“Prosperity and tranquility,” an essay by Dr. Madhumi Mitra, a professor of biological and environmental sciences
In my life, many women have inspired, encouraged and empowered me.
My mother, who was an embodiment of equanimity and strength, instilled in me the confidence to overcome every hurdle with valor, intention and resilience.
The rise of women in leadership roles is gaining momentum despite barriers.
As a woman, a black woman, and an Asian-Indian woman, Vice President Kamala Harris not only shattered the glass ceilings for all women, but also illustrated the aspirational power of the American dream.
In Hindu mythology, “Kamala” is “Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and tranquility”, and her middle name, “Devi” in Sanskrit, means, “a goddess with many manifestations”.
While watching Kamala Devi Harris getting sworn in, my heart was filled with immense joy and pride for her and our great nation, where intersections of multiple identities thrive with optimism and grace.
As an Asian-American immigrant, I felt her ascendancy to the Vice Presidency represented a victory for everyone – especially amid celebrations of the centennial of the 19th amendment, which granted women voting rights.
Vice President Harris has lighted the torch of freedom and rekindled the hope for a more inclusive America I always dreamed about as a child … a nation where diversity is celebrated, and equality with respect to gender, race, identity and orientation, and color honored; and a nation, where loving-kindness becomes the foundation of one’s existence.
