Sara, my bosom buddy.
Everybody used to know us as the beads of panchmala (the
garland of five beads.) My mom used to work as a nurse in Saifee Maternity Home
and our family used to live in the adjacent quarters. Sara’s home was very
close to my house so it was very natural for us to study and play together all
the time.
Our friendship was so close that we did not ever like to be
apart. We studied together from fifth standard all the way through nursing
college and graduated together. I was always impressed by her progressive thoughts
and courageous actions. She was so focused and determined to become a nurse
that she was willing to face any obstacles in her way.
Today, in this age, we talk a lot about women’s empowerment
on a global scale, but back in those days Sara had to fight against societal
forces for her right to achieve her dreams.
Perhaps in her younger days she was motivated to become a
nurse by watching my mom at work. She continued
her dream to become a nurse with courage and determination from then on. It is
a sad story that her body did not win against cancer even though she was able
to successfully fight societal forces earlier in her life.
I am happy that because of the progressive steps she took in
her life Sara’s name will be unforgettable and she will live on in our memory
as someone who fought for women’s respect and empowerment.
Amelin
Lewis (Christian)
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