Spent the morning cleaning and polishing a trophy my mom had got in 1985. It was for the MEGHDOOT AWARD – instituted by the Department of Posts for Honesty and Integrity in service.

My mother was the first woman postal employee in India to get this award. In the early 60s she was one of the first 4 women in India to join the Postal service (It was considered unsafe for women to work for the Postal service at that time because of the occasional night shifts).

When I reflect on her career and her life’s achievements, I not only feel proud, it strengthens my resolve to make a difference and serve people, the way she did throughout her career.

For me my mom and her award are a symbol of the effort women put in to balance family life, work life and personal life – an effort for which there are no trophies, no recognition and in the case of housewives, no pay.