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 school became exciting simply because he was there. I don't remember throwing tantrums about school. Following him made everything feel like an adventure.

Growing up, I wasn't constantly reminded that I was "just a girl." My parents encouraged me to study, and I was free to be curious. That doesn't mean society around me had changed completely. Meerut, like many Indian cities, has traditions, expectations, and concerns about daughters' safety. Those realities exist.

But families are different, and mine gave me space to grow.

As I became older, I began noticing the wider picture. More girls were pursuing higher education, joining professional courses, working in corporate offices, and dreaming beyond the paths that earlier generations often had to follow. Change doesn't happen overnight, and not every girl experiences it in the same way, but it is happening.

Today, as an accountant and an MBA graduate, I realize that my story is part of that change.

I don't write this because I believe every girl has had the same experience as me. Many have faced challenges I never did, while others have had even greater freedom. My story is simply one perspective.

Sometimes, the most meaningful stories aren't about overcoming impossible odds. Sometimes they're about appreciating the opportunities we were given and making the most of them.

This is mine.