Ever feel like women are missing from our history books? Myra Pollack Sadkar hit the nail on the head with her quote, ‘Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.’ Our history has been sieved through a patriarchal lens, leaving out the stories and struggles of Indian women who helped shape our nation.
While we celebrate the achievements of great Indian men, the stories of Indian women are often relegated to the shadows. It’s almost as if their contributions never existed. Our historical narratives are tainted with patriarchy, and sadly, the present isn’t too different. Female infanticide, child marriage, and dowry-related deaths still plague our society.
Rohitash Kumar, a former media professional, was deeply affected by the statistics on female infanticide. In 2014, he took a leap of faith, leaving his job to start Like Girl Birth, an initiative to combat infanticide. Despite facing financial challenges and family opposition, Rohitash remained dedicated to his cause.
Today, he works with various NGOs, fighting for women’s health, safety, and empowerment. His journey is a testament to the power of one individual’s passion to bring about change, even in the face of adversity.
“Money comes eventually when the intent is right,” Rohitash remarked with a smile during our recent interview. His latest endeavor, sparked by a simple conversation with his niece, is both unique and ambitious. As he played with her and shared stories about his work, she innocently suggested, “Why don’t you start a women’s museum?”
Her words struck a chord with Rohitash. The lack of Indian women’s narratives in history had been on his mind for a while. “The thought that the young women of our country had hardly anyone to look up to was something that had been haunting me,” he shared. Initially, he had considered organizing a Women’s Day exhibition, but he realized that a museum would have a more lasting impact.
“We certainly needed something like a museum that stands as a permanent testimony of the great women of the past who have been sidelined by our history books and political narratives,” Rohitash explained.
His research into Indian women achievers and path-breakers further fueled his determination. He was astounded by how their contributions had been conveniently erased from history. This realization solidified his vision for the Indian Women’s History Museum.
Rohitash’s journey is not just about preserving the past; it’s about inspiring future generations. Through his museum, he aims to give Indian women the recognition they deserve and provide young girls with role models to look up to
The Indian Women History Museum (IWHM) इंडियन वीमेन हिस्ट्री म्युज़ियम is not just a dream; it’s a movement to preserve, celebrate, and honor the often-overlooked contributions of Indian women throughout history. Founded by Rohitash Kumar, this museum aims to be a beacon of inspiration, shining a light on the remarkable achievements and stories of women who have shaped India’s past and present.
Rohitash Kumar’s journey to founding the IWHM is a testament to his passion for women’s history and his commitment to creating a lasting impact. It all began with a simple idea that sparked during a playful moment with his niece. Her innocent question, “Why don’t you start a women’s museum?” ignited a fire within Rohitash, leading him to realize the need for a permanent space dedicated to Indian women’s history.
Driven by this vision, Rohitash dove into extensive research, uncovering the stories of countless women whose contributions had been marginalized or erased from mainstream narratives. He was astonished by the resilience, courage, and accomplishments of these women, and he knew their stories deserved to be told.
The IWHM is not just about preserving the past; it’s about empowering the future. Rohitash believes that by showcasing the achievements of women from the past, we can inspire and empower present and future generations of women. He envisions the museum as a place where women can see themselves reflected in history, giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
Currently, the IWHM is in its initial stages, working tirelessly to secure a permanent space. In the meantime, the team is actively engaging with government organizations, investors, and the public to raise awareness and support for the museum. They are organizing exhibitions, workshops, and events in schools and colleges to educate people about the museum’s mission and garner support.
The road ahead is challenging, but Rohitash and his team are determined to make the IWHM a reality. They believe that by preserving and celebrating Indian women’s history, they can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Join the movement. Support the Indian Women History Museum. Together, we can rewrite history and ensure that the voices of Indian women are heard and remembered for generations to come.
