not physically harmed, a possibility I see as very real as I am seen as the creator
of major problems.
I constantly fear for my life and dignity. I feel the need to ask my husband
to accompany me at all times for this reason. Nevertheless, neither of us feel
safe. This aside, I can identify a tangible sense of empowerment ever since I
have taken office. The first person I shared all my new learnings’ with was
my husband, regarding the responsibilities of a Panchayat and how I could
enforce these. My husband told me that he has become, “braver, as you are so
brave”. He has taught me to drive a scooter as he feels this will enable me to
be even more independent. I find that now, my decisions hold more weight
at home.
For me, development means a village with no violence and education for all.
Although I cannot conceive of a casteless society, or development in the way
that textbooks talk about it, I do see peaceful co-existence as a possibility.
This emphatic desire for peace probably resonates from the everyday violence
surrounding me as I go about my tasks as an elected representative. If I die
doing this, then I die.