Kucch Kahaaniya, Kucch Kiseei and the Chai Stall Beyond Time

Part 1: Where Does a Revolution Begin? Sowing the Seeds of Change

The Women's Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing report was launched on March 6, 2025 at midnight, just ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. This review examines global trends in women's and girls' rights -  from reports submitted by 159 countries to the UN Secretary General. This day marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, highlighting urgent challenges economic instability, the climate crisis, democratic erosion, and increasing backlash against gender equality. These issues continue to create hurdles for crucial policies like gender-based violence prevention.

Even after years of efforts and awareness, the fight for gender equality still seems a little too far from over.  But just because we have not reached the destined world of complete equality, does not mean there were no efforts at all. History has shown us that real change is weaved by those who carry the fire of change and never give up. 

The Peculiar Chai Stall - Where Women Gather 

We read about many amazing women in India’s history and present day and have selected a few to highlight this year. You may have read about many of these incredible women before. They came from different eras, backgrounds, and professions. They faced different stereotypes and struggles, yet they were united by a shared goal - equality for women and a world free of gender bias.

We were inspired by their stories and thought, there’s always that one 'what if' - what if these strong, brave women from different eras could come together? What if they could sit down and share their struggles, aspirations, and thoughts on the trailblazers of today? To honor this thought, we have created a fictional narrative featuring these real women and their journeys. Let’s listen in to hear their conversations over a cup of chai.

The 7 AM Tea is Ready - Where Change Brews

It is 7 a.m., and the chai stall is quiet, as always, at this hour. But this chai stall is not like you think, it is peculiar or rather special. Here there is no owner or someone who makes and serves chai, it is always there hot and ready to be sipped. The only sounds are of the faded murmur of an old radio. Savitribai Phule gently stirs her chai, her eyes drifting toward the road beyond, as if waiting for someone.

A familiar figure emerges from the morning mist - Anandi Bai Joshi. She walks in, adjusting the folds of her saree.

“So, did you bring an extra today as well?” Anandi Bai asks with a gentle smile.

Savitribai nods. “Well, some habits never leave you,” she says.

They both sit in quiet remembrance, thinking of an era when Savitribai always carried an extra saree. The one she wore would often be soiled with mud, dust, and quiet indignities - but her will to educate girls stood taller than them all. The extra saree was for dignity -  the one she changed into when she reached the school, ready to teach.

Anandi Bai places a hand on Savitribai’s shoulder, the gesture soft, familiar — needing no words.

Bridging the Gap in Education: Beyond Books - The Fight for Dignity

Savitribai looks at Anandi Bai with a comforting smile. “Your journey wasn’t easy either, sister. You lost your child when you were only 14 - an age when you should have been playing with toys, learning, and dreaming of an education. But life handed you grief far too soon.

“And yet, you didn’t let those circumstances break you. You didn’t give in to adversity. And look at you — you became an inspiration for so many women, the first Indian woman to become a doctor. Your path was never easy… but you walked it with courage. And you did it.”

Hansa Mehta arrives next, placing a newspaper gently on the wooden table. “Education. Dignity. None of it came easy,” she says softly. “But look at where we are now.”

Anandi Bai and Savitribai, lost in the quiet weight of their memories, didn’t notice when Hansa Mehta walked in. It was only when Savitribai rose and quietly brought two extra cups of chai — one for Anandi Bai and one for Hansa — that the moment gently shifted.

Savitribai is back with the chai. She adds sugar that is kept at the table and stirs the chai thoughtfully. “Even today, menstrual hygiene continues to keep many girls away from school.”

Anandi Bai sighs. “Education is not just about books. If a girl has to miss school because she lacks basic menstrual resources, isn’t that a failure of society?”

Hansa nods. “That’s why access matters. We’re seeing change - more sustainable, plastic-free options, more awareness. But there’s still a long way to go.”

Sparking the Flame - From Words To Action 

A sudden crackle from the old radio diverted their attention. The announcer's voice filled the space, sharing news of Sudha Murthy’s latest project - one aimed at the betterment of society and the education of young girls.

“So, she’s kept the fire alive,” Anandi Bai said, her voice soft with admiration.

“And with such grace,” Hansa added. “She’s all about action - no grand talks. Just the kind of strength I like.”

The women took a sip of their hot chai - Hansa and Savitribai drinking quietly, while Anandi Bai breathed in softly, trying to cool hers down. After a moment, with a playful smile, she spoke.

“Remember, Hansa? Remember how you stepped in - how you changed the name of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? It was almost called the Universal Declaration of Men’s Rights!” Anandi Bai laughed. “It might have seemed like a small thing to so many people back then but it was not. It was never just about a name. It was about what that name stood for - the inclusivity of women. You too, and no less. It was a battle fought on paper that echoed the larger global struggle for women’s rights, which later was included in the Beijing Platform for Action.”

The group chuckled and smiled, their warmth filling the quiet morning air. Just then, the radio crackled again - this time mentioning Tessie Thomas, India’s own “Missile Woman.” As they listened to the announcer speak of her achievements, Shakuntala Devi walked in.

…

Their chai is still warm, and so is the conversation. Shakuntala Devi has just arrived to add even more energy to the discussion. And we are not done yet, so many more trailblazers are joining.  Who will walk in next? 

Stay tuned for Part Two of our chai conversation, coming soon!

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About the Series: Kucch Kahaaniya, Kucch Kiseei and the Chai Stall beyond Time

This chai is unlike any other, brewed in a stall beyond time itself. This is no ordinary brew; it's infused with resilience, steeped in strength, and warmed by the voices of women who roared for change across generations. It's a chai brimming with sisterhood, a legacy that defies the boundaries of caste, class, and even time itself.

Step into this peculiar stall where history meets the present, where stories of grief and struggle meet tales of unwavering resistance and blazing triumphs. This series is a potent reminder: women, then and now, have been pressured to fit into fragile glass castles of expectations and scrutiny. But we were never meant for delicate glass castles. They have crossed cliffs, oceans, and every barrier placed in their path reminding us that we are meant to shatter glass, to scale cliffs, to navigate oceans – to overcome every barrier in our path.

This series is a celebration. A celebration of women in all their multifaceted glory, for who they are and what they do. Because success isn't a singular measure; it's the boundless spirit of womanhood itself. By now, you've surely tasted it, this chai, this stall, this series – it’s a tribute to the enduring power of women.

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