Taking life head-on

Taking life head-on

Mrs Khanuja doesn't come across as a person who would want to dabble much in cars, but she had to due to personal reasons. And then she fell in love with cars!

By Aditi Thirani

For Mrs Khanuja, life has been very unpredictable. She took up the business of automobiles after the sudden and unfortunate demise of her husband. Mrs. Khanuja didn't have any experience but was from a business family. Although only a Class X passout, she wanted to fulfill her husband's dreams and went ahead to take care of the business from being a full-time housewife. A lady with immense courage and one who is always ready to take all difficulties head-on, she epitomizes the woman of the 21st century. "I didn't want to be dependant on anyone financially. Of course, it was a big decision and I had to take it for the bright future of my children," says Mrs. Khanuja.

Though the times have changed, the attitude of people towards women hasn't changed much feels Mrs. Khanuja. "It is indeed really sad that things haven't changed much. In times where women have entered fields which were only men's domain earlier, there are still places where they are treated like door mats. Women are into IT, Industries, Army, Politics, Automobiles, Banking, etc. Even Pilots and travelled to space. You name it and they are there. It's really necessary that people change their attitudes towards women and start respecting them," she says. Mrs Khanuja also enjoys cooking and gardening and credits her upbringing for her success. "We were always taught to respect everyone and be polite. My parents and teachers said always help the needy and always be humble," she adds.

"I didn't have any work experience so I faced a lot of problems because of that in the beginning. The biggest was gender problem as this work was totally men oriented. Most of the customers were men and when they saw a woman at the counter they made assumptions that their work won't be done properly. Even the workers in the shop took advantage of my inexperience. But slowly things started to change when they saw that I was determined to run the shop. Where there is a will, there is a way really applies in my case. If you are strong enough nothing can stop you. This is my personal experience. Also believe in God that he is taking care of everything so there is nothing to worry about," says Mrs. Khanuja.

She thinks being a woman is difficult but it's a great asset to be one. "God gave the world a woman as the greatest gift. She has the strength and the power to bear a lot and still be the winner. The world would be nothing without her. Life would be monotonous for everyone if women weren't there at all," adds Mrs. Khanuja. "As a woman I want everyone to be equal with women and give them the freedom that they need and ask for. Good education is equally necessary for all so why should women be left behind? They have a right to make a good career and lead respectful lives," she insists.

"Women shouldn't think that they are helpless. Today women can and should stand on their feet," concludes Mrs. Khanuja.