Women's Day: Maitreyee Joshi

Maitreyee Joshi

Dr Maitreyee Joshi is an Ophthalmologist and a Psychologist by profession and an enthusiastic writer. 

She has written two books of poetry, SHELLS AND MELODIES and INSIGHT. PINHOLE - A Bit Clearer is her first novel. CUT AND DRY is her recently published short story collection. 

She has also written a memoir of her serious illness during the pandemic by the name ON THE EDGE. 

WHY? 

Today when I stood at the crematorium 

Since my friend lost her father to old age,

Memories came flooding one by one-

I recalled, another time when 

Another soul had departed and my sister

Tearfully asked, “They said, only a son

Can set the parents soul free. Only a son! 

Then, what will happen to our parents?”

I had no answer to her question then, 

But my mind grew quiet, yet determined, 

When I lost my father and later my mother

I performed their last rites, amidst whispers

Of whether I did wrong or right. 

I often wonder why women are prevented

From accompanying their loved ones

To the crematorium, and why can't women

Conduct the last rites? 

Maybe each relation needs a responsibility

And so, daughters and sons are given their own

But I fail to agree that women are weak

And can't bear to see their loved ones burn.

If a woman is strong enough to bear 

Labour pains, and bring life to the world

Why is she not deemed strong enough to see 

Her loved ones leave for their heavenly abode?

---

Setu, March 2025