It is quite inspiring how we are surrounded by the inspiring stories of brave and courageous moms who fought like a real hero to give their kids a life of dignity, love, and respect. And, one such story is of Former Miss India Anukreethy’s mother, Saleena Vas.
Though courage knows no gender, our society still believes that women are weak and vulnerable.
And, while our society keeps its eyes shut to the power of women, we believe in celebrating their stories of courage. We hope one-day society will accept that women are not the weaker sex.
Today, we are celebrating one such story of immense courage: the story of Former Miss India Anukreethy’s mother, Saleena Vas.
After struggling with multiple life challenges, this single mom didn’t let society break her spirit. Rather, she raised a daughter, who believes in the power of women.
When Anukreethy won Miss India 2018, she credited her mother for her success. While sharing with IANS, Anukreethy mentioned how being raised by a single mother taught her to be strong in the face of adversity:
“The challenges were there forever starting from school because I am not from a city-based place. I studied in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) which is not really a city… But I was very strong because my mother didn’t let me down at any point. She used to say, ‘You are a strong person. How can you cry?’ and that’s how she brought me up.”
She further added:
“I have never seen her low. She has a lot of problems herself but she never showed that to me and that is how I was brought up. Even if I had something inside me, I never expressed it to the other person because I feel that a smile is one thing that keeps the other person going. This is what I learnt from her.”
As per the sources, Anukreethy was only 7 years old, when her father abandoned her and her mother. But her mother Saleena didn’t give up. She made sure that she raises a strong and independent woman, who scales new heights. From time to time, she fought against society for letting her daughter strive for her dreams.
While talking about her daughter’s great achievements, Saleena shared an important message for all parents:
“Parents should never discourage dreams of their children irrespective of the field they have chosen. I received brickbats because my daughter is into modelling. But I supported her dream. Look where she is now.”
From fighting for the cause of transgenders to riding bikes, Anukreethy has always followed her heart rather than focusing on societal norms. And, it is her mother who inspired her to be a rebel!
At IFORHER, we adore how single moms are gathering the courage to shatter the norms and raising strong and independent kids. We wish Anukreethy scale new heights and hope her mom’s courage will inspire many young women to lead a life of strength and dignity.