“I always wanted to pursue a career in media but at the time, women weren’t encouraged in this industry. My family was against it as well. I belong to a very educated family but among my relatives, studying arts is considered a crime. My parents were very keen for me to get admission in a medical college but when I told them about my interest in media, they were furious. Convincing them was a tough job. I got admission in medical college but I requested my father that please let me do something where I can excel and enjoy my life. If I join this field, I will be miserable because I don’t like it. These words convinced him and he let me do my Bachelors in Media Studies and then Masters in Broadcasting. And I didn’t stop there. I took online courses like video production to enhance my abilities. It wasn’t easy. I got married when I hadn’t even completed my graduation and had children when I took admission in Masters but I didn’t let my domestic duties get in the way of my education and later, my career. As soon as I step inside my home, I become a housewife who has to do all the house chores with a smile instead of a working woman. I learnt to balance both and do what I love.
As a parent, I now understand where my parents were coming from but I do believe that people should let their children decide that what they want to become in their life. I struggled to convince my parents to let me pursue what I love. Now, thanks to my father’s faith in me, I have a successful career. Education has always had a very important position in my life. But this doesn’t mean that I will force my children to pursue the same career I am in. If my daughter wants to take 2 years off or doesn’t want to study after graduation, it will be her choice. Forcing her will only make her rebellious and she may become an obstacle to her own success. Learning doesn’t come from one type of source, isn’t supposed to be forced and doesn’t have a time limit. Guide your children, but let them learn at their own pace.”