“Raigarh in Chattisgarh is a much smaller city than Hyderabad and is still in the developing stage. In many parts of the state and even in the city, people don’t believe that education for all is important. I remember a lot of neighbours giving my mother a sympathetic look when she told them she has two daughters, even if my mom was happy about it. So, growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of sexist folks who didn’t understand equality. Fortunately, my family always supported education for girls and taught us to be independent. That’s the only reason why I could move out of that town to study and work in Hyderabad. I always believed in equality, though I was around people who thought otherwise.

Recently, I came across an advertisement by British High Commission where they’d ask people to send a one-minute video of what gender equality means to them. This was on the international day of girl child. I recorded a brief clip speaking about why we need equality and who my inspiration is, and sent it. After three weeks, I got a call from them saying I was selected. They told me I would be the Deputy High Commissioner for a day!! I was so excited and felt extremely honoured. I spent the whole day meeting dignitaries and organisations who help strengthen the ties with the British.

I understood how British organisations create a gender-equal workspace with opportunities for all. It was surreal. At the end of the day, it only made me think how the right kind of power and gender-neutral ideology could help so many women across the world have a chance to prove themselves. Today, millions of young girls don’t go to school. There’s an increasing rate of female foeticide. All we need is one chance and we very well deserve it.”

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