Born a Girl in Meerut: My Story Isn't What You Might Expect
When people hear "girl born in a small city in India," they often assume the story before they've even heard it. They imagine strict parents, endless restrictions, and dreams constantly being put on hold. That wasn't my childhood. I was born in July 1999 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. I grew up in a family with an elder brother and a younger sister. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was. As a child, I didn't like shiny silk frocks or fancy dresses. I was happiest wearing comfortable clothes, often similar to what my brother wore. I never thought much about whether something was "for boys" or "for girls." I just wanted to be comfortable. My first role model wasn't a celebrity or a fictional character. It was my elder brother. There are only two years between us, but as a child I couldn't understand why I could never be in the same class as him. I wanted to go wherever he went, spend every possible minute with him, and even going to sch...