She was one of the cases in my PG ,way back in 2003.

I still have the hand written case sheet filled in as per the protocols of the hospital ,I translated the headings to Hindi from Marathi.I have it pinned to the diary which I keep for precious and important learnings from my profession.

So 18 odd years ago, a pretty petite and always smiling 27 year old MANGAL was assigned to me for 14 days treatment and I had to present her case thereafter. Mangal was always dressed in the traditional Maharashtrian Saree, Gajra and Bindi.She came always on her bicycle, a lunch box hanging on it.No family member ever came along.At 10 am every day she would be there with her forearms loosely wrapped in cotton cloth for that was the affected area.She would sit through patiently with a faint smile ,talk just a bit, and then leave  with the cloth wrapped again ; for the printing press she worked at.She healed very well and very much  in those 14 days time frame.I never saw her again.But I often think of her especially at times when we talk of women empowerment, nurturing self-care, liberation, self-reliance.

We have innumerable MANGALS around us, who start their day really early after "looking after" the entire family, performing all duties and religious rituals , get dressed and packed , ride a bicycle or adjust in local transport options.They go back home to the hearth and fill everyone's heart with love.They continue to work at the place which probably is the cause of the the ailments they suffer from as was in my patient's case. But, they prioritise themselves too and find time to treat and get rid of the ailment for they know surely enough that they are the ones running the show.They have to be in perfect working condition and happy and healed inside to keep the household running.

Their self -respect and self-reliance is their medal to themselves.And Self care is on their check list too

Thats the power of a truly aware independent and liberated woman of today!!

So ladies, look after your  own well being, seek help, ask for assistance,find time for your health and smiles

Happy Women's day to the Suns of  every solar systems of every little home.