The Big Dreamer

The big dreamer

Ashwini Choudhary is the pride of her family. She is the only girl in her house who sells newspapers as a result of which, she does attract a lot of attention.

By Aditi Thirani

Delivering newspapers is part of her family tradition and a profession that has been in the family since 1977. Ashwini's achievements and decision to live an unusual life was recently felicitated on International Women's day. "I have always felt proud to be a woman. It gives me a great feeling and the best part is that I never felt I was being treated unequally. I work being a woman so I don't feel that I should've been a man," says Ashwini.

Ashwini is currently studying in Class VIII. She has been delivering newspapers since she was in Class III. "I was just eight back then... my uncle got me interested in doing this. Even today, I want to give him the credit for making me special," says Ashwini who wants to become a policewoman when she grows up. "I always had the dream of becoming a policewoman. Besides, I would also love to do social work and help people like me who didn't get the resources and opportunities. I feel serving people is my duty and my right as well."

But it obviously hasn't been a cakewalk. What sort of problems did she have to face? "I always thought people would laugh at me and mock me. And what will I do if that happens? I always kept thinking about that but it no longer bothers me. I also didn't know much about money management or 'accounts' when I started off. That was the biggest hurdle. Another thing was that I didn't know anyone and I used to feel really bad about that. But with time, I've got the hang of it and now I feel very comfortable doing this job."

Ashwini feels people should start respecting women rather than underestimating them. "I think before people judge a woman, they should think about the fact that she is someone's mother, sister and daughter and they too have these at their own home. There was a time when a boy spoke to me in foul language but my uncle took his case! The point that I am trying to make is that men always think of women as weak. They have to stop suppressing us," says Ashwini.

This girl isn't all about showing her bravado. She is intelligent and this is evident when her entire family speaks highly of her. She has big dreams and is determined to go for after them. "I want to be independent; that's the basic thing to aspire for. There are many more things that I want to work hard and show that I can achieve a lot more than people can imagine. Thankfully, my family is really supportive and that's helped me a lot. I want to make it big, study a lot and make my parents proud," adds Ashwini, her eyes shining with the light of her dreams and a ray of hope that they will come true.

"But I feel the situation of women should improve. They are questioned a lot about every tiny thing they do. I think that must take change. Women should be encouraged to work and be independent, which sadly doesn't happen too much," insists Ashwini.

Big dreams in these small eyes are a hope that will fill the heart of every Indian with hope.