No jargon, no slogans, no rhetoric

Women’s day was a day of celebration for all

International Women’s Day (March 8) would have passed with same old jargon and gimmicks, same rhetoric and clichéd media campaigns, even in 2019, if…

Fortunately, it didn’t!

So what was different this year?

Two major things.

One – I was no more connected to journalism – directly or indirectly. Therefore, I totally and completely stayed away (thankfully) from the annual ‘run of the mill stuff’ that media produces year after year, with no novelty and zero freshness. (Mind you, their continuous harping hasn’t changed a thing. Whatever change one can see today is the normal and gradual process of evolution where media has a minuscule role to play as any other individual, government or non-profit organisation would have.)

Two – I was no more a freelancer but am now associated with a multinational, full of young and vibrant millennials. Thorough professionals, this bunch of youth bubbling with ideas and energy, do not believe in clichés. They follow their heart and do things their way. Instead of shouting slogans at the highest pitch and getting a hoarse throat, they let their behaviour do the talking.

You must be wondering as to what was it that compelled me to write about my experience (after a long gap of silence about which I owe a piece to my readers)!

Morning hours in the office - except the festivities lined up for the afternoon, there was no other expectation. But the day began with a pleasant note. Literally! A woman colleague brought handwritten cards for all women in our team. The card was accompanied with candies/chocolates, a bright smile and a warm loving hug from her to each one (at least 30 of us).

It was a simple gesture but the thought behind it was invaluable. More so, because it was unexpected and because she was not trying to please any one person. On the contrary, it was a genuine move to make everyone’s day a special one. She left the card and candy on the desk of those who were on leave!

By evening, the male colleagues were energised and ordered sweets for the whole team. Very sweet, indeed.

The company had already planned some fun-filled activities. Thank God, there was no gyan (moral teaching) and no lectures. But there was a lot of laughter and sharing personal experiences, which augmented our perspectives. The objective was to mingle with colleagues, whom we don’t interact with otherwise, being in a huge office having a large force of employees.

The icing on the cake was the gift to all women employees. A bright and inspiring cushion. The gift was small but not ordinary. The cover on the cushion, adorning brand colours, praises women power and recognises their beauty. For me, it will always be a precious souvenir.

The simple festivities of the day and the thoughtful gestures re-strengthened my belief in the power of women in true senses – and this was because we celebrated womanhood instead of trying to prove our worth.