Rashmi's Space

We have all seen the latest #ShareTheLoad advertisement by Ariel going viral. It is commendable for a prestigious brand like Ariel to propogate gender equality and convey a much needed powerful message the Indian audience today.  The ad shows a woman, deftly managing her home and her work and at the same time also making sure that she caters to every whim of everyone in the house – be it her son or her husband. At the end of the ad, her father is shown realising his folly of having raised her thinking this is alright; and apologising to his daughter on behalf of his entire generation that let both men and women grow up believing in the wrong values. But not anymore , he is shown to decide, changing himself by helping out his wife at home and accepting to “share the load.” .    It is, no doubt, a thoughtful ad on gender equality , and I am sure it resonates with several people as well as with an entire generation of fathers who have never helped th...

"Why do we say touch wood mamma?" "Why do we have to stop and turn back because a black cat crossed our path?" "Why are you putting kajal on my cheek!?" "What is this rahukalam? What happens if we step out now instead?" "What is wrong with the number 13?" Ah, the questions!  Questions are pretty much an inevitable part of being a parent. And the dreaded ' why'  even more so! From 'why do I have to go to school?' to "why does Daddy get to sleep with you but I have to be a 'grown up' and sleep in my room!?" children ask all sorts of questions. While most of these questions are kind of simple to answer, there are some questions that really test our patience as a parent. And every once in a while, there comes a question, with no warning, that leaves us just, baffled!