The Iron Lady of Our Village: A Tale of Resilience, Love, and Sacrifice [Storytelling]

In a small village in India, one woman’s life story unfolds as a testament to unyielding strength and boundless love. This is the glimpse of real-life journey of Late Smt. Susheela Devi, my maternal grandmother, whose legacy teaches us the true meaning of resilience. I dedicate a small gesture and gratitude to my grandmother(posthumously), through her story.

A Legacy of Wisdom

Once upon a time in a small, bustling village in India, there lived a girl named Susheela. Her father, a man of great wisdom and knowledge, was a renowned astrologer and Sanskrit scholar. His fame spread far and wide, and kings and commoners alike sought his counsel. He had an almost magical ability to read the future by simply smelling the soil, a gift rooted in deep understanding rather than mere superstition.

Childhood in a Time of Turmoil

Susheela's childhood was a blend of joy and hardship. Despite the post-independence turmoil in India, her early years were filled with the vibrant memories of village life. She was her father’s favorite, the one who could always bring a smile to his face with her laughter and the meals she lovingly prepared. Although her siblings could also cook and care for him, it was Susheela’s touch that brought him true contentment.

The Dawn of Womanhood

Life took a sharp turn when Susheela was only 14. One night, as she slept soundly, she was married off to a man she barely knew. The customs of the time did not allow her to protest or even comprehend the magnitude of the change about to engulf her life. She woke up to a new reality, a new home, and a new family, all while still being a child herself.

Tragedy Strikes

The early years of her marriage were fraught with unimaginable sorrow. Her first two children died young, one at the age of 10 and the other at just 7 years old. The grief was overwhelming, but Susheela had to endure, for she had more battles to fight. Her third child, a son, brought some relief as he survived and later thrived, moving to Australia to build a successful life. Then came her fourth child, my mother. Tragedy struck again when Susheela's husband died just a month after my mother was born. The superstitious villagers blamed my infant mother for her father's death, suggesting that she be thrown into a pond to ward off the supposed curse.

A Mother’s Resolve

But Susheela, now a widow with a newborn and a young son, stood her ground. She returned to her paternal home, but only for a brief respite. Her fighting spirit compelled her to move back to her husband’s home, determined to reclaim what was rightfully hers and to provide for her children. Alone and often overwhelmed by sorrow, she found solace in her faith, spending long hours in temples, praying and weeping, yet never losing hope.

Building a Future

Despite the immense hardships, Susheela never let her children feel her pain. She poured all her energy into ensuring her son received a good education. Her relentless efforts bore fruit when he topped the district board exams, a singular achievement that brought immense pride to their impoverished household. Living in a hay house with wooden doors and no safety, they relied on farming and the barter system for survival. Susheela managed everything—from rebuilding their house to cooking, gardening, and even making mud stoves and crockery. Her hands worked magic, turning simple tasks into acts of love and care.

Pillar of the Community

Susheela was a pillar of her community. She set up a Hanuman temple in her village at the age of 60, a temple that still stands today, drawing worshippers daily. Villagers came to her for blessings and advice, men sought her farming tips, and women consulted her on family matters. She was the iron lady of her village, respected and revered by all.

A Mother's Longing

As years passed, her son moved to Australia, building a life far from the village. Though he seldom visited, Susheela’s hope never waned. She believed he would return one day to stay with her forever. Despite her longing, she chose not to move to Australia, fearing the flight and more importantly, not wanting to leave her roots, her beloved India.

The Final Years

Tradition kept her from living with us, her daughter’s family. It wasn’t until she was 61 that we managed to bring her to stay with us. Yet even then, she continued to care for my mother, insisting on washing her feet and massaging her legs. This act of love often frustrated my mother, who wished to take care of Susheela instead. This tender battle of love and care was a testament to the deep bond they shared.

The Last Moments

In her last days, Susheela fell ill, a wound on her waist refusing to heal. She stopped eating, surviving on water alone for a month. A devout believer, she seemed to be waiting for something—or someone. When news came that she had only a few days left, I rushed to her side. I recited the Bhagavad Gita for the first time in my life, feeling the weight of the words and the significance of the moment. Miraculously, my uncle arrived shortly after and began reciting the Gita, his voice resonating through the house just as our grandfather’s once did.

A Peaceful Departure

On the night of his arrival, as he recited the sacred verses, the clock struck 1:00 am and my grandmother took her last breath. My uncle continued to chant through his tears, his voice breaking but never faltering. My father and I checked on Susheela, and we knew she was gone. My mother, in another room, hid under a blanket, hoping for a miracle that would bring her mother back. It was heart-wrenching to console her, to make her understand that this was the way of life.

The Legacy of Susheela

I did not cry. I felt a sense of relief that her suffering had finally ended. Susheela had lived a life of relentless struggle and unyielding strength. She never begged, never wavered, and always stood tall. She is my hero, not just because she was my grandmother, but because she embodied the essence of resilience, love, and sacrifice.

In every role she played—from an obedient daughter to a loving mother, from a tireless worker to an independent woman—Susheela was extraordinary. She raised her children alone, ensured they were educated, and faced life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her life is a lesson in itself, a story of overcoming adversity, of fighting spirit, and of dreams coming true through sheer willpower.

Fighting Spirit, Dreams Realized

Susheela’s story is one of unwavering resolve, a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit. She fought against every odd, never letting her circumstances define her. Through her sacrifices, her love, and her undying determination, she transformed the lives of her children and left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Love and Hardship

Susheela’s life was a mosaic of love and hardship. She loved deeply and fought bravely, embodying the true spirit of a warrior. Her story is a reminder that love can conquer all, and that with determination and faith, even the hardest battles can be won.

Morality and Sacrifice

Susheela’s life teaches us the importance of morality and sacrifice. She lived by her principles, never compromising her values, and always putting her family first. Her sacrifices were immense, but they were made out of love and a deep sense of duty. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength

I never saw God, but I saw her. Thank you, Nani, for being the beacon of my life. I LOVE YOU and RESPECT YOU with all my heart. This story is just a glimpse of your incredible journey. There is so much more to say, and I will continue to tell your story, ensuring your legacy lives on. You lived your life in obscurity, but not anymore.

To all the grandmothers out there, with boundless love and respect.

In today’s world, if you think you’ve faced struggles and difficulties, read Susheela’s story again and again. It will inspire you to become the lion or lioness of your own life, to face hardships with courage, to dream big, and to love deeply.

Gratitude!

Stay tuned for my upcoming Book with all such real-life stories which will help transform your life and take you to greater heights.

With Love,

Abhijeet Batsa(Vats)