difficulties he endured due to the horrors of partition took a toll on him, and he passed away at the young age of 50, leaving behind a family where everyone was still young. The responsibility of the whole family fell on the father, who was only 24 years old at the time, and she was only 3 years old. As a result, Seema never felt her father’s touch in her entire life. The responsibility of family and marriage, as well as the education of her aunts and uncle, left her parents with little time for their own children.
Seema feels that despite the equal rights and respect given to women in ancient Indian culture, discrimination against women continues to exist, and women are still seen as objects. She faced discrimination within her own family, even in small things like not being allowed to drink milk while her brother was given priority.
Seema acknowledges the progress made in women’s empowerment, with examples such as the current Finance Minister being a woman, but stresses that there is still a long way to go. The support of family is essential, but for those who do not receive it, she encourages them to continue striving towards their goals.
Seema felt pride in giving birth to a son, but also would have felt the same pride if it was a daughter. She feels that we need to understand the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work of women who make household chores easier, while still facing abuse and discrimination. Her message on Women’s Day is for women who are capable to improve the standard of living of at least one woman in their life and help them become financially independent.
Seema Srivastava is Kokum Pratyusha. Every woman who makes a difference is a Pratyusha. It makes no difference how old the woman is, who she is, or how many prizes she has won. It is more than enough to classify her as Pratyusha if her life’s work inspires others to aspire, to learn more, to grow, to be proud of the voice they have, and embark on their journey.
