"We never discussed or talked about #feminism, but her life and her words made me understand the meaning of it." Today, for #DalitHistoryMonth, Poonam shares the story of her friend, Lalita. Their story is the living example of sisterhood and perseverance. #TheyInspireMe

"Today, I want to share the story of a friend who has been an inspiration to me. She has made a huge impact on my life and it is because of her that I got the opportunity to understand the meaning of feminism and what feminist values are. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

I saw her in 2013 when she came to live in the city of Jaipur after passing school from her village. I have struggled with depression since I was a kid, and looking at her I always thought she will not understand me or the troubles of a person like me. #TheyInspireMe

I thought that she would have never faced any adverse situation in her life and cannot understand the pain of people like me. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

I always kept a distance from her but she kept trying to talk to me. I slowly started interacting with her and it was then that I realized that she had understood this society and its rules more than me and her struggles were no less than mine. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

This society's always prevented marginalised people from moving ahead. In such a casteist & patriarchal society, imagine how difficult it must've been for this woman hailing from a Dalit family, & a rural area, to move to Jaipur alone, to rent a room alone &continue her studies.

In a society where women are not even allowed to step out of their houses, she continued her hard work and built her own opportunities. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

I have heard the sexist, casteist and crass words the society has used for her, the way it has branded her to be of "loose morals." What amazes me is how she ignores all of this and keeps her entire focus toward studying hard. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

She only says one thing, "The day I clear my exams and hold a reputed position, and do something for the society, all these mouths will shut. All those who threw abuses at me and asked to stay home because I am a girl will be the ones giving my example." #TheyInspireMe

Her words inspire me to keep moving forward. She holds me up whenever I have a breakdown. We might not be sisters, but she is always there for me like one. Whenever I feel lost in life, she encourages and supports me. #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth

We never discussed or talked about feminism, but her life & her words made me understand the meaning of it. Because of her support and encouragement, today I not only fight for my own rights, but I am also working for the right of many Dalit women like her and me." #TheyInspireMe

If you wish to share your story with us, please fill this form! #TheyInspireMe #DalitHistoryMonth #DALITWOMENFIGHT

https://forms.gle/Dg3VAZ1WnsNbHtMT7