From Skylines to Bowling Alleys: A Women’s Day Reflection

For years, I scoffed at these "Hallmark card" holidays. In my logic, I always asked: why do we need one specific day to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day? Why do mothers and fathers only get one day? And now, in recent years, International Women’s Day has started making headlines too.

As I grow older, however, I realize these days act as a "pause"—a moment to think and reflect. These specific celebrations give us an opportunity to express emotions that we might otherwise take for granted.

I was recently invited by a local organization 

(Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) New England) to be honored for Women’s Day. I’ve come to realize that these honors are actually a powerful way to reach out to families. If just one person in the crowd listens to what I do and reaches out to another family in need of support, that is enough for me.

A fine group of women gathered in the heart of the city, at the magnificent Prudential Tower—one of the tallest buildings in Boston. On a gloomy day, I drove into the city not knowing quite what to expect. I arrived on time, but since it was an Indian get-together, everyone else arrived on "Indian time" :) That actually gave me a wonderful chance to hang out and chat with the other guests.

I met the Deputy Consul General in Boston, a woman from Karnataka wearing a beautiful Mysore silk saree. As a mother to a two-year-old daughter, she spoke about her hopes and aspirations for her child. In her official posting, she is breaking glass ceilings in so many ways. It was inspiring to listen to stories of women moving forward with such conviction and passion.

I was honored for my work with the Desi Mom’s Network. Ironically, after the event, I drove off to hang out with some of the dads from the group. I have been hosting events for moms for years, and while getting the dads together always seemed difficult, it finally fell into place. Seventeen dads, including my husband, met up for bowling.

One of them joked that instead of celebrating Women’s Day, they were busy enjoying a "Dads' Evening." But as they hung out, they talked to one another about their children, services, and their difficulties.

The morning was joyous and humbling, but the evening was deeply fulfilling.It turns out that celebrating women isn't just about the honors we receive; it’s about the communities we build that finally allow everyone—moms and dads alike—to find their place. 

A silk saree gift from a dear friend.