It takes a village to raise a child. And it took one to raise me too. I have been blessed to be born into a family of inspiring women. Here is a tribute to the amazing ladies who have shaped the woman that I am.
The Wind Beneath My Wings: My Mother
Not all heroes wear capes. My mother is the wind beneath my wings, my inspiration, and my guide. I owe all that I have achieved today to her. She was instrumental in launching my design agency too.
An interior designer and an army wife, she more or less raised my brother and me single-handedly through our formative years. Back in the 70s and 80s when children were taught gender-specific skills, she ensured we had a balanced upbringing. In fact, my brother was a better cook than me growing up. A well-read woman, you can converse with her on any topic under the sun. She is the one we get the bibliophile genes from.
She has been a rock of the family since we lost our father three years back. And like most mothers, is always ready to bop my head when I question my life choices. Her zest for life is infectious. At seventy-two, she is all set to launch her food blog. Age is indeed just a number for her.
We may disagree on a lot of things, but I will always be her Sona.
It Takes a Village: A Tribute to the Amazing Women Who Raised Me #TheWomanThatIAm #RRxMM @RoyrashiRR @manasmukul @kraffittistyle Share on X
A Woman Ahead of her Time: My Grandmother
My maternal grandmother (or Badi Mummy as we called her) was a pioneer of sorts. She rarely questioned my singlehood, but always took pride in my achievements. She taught her daughters and granddaughters to be fiercely independent.
An army wife, she was as much at ease with the dust and grime on her farm as in her upmarket South Delhi home. She was a fun granny who could turn my brother beetroot red with her life lessons. A fabulous cook who could turn a sunken cake into a bird’s nest.
She was also someone who could build up an astonishing Punjabi vocabulary. Sample this – Gobalgoloos was the vintage telephone with the round dial. Anything smaller than her fist was Gutkunnu. And nothing to beat Ghosmasoda cake that meant mixing up all the ingredients together. I actually tried to Google the recipe before I was informed it was another of my naani’s inventions.
We lost her fifteen years back, but I will always be her chamcho.
The Sister I never had: My Sister-in-law
Growing up, my biggest lament was not having a sister as a sibling. Not that I loved my older brother any less. Being around brothers, I was always more into playing cricket, climbing trees, and flying kites.
My sister-in-law honed my feminine side. So much so that my brother had an epiphany at 28 that I was indeed a girl. A career woman who balances work and family. She has always inspired me to keep improving myself. Along with my brother, she is also instrumental in my transition to IT. Something that was a big advantage when I launched my design agency five years later.
Our chat sessions are legendary, and I will always be her kiddi.
My Inspiration: My Aunt
An epitome of grace. At seventy-eight, my aunt can give the twenty-somethings a run for their money. She is a peaceful breeze of calm in the family. She instilled the importance of good education and all-round development.
I would mention my older aunt too. We lost her over two decades back, but her legacy lives on. An army wife, she cared two hoots about people’s opinions of her and followed her heart.
My mother figures and I will always be their phatto
The Influencers: My Cousins
Nothing is unachievable. Hard work and tenacity are the roads to success. My two lovely cousins have immensely influenced the woman I am. They are both academicians who have excelled in their field.
Older than me by six and twelve years, they are ones I really look up to. They are my biggest cheerleaders, always ready to give a much-needed boost when required.
I tease them senseless with my geriatric jokes, but I will always be their choti.
The Mini-Me: My Niece
Not a woman who raised me, but she deserves a special mention here. Almost an adult, the young lady does not let challenges deter her. Art, music, dramatics, swimming, a YouTube channel, you name it. There is no stopping her. Inspiration can come in small packages too.
A mini-me (we share our names too), and I will always be her bui.
When the blog hop was announced, I had planned to talk about books. But with Women’s Day coming up, what better time to celebrate my tribe instead. Who are the women that have inspired you? Do share in the comments below.
P.S. The terms of endearment if I have listed…. the reason why you can never build up a comprehensive Punjabi dictionary.
Image by kholisrevenge from Pixabay
This post is a part of ‘The Woman That I Am’ Blog Hop #TheWomanThatIAm organized by Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul #RRxMM. The Event is sponsored by Kraffitti.
March 4, 2020 @ 11:10 am
That is a lovely tribute to all the important woman in your life, your village. It is amazing how each and every woman has an important role to play with all their strengths. Glad you are surrounded and blessed by such a lovely family. A beautiful and honest post 🙂
March 4, 2020 @ 5:25 pm
Super, Ritu. You have a way with words, so whatever you write looks magical. You are indeed blessed to be born into a family of inspiring women. Salute to them all. Not everyone has that luxury.
Janaki@beyondthefamiliar
March 4, 2020 @ 7:31 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Janaki. Born during the times when women were limited to the home and hearth, they inspired us daughters to follow our dreams.
March 4, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
Glad you liked it, Arushi. I am indeed blessed.
March 17, 2020 @ 2:27 pm
No better post on the account of women’s day to give tribute to all the inspirational women in your life. Beautifully penned Ritu !
March 19, 2020 @ 10:14 am
Thank you for your kind words, Nidhi.
March 4, 2020 @ 12:44 pm
Hi Ritu! I just love to read your aptly written articles. You always play with words, with an inner voice, and I just love it. You have a powerful village of women behind you, must say. I really enjoyed each and every story of these lovely ladies. Only one blank is left, I wish I could see a glimpse of every woman here. Please do upload their photographs sometime later. Eagerly waiting. And yes, more and more power to you, dear friend.
March 4, 2020 @ 11:04 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Swarnali. I am overwhelmed. Unfortunately, I cannot upload their pics since they are quite protective of what they share online…. even on Facebook.
March 4, 2020 @ 1:03 pm
Your beautiful writing adorns your family of strong inspiring women at different ages. Such a pleasure to know them through you. They must all be really proud of you. Bless you!
March 4, 2020 @ 9:53 pm
This is a beautiful tribute to the women in your life. You are lucky to have the blessings and love of these lovely women
March 4, 2020 @ 11:06 pm
Thank you, Poorvi. I am indeed lucky.
March 4, 2020 @ 11:05 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Jyoti. They indeed are.
March 4, 2020 @ 1:09 pm
We are truly the Woman we are due to the strong influences in our life. So glad to see you surrounded with such strong women.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:44 pm
Very true, Zenobia. I am indeed lucky.
March 4, 2020 @ 1:23 pm
You are blessed to find so much I sliration closer home, I have been inspired by many women but outside of family. Kudos for making it sound like an interesting family saga.
March 4, 2020 @ 11:08 pm
Thank you, Pooja. I have been blessed to be surrounded by inspiring women, within the family and outside.
March 4, 2020 @ 1:59 pm
That’s a lovely post thanking all those who shaped you into the woman you are.
Glad to know you are what they call army brat and I can understand your mom’s role as I wear the same shoes. That’s so nice to read, you thanking your sis in law, your niece, aunt and of course your mom and grandma who has played there roles to shape your life.
March 4, 2020 @ 11:14 pm
Always a pleasure to meet an army wife, Pragun. You wear many hats, and no doubt us brats grow up fiercely independent. Glad you liked the post.
March 11, 2020 @ 8:19 am
Lovely write up. A beautiful tribute to womanhood.You are lucky enough to have these women in your life.
Sangya Nagpal
March 11, 2020 @ 8:22 am
Lovely write up. A beautiful tribute to womanhood.You are lucky enough to have these women in your life.
Sangya Nagpal
March 4, 2020 @ 3:11 pm
Wonderful tribute to women who inspired you. A post with a unique beauty.
March 4, 2020 @ 4:23 pm
That was a lovely tribute to the wonderful women in your life. Lovely family. Stay blessed.
March 4, 2020 @ 10:51 pm
Such an amazing tribute to each one of the ladies who have been instrumental in your life. I could totally relate because in India every family is alike. Infact I would consider this as a tribute from me to my favourite grandma and aunts because they barely get mentioned. The way you have narrated it just feels like you wrote for me. #damurureads Urvashi
March 7, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
Thank you, Urvashi. I am really glad you connected with the piece. You are absolutely right, the women barely get acknowledged for their contributions.
March 11, 2020 @ 4:26 pm
such a great ode to so many women in your life, every relationship has a unique place in our life and it deserves its due respect.
March 6, 2020 @ 5:53 pm
Thank you, Ruchi
March 6, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Sivaranjini.
March 10, 2020 @ 3:54 pm
I am so inspired with your mom and wish to read her blog.
March 4, 2020 @ 4:21 pm
It’s a pleasure to read all about those women in your village who gave you strength and power. Your mother, grandmother, your sister in law, aunt, niece. You included all the generations with their positives which plays an important role in your life. A well-deserved tribute! And very nicely written.
Deepika Mishra
March 6, 2020 @ 5:55 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Deepika. Glad you liked it.
March 4, 2020 @ 4:23 pm
A tribute to all the lovely and strong ladies of your life. Loved reading your post. Specially about your badi mummy she seemed to be a very strong lady with broad views about life. All the best to your mom with her food blog.
March 6, 2020 @ 5:56 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Shail. I will pass on your good wishes to my mom. My badi mummy was indeed one of a kind.
March 4, 2020 @ 4:31 pm
It looks like your family is full of inspirational women. It was a sweet dedication Ritu and I loved the way you wrote it down. It again brings me to the point that every woman is special and helps others around them grow.
Lovely read Ritu. Thank you 🙂
— rightpurchasing.com
March 6, 2020 @ 5:59 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Sundeep. Completely agree, each woman has a role to play in our growth.
March 4, 2020 @ 5:56 pm
Such a cute post! Love the way you have described the contribution of each and every woman in your life and made me think about the women who have made me the woman that I am today. Ghosmasoda cake made me guffaw out loud and I can’t wait for the recipe! 🙂
March 6, 2020 @ 6:01 pm
Really glad you liked it, Surbhi. It was indeed a “facepalm” moment. I will definitely be sharing the cake recipe.
March 4, 2020 @ 6:07 pm
That’s a lovely tribute to all the women surrounded in your life. Inspiring and full of gratitude. Lucky and blessed you are. Thanks for sharing this post. Well written.
March 6, 2020 @ 6:01 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Sonia. I am indeed blessed.
March 4, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
It was wonderful to know about all the wonderful women who have been instrumental in your growth. I especially enjoyed reading about your grandmother. Lovely tribute!
March 6, 2020 @ 6:03 pm
Thank you for the kind words, Purba. My grandmother was indeed one of a kind.
March 4, 2020 @ 6:37 pm
Every person has a role to play in shaping us. They also say that we become the combination of five people we are close to. I really liked your write up.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
Thank you, Mahesh.
March 4, 2020 @ 6:37 pm
A wonderful tribute to the beautiful, strong, powerful, and lovely women in your life. 🙂
P.S: Love the title
March 7, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Srivalli. I loved your take too. One of my favorites.
March 4, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Lovely tribute to all the women who raised you.
You should consider yourself lucky enough to have such amazing inspiring women around you.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
Thank you, Romila. I am indeed lucky.
March 4, 2020 @ 7:09 pm
Wow…you have been so lucky to have such wonderful women in your life. An amazing tribute to them. A very interesting post and would love to meet your 78-year-old aunt in person for sure!
March 5, 2020 @ 10:41 am
Such beautiful tribute to women in your life. You are lucky to have these lovely women in life.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
Thank you, Poorvi.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:28 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Ninu. I am sure my aunt would love to meet you too. Your piece was a gem!
March 4, 2020 @ 7:41 pm
So sweet.😘..Such a wonderful tribute to all the people around you who made you what you are today.. The post was full of love..Loved each line to the core…God bless..Best wishes for your future posts..
March 7, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
Thank you so much, Pashmeena. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing tribe.
March 4, 2020 @ 7:47 pm
Absolutely agree that it takes a village and the women in the village play such an important part in shaping our lives!
March 7, 2020 @ 5:31 pm
Exactly Neeraja. Some day I hope to write about the men too.
March 4, 2020 @ 9:19 pm
That’s an incredible way of a tribute to all the woman/girl of your life, amazed to see that you are blessed with so many lady lucks around you and that too of 3-4 different generations.! Great write up!
March 4, 2020 @ 10:39 pm
Loved the topic Dear !! It actually takes so many people to bring up the You within !! Such a beautiful post paying gartiyute to all the lovely women in your life . You are blessed to have them and they are blessed to have you too !! Inspiration comes in small packets too. Hugs to the little inspiration of yours 🙂
March 7, 2020 @ 5:36 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Jyoti. I am indeed blessed. My niece is an absolute darling.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:34 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Archana.
March 4, 2020 @ 9:34 pm
It indeed takes a village to bring up a child and you have paid tribute to all the women who have made you who you are! Such lovely women whom we all would love to meet! They sound like wonderful women so its no wonder you are who you are!
March 7, 2020 @ 5:38 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Brinda. You are an inspiring lady yourself. I am sure they would love to meet you too.
March 5, 2020 @ 1:03 pm
Your post tugged at my heart strings. Indeed we are surrounded by the inspirations who have made us who we are. Such a beautiful tribute to your inspirations. Your mother seems like a person after my own heart. I would have loved to meet her!
Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com
March 7, 2020 @ 5:41 pm
Thank you, Meena. I am glad you connected with the piece. I am sure my mom would love to meet you too.
March 5, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
Excellent tribute to the women in your family. They are a big support system. – Yatindra Tawde
March 7, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
Thank you, Yatindra.
March 11, 2020 @ 3:24 pm
Now this is a full on women’s day post, giving tribute and being grateful to each and every woman in your life. They would be proud of you 🙂
March 12, 2020 @ 5:10 pm
Thank you, Priyanka. They indeed are.
March 6, 2020 @ 7:25 am
You are surrounded by some amazing women who are so inspiring and the best support system one can have.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
Thank you, Manisha. I am indeed blessed.
March 6, 2020 @ 11:04 am
Thanks for sharing Ritu, I really enjoyed your post. more and more power to you dear.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:43 pm
Thank you, Surabhi.
March 6, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
It was great knowing about your mom, grande mother, and other ladies who inspires you. With this, I also realized that other than my mother, my masi was another woman whom I really adore. She is also responsible for shaping me the way I am. I should say thank you her some day. You have written a great post for real people and they will definitely be happy after reading this that how much you value them.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:48 pm
Thank you, Shipra. I shared the piece with them and they loved it. And thank you for sharing your inspirations too.
March 7, 2020 @ 6:05 am
A heart felt tribute to the women in your life!
March 7, 2020 @ 5:48 pm
Thank you, Deepti.
March 7, 2020 @ 10:14 am
You’re lucky to be born in a family full of such inspiring women! I’ve often heard that army girls have a different upbringing from boys. Thanks for busting that myth for me!
March 7, 2020 @ 5:50 pm
That is indeed a myth, Varsh. Given the environment and the lack of stability so to speak, army girls are brought up at par with the boys.
March 7, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
It was a pleasure reading about all women who. made you . Especially your niece . It’s always more interesting to learn from our younger ones . They have latest knowledge , trends and are practical people . Good one !
March 7, 2020 @ 5:52 pm
Glad you liked the post, Monika. Kids pick up things way faster. It is amusing to see her teach her father sometimes, who is himself a geek.
March 8, 2020 @ 2:16 pm
It was lovely to read your ode to the women in your life! Your post got me thinking about who I would like to raise a toast and the list just goes on and on. One could actually write a book!
March 8, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
Glad you liked it, Noor. Do share about your tribe too.
March 8, 2020 @ 4:18 pm
What a beautiful tribute to all the women in your life who have made you the woman that you are! May your tribe and you always be strong
March 8, 2020 @ 7:14 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Namratha.
March 8, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
It is indeed a blessing to have such wonderful women in your life. only strong women can raise strong women
March 8, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
Thank you, Aishwarya. I am indeed blessed.
March 8, 2020 @ 9:56 pm
A lovely post Ritu – love the way you attribute your strength to each of the pillars in your life… you have had some amazing women in your life!
March 9, 2020 @ 9:25 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Sonam.
March 8, 2020 @ 11:23 pm
Loved reading about you Ritu…Something besides books!
March 9, 2020 @ 9:27 pm
Thank you for stopping by, Sonia. Glad you liked it. I do confess I did think about something related to books before I changed direction.
March 9, 2020 @ 6:15 pm
You have a strong strong village behind u. loved reading different aspect of the powerful women in your life. your choice of words is so amazing that i could actually picture each one of them.. More power to you and the power puff girls behind u. 🙂
March 9, 2020 @ 9:29 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Supriti. Loved the term “power puff girls”. 🙂
March 9, 2020 @ 9:57 pm
That’s is lovely tribute to all the women in your life. You are blessed to have them and you expressed your love towards them in a wonderful way.
March 12, 2020 @ 5:01 pm
Thank you, Abha.
March 10, 2020 @ 9:22 pm
Honest and heartfelt post, Ritu. You are blessed to have a family of fierce, independent and broad-minded women who not only shaped you as the woman you are today but have left a legacy behind them to be followed up by the next-gen. Beautiful tribute on women’s day.
March 12, 2020 @ 5:02 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Debidutta. I am indeed blessed.
March 10, 2020 @ 11:38 pm
An ode and tribute to all the women in your life.
It’s a beautiful garland if words and loads of love to all and the mini you.
March 12, 2020 @ 5:03 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Meera.
March 11, 2020 @ 12:06 pm
All the women have an amazing persona, loved the Punjabi terms by your grandmother. Grandmothers are always special. 🙂
March 12, 2020 @ 5:05 pm
Grandmas are the best. Glad you liked the Punjabi words. She had a whole repertoire of it, I could write a whole book. 🙂
March 11, 2020 @ 2:43 pm
It been a journey though. Lovely reading this post about these wonderful women who in their own unique way can make a difference. Very patiently written, can feel it in the narrative.
March 12, 2020 @ 5:05 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Srishti
March 12, 2020 @ 2:22 pm
Must say that you are truly blessed to have been raised by queens 🙂 It’s very thoughtful of you to remember all the women who shaped your life and pay such a beautiful tribute to them. Very well written and am glad you shared it with us as a part of this blog hop 🙂
March 12, 2020 @ 5:09 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Rashi. It means a lot coming from you. I have always been protective of what I share online about my personal life but decided to go ahead with this anyway. Really glad I did. They are women to be celebrated! Thanks for providing the opportunity. 🙂
March 16, 2020 @ 11:25 pm
Wonderful tribute Ritu ji. I would have loved to meet your grandmother in person and learnt a word or two for myself. It is a beautiful post as you list out all the woman that have been important in shaping up who you are today but I would also add this is the goodness of your soul that was ready to learn from so many and at the same time acknowledge it. Keep the great work going.
#RRxMM #TheWomanThatIAm
March 17, 2020 @ 12:19 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Manas. I am truly humbled. It means a lot coming from you. You are right about one being ready to learn. I am blessed to be surrounded by women who have always been my guiding force and also my cheerleaders.
April 23, 2020 @ 9:13 pm
Women are remarkable in the way they persevere against the odds. Your tributes to so many fantastic women encourages me to look to those in my own family.
Cheers to all the women in this world who make life worth living.