Endearingly Human

We sat on the lawns of the University of Mumbai in groups discussing Women’s Rights on that International Women’s Day some years ago.

I was sent there as a representative of the technical college where I worked.

Many eminent women were there to speak on that occasion. They had all made a mark on the society. They all wore starched cotton sarees and glided among us lesser mortals with inherent grace and power.

There was one lady, a Mrs. K, among them who caught my attention. She was stunningly beautiful, wore a blue saree, a big red bindi,  had long salt and pepper hair tied in a long plait, and had kohl-rimmed eyes that looked right into one’s soul.

I heard whispers that she had once worked as an airhostess and was now the chairperson of an NGO.

When her turn came, she spoke with authority. She touched the hearts of most women present there as she elaborated on issues like rape, dowry and child marriage. Amidst a deafening applause, she returned to her seat.

The next speaker, a powerful political leader, stood up to speak.

However, I was so captivated by Mrs. K that I couldn’t take my eyes off her.  Somehow, for me, she had become the epitome of Indian Womanhood.

She sat there, attentively listening to the next speaker.

Then she did something incredible.

She picked her nose!

In front of all those five hundred women.
Throwing all caution to the winds.
Ignoring all norms of genteel manners.

She quickly picked her nose as if it was the most natural thing to do while sitting up on the stage with all those important women.

I found that gesture endearingly human.  She gave me a reason to smile on the way home.