Breaking the Chains: IAS Ira Singhal’s Defiance against Societal Restraints

January 30, 2024

4 Minutes

Image Credits: India Today

Introduction

Ira Singhal is a woman whose remarkable journey defies the limitations society attempted to impose on her as both a woman and a person with disabilities. In a world where stereotypes seek to confine, she secured AIR 1 in the UPSC 2014 exam, emerging as a symbol of resilience. Here is her journey.

A Burden of Birth

Ira starts her story with something all of us have observed in our lives. She explains how in our country when a girl is born, the doctor says, “Koi baat nhi, yeh bhi Lakshmi hai, agli baar ho jayega”. Your relatives, neighbors, and society tell you to not get frustrated because the girl is at least a sign of Lakshmi (money). Why does everyone try to console you like something bad has happened? There’s always a need to justify a girl’s birth. As the girl grows up, her parents and society keep telling her what a girl should do and not do. She gets schooled on what to wear, where to go, and even how to speak. So basically a girl’s life is that of guilt, and this guilt keeps adding up as she grows. 

Limitations are Self-imposed

Ira explains that your limitation in life is what your mind perceives it to be. As a female, people will constantly tell you how you have to stay within a boundary, but no one tells you why you can't cross that boundary, because that boundary has not been created for your sake, but not to inconvenience others. This is the sad reality a woman is subjected to.

Ira went through something similar not at the hands of her parents, but society. She was constantly told that she was not only a girl, but a girl with a disability. People went as far as to tell her that she could only think and achieve limited things in life. Ira feels lucky because at least her parents were not like the society. They did not perceive her that way and gave her a new way of thinking, equipping her with the strength to withstand the comments thrown by anyone. 

Reaching Unprecedented Heights

Ira expressed that in life you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Any limitations that the world ever imposed on you, were not meant for you but merely reflected the other person’s limitations that they’ve imposed on themselves. In college, she was constantly told what activity she couldn't participate in or what society she couldn’t be a part of. But one thing she realised was that in life if one window closes, four others open up. For example, there was a proactive society in her college where she was told that she couldn't be the President since as a girl she must have a lot of limitations in terms of where she can go and what she can do. Ira and her other female companions took the initiative to start five new societies and became their Presidents. They managed to do a lot more. They would arrange conferences on the national level and travel the whole country to hold events. 

A Step towards Women Empowerment

Ira conveyed that it’s sad to see how people tend to always tell their girls to be strong and empowered, but never teach boys how to treat girls. We forget to bring them into the conversation. 

She recounted that even in her college, girls’ identities were tied to an object. Somewhere, somehow even the girls were conditioned in such a manner that they would accept this treatment without any questioning. And some girls, like Ira who were not ready to accept this, were not treated well by people. Thankfully she had a friend who was also determined and passionate about this issue. So they decided to do something and created women-centric plays and won plenty of competitions. 

Confronting Discrimination on the Local Frontlines

Ira stated that this battle for women's equality and empowerment doesn’t end when you achieve success in your career. After becoming an officer, she was posted in a patriarchal area. Whenever any person came to her office, they would approach the male junior staff with their problems, when in reality she was the person to be approached. Hence she had to show her authority to every person that would come. Another incident occurred with her when she was leaving her office one day. A few people were about to enter the office, so Ira inquired who they wanted to meet. They said they wanted to meet SDM ‘sir’. Ira asked them about their grievance, but they refused to tell her. It was finally when she told them that she was the SDM, that they had to explain the issue to her. 

Ending the Stigma

Ira explains how girls are always taught how to serve others. She highlights how girls are always questioned and blamed. She wants all women to realise that they are equals and have a right to establish their identity. Her message to girls: “Don't let the world define your boundaries or let them define who you can be. Until and unless you don't demand anything for yourself and try to create space for yourself, no one will accommodate you.”

Conclusion

In a world quick to impose limitations, Ira proves to be a resilient woman who defies societal constraints. She showcases that success knows no physical restraints and your will alone can take you places. Her story resonates as a powerful testament to the potential that lies within, encouraging young girls to embrace their uniqueness and shatter the constraints imposed by a world reluctant to recognize their full potential.