Why burn in a funeral pyre? Why serve others when there is nothing left to serve you? Why protect others when brutes come to hound you? Why pray for us when your own faith is being tested? Why love unconditionally even through trauma inflicted upon you? Why heal others when your own wounds are cavernous? Why lift our weight when your arms hurt? Why still wake up early when sleep deceives you? Why make our houses so livable through your own last portion of savings? Why stitch seamlessly for others when your own clothes have multi-colored patches? Why invite those who have scathed you? Why still sing lullabies when your throat is so parched? Why colour our world when we leave you in total darkness? Why still bless others in your times of dire need?

Indian Women: We Salute You