#CelebrateingtheRainbow at the workplace – share your stories of Pride!
A visit to the NASA museum meant more than just a scientific journey for this author; a personal connect with Kalpana Chawla that many Indian women feel.
Way back in 2003 when she was about to start her voyage into space, for us Indians, she was our representative, someone from among us, our very own. We were excited and proud.
Cut to 2017; at a NASA visit, my eyes keep looking for her.
She came to my mind as soon as I entered the NASA complex in Florida, USA. I know she would not be here in a form; she cannot be. But I feel her presence, her empowering, strong presence.
My seeking eyes crave to discover something about her. And then I find this section. This belongs to her and six of her friends who on that ill-fated flight had lost their lives with her. The space shuttle Columbia, which had previously completed 27 successful missions, had disintegrated while re-entering the earth.
Image source: By NASA – http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/http://www.af.mil/, Public Domain, Link
Things she loved graced the casket of glass. An audiovisual played alongside, where the astronauts were seen walking together in heightened spirits.
I noticed her smile, bright as a million stars shining together. And as she walked, she bounced like a buoyant ball. That last bounce would be landing her into where she would remain of no particular nation or region or religion, but only a representative of the human race.
Sad and true, she could not make it back to the earth, but in lieu of her life, she inspired countless girls (and boys) to dare to dream beyond the obvious. And to realize that wherever you may be, whatever might be the circumstances, yes, realizing your dreams is possible (Kalpana Chawla hails from a state in India where the sex ratio has always been a dismal figure).
This brief encounter with Kalpana Chawla was an emotional one for me. When Columbia had met with the accident, I had felt sorry about the death of a young, promising Kalpana. I had mourned, along with the entire nation, and the world as a whole. Today, when I am at the NASA, looking at her things, her pictures and the remains of Columbia, the heart cries. Tears break barriers. How I wish those astronauts had safely returned to earth! But then there is also this sense of immense pride, at the fact that someone who is our very own has sacrificed her life for the entire human race.
Everyone has to die someday. But blessed are those who live and die for a more significant cause. And in doing so can defeat and transcend death itself to become immortal.
A version of this was first published here.
Image source: NASA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Can you believe this bloke compelled me to wear only saris - full time at home- till the eighth month of my pregnancy?! The excessive heat coupled with humidity made my life miserable.
Recently when I browsed an interesting post by a fellow author on this very forum I had a sense of déjà vu. She describes the absolutely unnecessary hullabaloo over ladies donning nighties and /or dupatta –less suits.
I wish to narrate how I was in dire straits so far wearing a ‘nightie’ was concerned.
I lived in my ultra orthodox sasural under constant surveillance of two moral guardians (read Taliban) in the shape of the husband’s mom and dad. The mom was unschooled and dim-witted while the dad was a medical practitioner. But he out-Heroded the Herod in orthodoxy.
My supervisor introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As a transwoman navigating the corporate world, I had encountered my fair share of discrimination and challenges. Transitioning without the support of my parents and having limited friendships in my personal life made the journey difficult and lonely. However, when I stepped into the office, something remarkable happened, I left behind the stress and negativity, embracing a space where I could truly be myself.
Joining the marketing team as a graphic designer, I was initially apprehensive about how my colleagues would react to my gender identity. But to my surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming and respectful from day one. My supervisor, Sarah, introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As I settled into my role, I discovered that my colleagues went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and included. They consistently used my correct name and pronouns, creating an environment where I could be authentically me. Being an introvert, making friends wasn’t always easy for me, but within this workplace, I found a supportive community that embraced me for who I truly am. The workplace became a haven where I could escape the stresses of my personal life and focus on my professional growth.
Please enter your email address