Happy International Women's Day

“If your eyes are positive you will love the world but if your tongue is positive, the world will love you”. - Mother Teresa.

Most influential women that shaped my life are Mother Teresa, Maya Anjelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lakshmi Tikkani and Fathima Mohammed. Mother Teresa, Maya Anjelou and Ruth Bader Ginsburg need no introduction.

Lakshmi, grew up in a small town, was married early and raised a girl in another small town in India. Every day she expanded her horizon of wisdom by learning, adapting and giving back to the community. A housewife whose ambitions were not limited to sowing seeds of morality, compassion, character in the little girl. Not limited to providing best education and healthy environment for the little one to bloom. She had a dream for *herself*. To be the best version of herself constantly chiseling, constantly tinkering. An opportunity presented and she came to United States at young age of 52 years. Cutting through language, cultural barriers, she quickly adapted and did what she is best at - gave back to community in the form of voluntary work. She received President Obama’ certificate for putting extraordinary voluntary hours. At her age when most retire or think of retirement, she applied for and got a job to start a career in a Fortune 500 company. 10 years later, she realized the quintessential American Dream and continues to inspire hundreds in her community.

Fathima is another housewife who was razor focused on raising her two sons. Once they both were put through high school, she began dreaming for herself. She applied for a teaching position and served full 22 years as kindergarten teacher, shaping lives of 1000s of girls who fondly remember her to this day. Unbeknownst to people around her her beautiful poetry started entertaining and inspiring everyone. Yes, she was a great poet. All this with a handicap(polio as infant). She was on wheel chair much of her retired life but she was the most dexterous, able bodied person in the room at all times. I am proud to call Lakshmi, my Mom and Fathima raised a fine boy fitting enough to be my husband.

Happy women’s day to all. I wish that all women out there dream big and prepare for a long and fulfilling lives ahead.