We have been having a lot of discussions recently about the power of using our voices as tools for social change. I sent some of the students an article from Uplift, titled "Female Voices the World Needs to Hear (upliftconnect.com). Asmita's response is a very moving reflection on the role of heroes. She has given me permission to share it with you.
29 March 2021
Dear Bec
Thank
you so much for sharing the interesting article, “Female Voices the World
Needs to Hear” with us. Each one of the stories is equally inspiring and
motivating. I believe that there is a hero inside each one of us. Although few
of us dare to show it openly to others, it can be seen through our
determination and courage to face and fight whatever comes our way. Amongst the
list of voices in this article are people who have overcome their fear and
weaknesses, showing their bold side with much courage and commitment. Their
voices are now powerful - full of grace and confidence to inspire us all.
After
reading the article I realised that, growing up, we all have our favourite hero,
but until now, I haven’t thought of having a favourite heroine in the same way.
It was funny and delightful to grow up watching superhero movies, anticipating
that they will fight with, and win against, the villain. But as we grow, we
come to see that superheroes don't come with masks and costumes; they reside in
each of us. We are all heroes who face a lot of villains in our lives in the
form of the obstacles that come our way. The superhero movies were fiction, but
they taught us to fight against the bad, to be on the side of good, that good
will triumph. Reading the article, it was great to see so many women raising
their voices for themselves and for the good of others.
Being
a village girl and being a member of the Mitrataa family, I have learned that
the life of females is always tough, whether it is in a village or in an urban
area. I used to think that doing home chores wasn’t difficult but now I realise
that managing the home, making sure all things are done on time is great work
in itself; on the other hand, I have also learned that office/professional work
is equally tough. But we females never give up; no matter how hard the
situation that life creates for us, we face it with courage and smiles on our
faces.
All
those in the article are heroes and I really admire them all, especially the
mothers. Inspiring others with our own acts and culture is a great contribution
and all the females in the article have found and used their voices. Not only
through their words, but through their actions, they have inspired many of us
to stay strong and face life’s challenges.
I
am very grateful that I have one of my sources of inspiration and heroes by me.
Thank you so much for always inspiring us and believing in us. Words can't
express how grateful I am to have you in my journey towards accomplishing my
aim. Thank you so much, that really means a lot.
With
much love,
Asmita
Shrestha
