I was 20, going on 21 when I was locked up in my room for 3 months. I had just graduated. My friends were stepping into their first jobs. I was not going to let prison hold me back.
Reading your piece left me breathless, Manisha. The words and the emotions behind them brought alive every image, frame by frame. I felt I was right there, with you. Seeing what was happening. Feeling what you felt. Your courage and the voice in which you recount this part of your history is something I will carry in my heart for a long time. Thank you for writing and sharing this with us. ❤️
This gave me goosebumps. I salute your courage - both at 20, and today, for speaking your truth. Your grandfather did not meet his match in you, Manisha. You are clearly unmatched.
Thank you Manisha for sharing your story.. it’s a story to be shared with girls and boys who dare to dream , to tell them, dreams don’t shape into reality over cups of coffee, a lot goes behind making a role model and here is one to look up to for always . Love 💗 anu
Respect. I relate to your experience, as I too was locked up for 3 months. I just wish I had the foresight you had , 35 years back. Journeys of life :)
I could see not just the blazing courage and indomitable fire - that hunger for a full life - but also the love, support and healing holding a palm over that fire, protecting it from crazy winds. I wish you always have both, Manisha. Thankyou for sharing your story.
This piece is beautiful - not just in that the writing really tugs at you, but in terms of the courage and inspiration it holds. I don’t know you, Manisha, but bravo!
Thank you Binu. I grew up in a family where courage and fear co-existed everywhere, all the time, in everyone. We were brave and we were cowards all at the same time.
Oh my god! What a discovery! Thank you, Manisha for writing this. I will remember "Courage is a job you go to everyday" and it's going on my visual board as a reminder of your sheer bravery, relentless hope and resilience. Its gotta lift me up in my moments of self doubt. You are a Hero and, Im a devout follower :))
"The blows began to rain on me, even before I had completed my declaration of freedom." How carefully you choose the words, Manisha. In awe. A diamond in Ochre Sky Stories gem box.
Loved your essay dear Manisha when I first heard you read it in our cohort. Loved re-reading it atleast couple of times before. And loved re-reading it here today.
Every word resonates. Yet only you could write it with such dignity, poise, respectfulness & evocative beauty. Yes, courage is indeed an every moment job. And compassion it’s truest buddy at workplace.
Many thanks Manisha for your brave piece. You say you write in your free time to remember yourself. My request - please remember yourself more often, and create some more free time. I, and I am sure many more, await your words, your wisdom.
Many thanks dear Natasha for your generosity to create this bridge between your cohorts & your readers. I am happy, grateful & proud to be on both sides.
Love and hugs for Manisha - the 20-year-old as well as the today-years-old. For living with courage and inspiring us with your story! And your storytelling ❤️
Reading your piece left me breathless, Manisha. The words and the emotions behind them brought alive every image, frame by frame. I felt I was right there, with you. Seeing what was happening. Feeling what you felt. Your courage and the voice in which you recount this part of your history is something I will carry in my heart for a long time. Thank you for writing and sharing this with us. ❤️
This gave me goosebumps. I salute your courage - both at 20, and today, for speaking your truth. Your grandfather did not meet his match in you, Manisha. You are clearly unmatched.
Thank you Manisha for sharing your story.. it’s a story to be shared with girls and boys who dare to dream , to tell them, dreams don’t shape into reality over cups of coffee, a lot goes behind making a role model and here is one to look up to for always . Love 💗 anu
Thank you Anu! Truly appreciate your comment
Respect. I relate to your experience, as I too was locked up for 3 months. I just wish I had the foresight you had , 35 years back. Journeys of life :)
This story, and you, will always be memorable and inspiring. I am glad I was around to witness the magic of its first expression.
Thank you and big hug!
I could see not just the blazing courage and indomitable fire - that hunger for a full life - but also the love, support and healing holding a palm over that fire, protecting it from crazy winds. I wish you always have both, Manisha. Thankyou for sharing your story.
Thank you for your beautiful wish. I will always cherish it.
This piece is beautiful - not just in that the writing really tugs at you, but in terms of the courage and inspiration it holds. I don’t know you, Manisha, but bravo!
Thank you Binu. I grew up in a family where courage and fear co-existed everywhere, all the time, in everyone. We were brave and we were cowards all at the same time.
A human condition it seems 😊
What a lovely piece! Let's me appreciate the freedoms I have enjoyed so much more than I ever did.
Thank you Shalini
Oh my god! What a discovery! Thank you, Manisha for writing this. I will remember "Courage is a job you go to everyday" and it's going on my visual board as a reminder of your sheer bravery, relentless hope and resilience. Its gotta lift me up in my moments of self doubt. You are a Hero and, Im a devout follower :))
Thank you Sanobar. I love your writing. So this comment coming from you means so much. Shukriya again!
I'm honored - to have someone like you appreciate my writing and, to have witnessed your own powerful writing. Love and hugs...
"The blows began to rain on me, even before I had completed my declaration of freedom." How carefully you choose the words, Manisha. In awe. A diamond in Ochre Sky Stories gem box.
Thank you, thank you. This piece had so much to do with the space, love and care that Ochre Sky gave to me
Loved your essay dear Manisha when I first heard you read it in our cohort. Loved re-reading it atleast couple of times before. And loved re-reading it here today.
Every word resonates. Yet only you could write it with such dignity, poise, respectfulness & evocative beauty. Yes, courage is indeed an every moment job. And compassion it’s truest buddy at workplace.
Many thanks Manisha for your brave piece. You say you write in your free time to remember yourself. My request - please remember yourself more often, and create some more free time. I, and I am sure many more, await your words, your wisdom.
Many thanks dear Natasha for your generosity to create this bridge between your cohorts & your readers. I am happy, grateful & proud to be on both sides.
Love ❤️ both
Thank you Neena! I am so encouraged. You and everyone else in our writing cohort, enabled me to write this piece
Looking forward to reading more of what you remember ❤️
Neena, you are our champion! Sending love, Natasha
Courage, indeed. Then and now! And so beautifully crafted into a story. I was holding my breath from beginning to end!
Thank you so much
Courage, indeed. Then and now! And so beautifully crafted into a story. I was holding my breath from beginning to end!
Thank you Natasha for creating the space that enabled me to write about a time in my life that has shaped me in so many ways
Love and hugs for Manisha - the 20-year-old as well as the today-years-old. For living with courage and inspiring us with your story! And your storytelling ❤️
Thank you Natasha for taking me back to the 20 year old I was through your Memoir Workshops