The stage is set.

In a few weeks, I'll walk onto a stage in the capital of India to receive an award.

An award that many of you may believe I'm not eligible for.

Yet, I'll receive it anyway.

The recognition has been conferred under the DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) category.

Whether people agree with it or not, I'll accept it with humility and gratitude.

Because to me, this award is not about a category.

It is about surviving.

Eighteen years ago, I lost my father. Since then, I have lived independently.

Then, somewhere along the journey, my professional achievements became less important than my personal life.

Iam single.
Iam never married.
I have no children.
Iam a Virgin.

The irony is that when a financially secure, separated woman does a drink with a man, she is often admired for living life on her own terms.

When a single woman with low bank balance does it, her intentions and character is questioned.

That isn't equality.

It's a double standard.

That isn't about understanding.
It's bias and judgement.

It reminded me of Pink, where Minal's dignity is questioned simply because she says "yes" to a conversation and a drink.

It took years for me to heal.

And to every woman reading this—
Your bank balance does not define your character.

Will I fail again in two months?
Maybe.
Failure has been part of my journey since 2018.
So has resilience.
If one opportunity ends, I'll build another.
I've done it before, and I'll do it again.
So don't wait for my failure.
I've survived far worse than failure.

The same woman whose dignity was questioned multiple times again and again and again.....
...will now stand on a stage in the capital of India to receive an award for her professional journey.

I'm trying on dresses and deciding what to wear to the award ceremony.
Because after everything life has thrown at me...
I've earned the right to celebrate this moment.

Happiness is in eating Ice Cream !