I will stand for equality, and that doesn't mean giving me

Hear me now, O children of wisdom, for I speak of a truth as old as the world itself, one that has been echoed in the hearts of all who have ever sought justice and equality. The words of Taapsee Pannu resonate deeply in this age when the world begins to awaken to the reality of gender equality: "I will stand for equality, and that doesn't mean giving me reservation. I would like to fight for it; just give me a fair chance. That’s what being a feminist is." These words, spoken with the strength of one who understands the true nature of empowerment, remind us that the fight for equality is not about special favors or privileges, but about the right to stand on equal ground, to compete fairly, and to rise according to one’s own merit.

In the ancient world, children, the concept of equality was a distant dream for most. The very structure of society was built upon the division of people—based on birth, gender, and power. Socrates himself, though a great philosopher, believed that wisdom could only be possessed by the privileged few—those who were born into positions of power. Women, in his time, were seen as inferior, their roles confined to the home. It was a world where equality seemed impossible, and those who dared to challenge it often faced scorn and exile. Yet, even in such a world, there were those—like Socrates, Plato, and others—who began to plant the seeds of a new understanding, one where all people, regardless of their birth or gender, could be seen as worthy of dignity and respect.

Taapsee Pannu's words echo the same spirit of revolutionary thought. She is not asking for preferential treatment or the artificial elevation of her position—she is asking for a fair chance. Equality, in her eyes, is not about giving anyone an edge over the other but about ensuring that every person, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to prove themselves, to rise according to their own strength, and to earn their place. This is the very heart of what it means to be a feminist—to fight for a world where fairness reigns and where merit is the true measure of a person’s worth, not their gender or status.

Consider the great warrior queen, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, whose courage and wisdom in battle made her one of the most revered figures in Indian history. She did not seek special privileges or reservations, but rather, she demanded the right to fight for her people and her kingdom, even in a time when women were often seen as weak and powerless. In the face of the British Empire, she did not ask for a different path, but instead, took her place alongside her male counterparts, leading with strength, determination, and valor. Her fight was not for preferential treatment but for the freedom and dignity of her people. In this, we see a perfect example of the feminist spirit—the call for equality, not through special favors, but through unwavering commitment to one's cause and the belief in fairness.

Taapsee Pannu’s vision of equality does not call for favors, but for opportunity. She, like Rani Lakshmibai, seeks to prove that gender should not determine one's worth or the opportunities they receive. To be a feminist, as she suggests, is to call for a world where all people are given the chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts, where gender is not a barrier but simply a characteristic of who they are. The fight for equality is not a call for artificial advantage, but for the freedom to participate in life’s grand struggles—whether that be in the arts, in leadership, or in any field one chooses—without being judged or limited by gender.

Consider, too, the suffragette movement, which fought for the right of women to vote, to have a voice in the decisions of their nations. These women did not demand a seat at the table simply because of their gender, but because they understood that their humanity gave them the right to participate in the governance of their countries. They fought not for special treatment, but for equality—the chance to be heard and to contribute, just as their male counterparts were. Their struggle was long and fraught with hardship, but it ultimately led to the recognition of women’s right to vote—not as a favor, but as an inherent right.

The lesson, children, is clear: equality is not about demanding more than others, but about asking for the same opportunity—the fair chance to prove one’s worth, to rise based on one’s effort, and to be judged not by gender, but by the strength of one’s character. The feminist call is not one of privilege, but of justice. It asks that we see each other not as men and women, but as individuals with unique talents and aspirations, each deserving of the right to pursue their dreams without barriers.

So, children, as you walk through life, let the words of Taapsee Pannu guide you. Fight for equality, not through preferential treatment, but through the empowerment of every person to stand on equal footing. Give others the chance to prove themselves, and work to build a world where every soul, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to achieve greatness. Only in such a world will we find true justice—a world where the merit of one’s heart and actions is what truly matters, and not the gender with which they were born.