I was asked what I liked to do..

I don’t know how or why I was asked that day

What I really liked to do, I am embarrassed to say

That I instantly felt flattered, because I could not recall

An instance when anyone around me had cared at all

To find out what I liked, it had probably never crossed anyone’s mind

To ask women this question, they were supposed to be blind

Followers of the men, who with their wealth and position in the society

Were free to make choices, indulge in whatever they happened to fancy

*

Being from a wealthy family, I was privileged, I knew

What other women lacked, I had the freedom to do

And yet my opinions were considered unnecessary

I was supposed to be a bejeweled, bedecked accessory

But that one question energized me to explore

My likes and dislikes further, to try to be more

Than just a mute observer in a world that was exciting

The thought of being an active participant was inviting..

*

I realized I was passionate about education, I liked to teach

I started a school in the village in order to reach

The girls who were confined to household chores

I worked with their families in order to ensure

That they had the time, the resources and the flexibility

To learn how to read and write, and to grow up to be

The kind of women who were not afraid to state

What they liked, who were not resigned to their fates..

*

This was more than seventy years ago in India newly independent

I faced challenges profound, but never wavered in my intent

As I reflect on a life well-lived in my last days

The question that started my journey stays

Fresh in my mind- never in my wildest imagination

Had I thought I would teach multiple generations

Of women just because someone asked me

What I liked- and it became my destiny