(Bhopal) “I am a teacher. I teach Political Science, Law, Women & Human Rights, and International Space Law. Both my parents died almost at the same time, while I was still pursuing my education. Things were quite difficult for my siblings and me but we stayed together and cared for each other. We all worked together for each other’s success and helped one another in taking important decisions. The circumstances had put us in a tight spot but we overcame all problems. I was able to pursue my higher studies and get a job.In India, the society generally prompts us towards gender-related work. If you are a woman, the kind of treatment you are given at all levels, be it family or society or formal institutions, makes you feel that you are a secondary consideration in society. Also, the status of women in India is highly dependent on their marital status. Oftentimes their individual talent and persona is disregarded. Furthermore, a girl’s parents are always thinking that they have to get their daughter married- a process that begins from the birth of a daughter. I always wanted to set my parents free from this thought process but could not do it until the time of their death. Instead of entering the institution of marriage, I decided to study law so that I could not only stand up for myself but also to help those women who want to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights. (1/2)