A Eulogy to the Lioness

I could not refrain myself from writing this. This day has indeed been heart-wrenching.

I do not remember the first time I had heard of Ms. J. Jayalalithaa. But I always found her appealing and it was not because of her beauty. Why did I like her? I can render a few probable reasons which led to have first impressions.

Maybe it was watching a parent being an ardent fan of that political party and its leaders; Maybe it was the political party channel playing all through the day in my living room TV; Maybe it was incessant movie marathon of Puratchi thalaivar MGR and Puratchi thalaivi Jayalalithaa; It could have been any of these or more. I never knew.

It took me all my childhood and teenage to realize that I like her. I have admired her eloquence in English and Tamil, watched her gait with the charm of a queen, observed the emotionally detached look in her face. She had this inexplicable charisma and composed manner.

Many a time, I have said this to my relatives and friends, ‘I do not know the ABC’s of politics, neither can I weigh the pros and cons of her administration. But I always respect for the lady she is’. Not many women (me included) could have achieved what she has, despite the humiliations and accusations. They would have hidden behind excuses. She never gave up on herself. There had been many political jokes on ‘falling on her feet’ culture. She might have demanded it or people might have started doing it out of fear and respect. Either way, I do not appreciate it, but it does not happen to all the women in politics. She had everyone spring into action at the flick of her magic wand.  

When I heard about the fake news of her death, it took me sometime for the reality to set in. I shuddered at the realization that she is no more. Why should I? I just like her like any another famous personality. That should not affect me. No, I do not just like her. It is something more.

She was good at what she was doing, a paragon of administration and a leadership. Deep in my heart, I believe that she will be the guiding light to many more individuals.

From what I hear, she entered the movie industry and politics out of compulsion. If she had excelled in fields which she was forced to be in, what could have happened if she had pursued her interests. The world will never know.

Ma’am, your accomplishments are many and there are common people crying at your feet paying their last respects. Though you didn’t have an immediate family, many call you ‘Amma’. And that is your biggest accomplishment.

May you Rest In Peace!!

Let Her Be!!

She is in love – I wonder if she is a girl of good character!!

She had a recent break-up – I wonder if she cheated!!

She is in love again – OMG! There she goes again. I wonder how long this is going to last!!

She is getting married too early – Maybe she did something inappropriate that her parents want to get her married soon!!

She is 30 and still unmarried – I wonder why no one wants to marry her!!

She is married for 5 years and had no kids – I wonder if she has a problem!!

     Above thoughts sound vaguely familiar? I sure have heard them. Truth is, men are not under scrutiny as much as women in our society. People constantly wonder what is wrong with her. And this happens mostly outside the immediate family or friends. What do we know about her? Do we even have a clue of what she wants in life? Do we know if she is unhappy of what she is? Why do people set goals for a girl’s life in our society? And what’s with all these awkward questions? Do we even know how embarrassing she feels with all those questions? She has to dodge all of them with an inconvenient smile.

     Most of these people say, ‘I can understand what she is going through.’ Really? Sadly, women are the one who mostly gossip about other women. I honestly believe people can only sympathize. Empathy is too far-fetched. No one can ever understand a situation like another individual.

     Maybe you have the right to judge if her decisions directly impact you. Oh wait! Do you have the right? Let her live her own life. She might reap goodness out of her decisions or not. At least it is she who has taken the decision and not the mouth-piece of someone’s brain.

     For those who are hurting inside by these questions and gossips – There is no such thing as how to fall in love or age to get married or by when you should have kids. Stay Strong! Do things the way you want to and when you want to. People who care for you, won’t judge you and those who judge, never mind them. Live your life on your terms.

     I am no saint. So finally, if I have ever judged a woman in my walk of life, I really want to apologize and pledge to never judge again. Sorry ladies!!

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL ‘WONDERING’ ABOUT HER LIFE - Let her be!!!