In a recent exclusive interview with EBNW Story, Somya Gurjar, Mayor of Jaipur Greater, shared her insights on achieving a balance between work and personal life. Reflecting on the strength of women, she likened their resilience to the nine forms of Durga Mata. As a mother and a working woman, Somya Gurjar has become a role model, inspiring others to find harmony between their professional and personal responsibilities. The interview was conducted by Dimple Arora.
Q1: You worked until the last day of your pregnancy, which is truly inspirational. How did you manage it all?
Somya Gurjar: I believe that women, even in rural areas, often work until their due date of pregnancy. It’s not something unique; it’s part of our strength and resilience. Managing the city’s work felt like worship to me, and being a mother, I felt it was my duty to be responsible for both my child and my city. Time management is crucial in such situations. I often had my baby with me while working, and I believe in learning from the earliest stages, just like Abhimanyu, who started learning in his mother’s womb. I returned to work three days after delivery because the city is my responsibility. Women make things easier by becoming perfectionists in whatever they do.
Q2: What is your message for upcoming women entrepreneurs whose numbers are increasing day by day?
Somya Gurjar: In the Vedic era, women were self-sufficient and empowered. It was during the middle ages, to protect women from invaders, that customs like parda pratha came into existence, which eventually backstabbed women’s position in society. But now, women are once again working with full energy and responsibility. Being a woman and a mother is not easy; it involves different roles, challenges, and struggles. Women have to become ‘SHAKTI’. As I always say, “Sangarsh bhara jeevan tera, sangarsho se ghabrana nahi, jab raat ho kali to samjho hone wali hai shubh diwali. Jeevan ke iss rann me tumko vishwas atal rakhna hoga, sau bar giro phir bhi lakshay bhedh tabhi hoga, hai agneepath sa yeh jeevan tu nirbhig needar iss par chal, charan pakhaegi manzil tu nishchit hogi teri vijay. Parcham tu hi lehraegi, ho ekagra bas chalti chal, bas chalti chal. Vijay sunichit hai teri aaj nahi to kal.”
Q3: How should women manage their health with work-life and home responsibilities?
Somya Gurjar: Being a woman is like embodying Durga’s nine forms, each connected to nine Vedic medicines. Vedic texts describe what women should eat and consume at various life stages—childhood, teenage, adulthood, or old age. Vedic knowledge teaches us how to maintain our health, which is crucial because when women stay healthy, the entire family and the entire country become healthy.
Q4: Jaipur Greater has established crèches and e-libraries. Do you think this will increase the number of working women?
Somya Gurjar: Absolutely. Since the inception of the crèches, women no longer have to sacrifice their duties as mothers. Working women can now be carefree about their children’s upbringing. The crèches are located in the same buildings, allowing mothers to keep an eye on their children. This initiative has made women more effective in their work. Additionally, the e-library and free Wi-Fi zones help women stay connected to digital media. We are also planning to develop sports complexes and auditoriums to ensure children receive what they need. This is how we plan to proceed further.
In this insightful interview, Mayor Somya Gurjar demonstrates how dedication, effective time management, and innovative initiatives can help women balance their work and personal lives, leading to a more empowered and inclusive society.