The real meaning.

Born and brought up in an Indian household,  “Shameless” is the one word I’ve heard so much that at one point, it became synonymous with my name.

Walk down the street wearing shorts and you’re shameless. Talk back to an uncle who cannot keep his hands to himself and you’re shameless. Go against your parents’ wishes of getting you married at an early age and you’re shameless. Pursue an out of the box career and you’re shameless. Laugh loudly and you’re shameless. Protest rapes and you’re shameless. And the worst- get raped and be called shameless.

We, as Indians have strongly misunderstood the meaning of this word. It isn't something derogatory or calumnious. I will tell you what it really means.

Shameless is power. Power to do what you want and to tell everyone else to fuck off. Shameless is knowing you are right and standing up for what you think is the truth even if it means standing alone. Shameless is not submitting to the norms of a chauvinistic society. Shameless is being able to feel the wind in your hair. Shameless is being a woman in this male dominated society.  Shameless is freedom. Shameless, ladies, is beautiful.

So the next time someone calls you shameless, don’t  sulk, cry or feel insulted. Just remember what it really means ;)





Special thanks to Amna Usman and Zikra Siddiqui. :)