Diamond woman

“Mom, your award function is there on TV Channel, come fast!” Uma was excited and called her mother. Padmini smiled at her and they started watching the TV program. The anchor described the function by showing short clips.

A star-studded New Year function was organized yesterday evening at the Hotel Leela Palace, Mumbai by the famous K&K Social Foundation. The National President of the foundation, Mr Raj welcomed the guests. Many eminent personalities were there. True to their name Kashmir to Kerala, this foundation is a symbol of national integration. There was a beautiful presentation of Incredible India by dancers representing dance forms from most of the states of India like Kashmiri dance, Manipuri, Ghoomar, Mohiniyattam etc. Melodious songs by Swaraganga Orchestra enthralled the audience. Mr Raj announced the much-awaited award.

“Good evening everybody! You are aware that K&K Foundation gives Vanita Ratnam award every year to celebrate the achievements of women who have overcome many struggles in life to become exemplary role models. We must understand and recognize the sacrifices and hardships faced by women in this competitive and male-dominated world. We must appreciate and applaud our women achievers who are like diamonds created by pressure. This year’s award goes to a very special woman achiever Dr (Major) Padmini Radhakrishnan. Our anchor, Suma will tell you about her achievements and why she deserves to be selected as Vanita Ratnam.”

“Thank you, Sir. Namaskar! I have the privilege to introduce our multi-talented diamond woman, Vanita Ratnam of 2021, Dr (Major) Padmini Radhakrishnan. She is a Doctor, Singer, Writer, Social worker and Army Officer all in one. You can see that her biodata of two pages is with me as her achievements are many. But due to shortage of time, I am telling you in brief. Her parents were teachers. Born into a middle-class family, she was an intelligent and versatile student, excellent in both academics and extracurricular activities. She was a winner in most of the competitions in which she participated, like singing, writing, drama, dance, drawing and painting etc. in school and colleges. The sudden demise of her father in childhood left her heartbroken and depressed. But she decided to move forward in life. She was a topper, gold medalist and recipient of the National Merit Scholarship. She got selected for MBBS in a Govt college on a merit basis. Dr Padmini became a popular doctor and married Col(Dr) Radhakrishnan. After passing the All India Entrance examination, Interview and Physical tests, she got commissioned as a Medical Officer in Army Medical Corps. She is a popular story writer who got Katha award in1999. She has published many books on medical, health and spiritual topics and short stories. She is also an AIR and Doordarshan approved artist of ghazals & bhajans. She has released many music albums. She is felicitated with many Awards for her contributions towards society as a Doctor, Singer, Writer, Army Officer and for her Social service. IMA Sahitya Award, Smile Plus Global Award for best doctor, Lifetime Achievement Award, Award for Best Singer, Patriotic Couple Award, Award for the best lady medical officer, Golden Star Award etc. Now I request Dr (Major) Padmini Radhakrishnan to come to the stage and receive the award”

“Wow, Mom! You are really great! My awesome mom!” Uma exclaimed and hugged Padmini. They continued watching the programme.

Among a huge round of applause, Dr Padmini got up. After touching her husband’s feet and taking his blessings she climbed the steps to the stage and bowed to touch the floor of the stage with respect. She bowed and folded her hands to say pranam to the audience, the president of the foundation, the chief guest and other guests. Then she was felicitated with the prestigious award and the audience responded with thunderous applause. She was invited to say a few words of thanks.

“Good evening and pranam to all of you. Today is a memorable day for me. I thank God for showering His benevolent blessings on me. I am thankful to this esteemed organization and distinguished guests of honor for honoring me with this renowned award. I am grateful to my parents for making me what I am. I would like to express my gratitude to all of my teachers in the fields of basic education, medicine, music and Army training. It is because of them that I am here today. I remember with respect my Malayalam teacher Shri Achyutha Menon who wrote to me that I am like a Sunstone or Suryakantam. Sunlight falls on all stones but only the Sunstone absorbs and reflects the Sunrays which gives it a sparkle. Similarly, a teacher teaches all students equally but only the exceptional students grasp and retain the knowledge and shine in future.

Behind every successful woman, there is a loving family. My husband Col Radhakrishnan is the source of motivation and inspiration for me. He is a mentor, guide, friend and a father figure for me. I thank my son Vinayak, daughter Uma, daughter in law Priya and son in law Rudra for giving me love and strength. Thank you wonderful audience for appreciating and encouraging me.” The audience gave her a standing ovation.

“Mom, I am proud of you. You are a true inspiration for me. I wanted to tell my friends about you” -Uma left.

Wiping her tearful eyes Padmini got lost in the unvoiced thoughts in her mind.

I wanted to say thanks to my enemies also, who made my life difficult and painful with their discouraging comments, jealous words, acid remarks, demotivating criticisms, curses and cruel words gifted to me. My Dad’s sudden demise left me in dark. Life has given me trials and sorrows. Though my feet bled with thorns and stones on my path, I decided to move on with determination to achieve more. Like the Phoenix bird, I used to rise from ashes whenever my dreams were burnt.

“Yes dear, you were an uncut diamond. Life polished and transformed you. See, you are shining like a diamond now.”

Padmini heard the voice of her late father whispering in her ears.