PRINCESS CHARMING

I have been brought up in India, a mythological land with stories about the glorious kings and queens. I was fascinated by their courage and determination as well as their extravagant lifestyle. I always had a weird enchantment towards marrying a prince as a kid. This was probably because of all the cartoons and movies I was watching and imagining myself to be a part of the same.

My family originates from Rajasthan, a state which truly celebrates Indian culture and history in the form of palaces and temples that memorialise the architectural prowess Indian Kaarigars (craftsmen) had. I have the funniest story from the Palace of Jodhpur, which has been remodelled into a hotel and museum. The Maharaja (King) of Jodhpur still has a part of the palace as his residence but visitors are strictly prohibited. The fascination got the better out of me, and I ran inside the residence but to my dismay couldn't find my prince. The king's family was residing in Delhi at that moment.

I think such is life. We are always in search of our ‘Prince Charming’, the man of your dreams. I think that’s what we are taught as young girls. It is not only our parents but also aspects around us like films and soap operas on television and all those bedtime fairytales with the princess being helpless and weak, waiting for her prince to save her. We burden ourselves with expectations and set high standards for our knight in shining armour. In the process, we lose ourselves and forget our own value. We overlook our worth.

 It is time that we teach our girls to be their own 'Princess Charming' - with no boundaries set and rules to make of their own. It is time that we break all gender roles and teach our boys to treat girls as equals. It is time we bring a change...

-Rashi Mehta