Hair story ... Vinit Vartak ©

 Hair story ... Vinit Vartak ©

Hair is, in fact, an ornament of feminine beauty. It has been unknowingly associated with beauty in many songs and language, from 'Hi Chaal Turuturu, Udati Kes Bhurubhuru' to 'Yeh Reshmi Zulfe'. That is why hair is of paramount importance in a woman's life. Haircuts or changing their shape, color, or length can have a profound effect on a woman's personality. This effect is very intense on both sides. one hand It supports a woman, on the other hand, It has the power to ruin her life. That is why these hairs are even more important in a patriarchal society. But what if at some point this ornament falls off a woman? This thought will put a thorn in the side of every woman. I don't look pretty anymore? How to behave in society? How to deal with indoor and outdoor looks? Many such questions will arise in front of her. Will she be able to stand on her own two feet? Today's hair story that answers many such questions.

The story begins a few years ago when Ketki Jani, who was born as Gujarati but grew up in the culture of Pune, takes an unexpected turn in her life. Living in an ordinary middle-class family, Ketki's life was filled with black clouds of depression. The hair on the head, which used to fall a little, now begins to fall in mass. The forehead, which once had very thick hair, is now exposed. The very thought of being bald before realizing what was happening drove her into a deep depression. In the next 4-5 years, the beauty ornament on her head was taken away by 'Alopecia', which is also known as Chai Padne in Marathi. What this disease has brought with it more than hair is her confidence. Once upon a time, a mother, a wife, a woman standing on her own two feet, her self-confidence was more important than her hair, it ended somewhere.

In the midst of such deep despair, the society started rubbing salt on the wounds of her mind. The thought of a bald woman, the masculine gaze of such a woman, the contempt in that gaze, the contemptuous attitude of a non-beautiful woman, the hesitation to be included in the mainstream of society were all forcing her to take a step somewhere. That step is to end life. But her daughter's words gave her a glimmer of hope somewhere. From there, the journey of a phoenix flying through the ashes began. For the first time, Ketki decided to accept the situation. After listening to the advice of allopathic, ayurvedic, homeopathic, ghost vampire, mantra-tantra, everyone who came to give her shoulder to stop her hair falling out. She decided that what she really needed to do was learn to accept situation and make the most out of it. But reading it all was not as easy as it seemed. The first step was to stop feeling disgusted about yourself when you first looked in the mirror. Because if we accept ourselves, it will be very difficult for us to imagine that people will accept us.

Since childhood, Ketaki wanted to get something tattooed on her body. She was looking for the answer as to where to get the tattoo. With this unexpected turn in her life, God had made available to her a canvas that no one else in the world had. It was her bald head. She sprayed her favorite color on the canvas. Then came a new invention of beauty. She regained her lost confidence many times over, but at the same time, the same illness that had plunged her into the abyss of despair gave her a classic beauty that only she had. A new chapter in the field of modeling has been written on the world stage under the name of 'Ketki Jani'. A bald woman is seen in a different light by society, India and alternatively the world. Today, Ketki Jani's closet has accumulated so many testimonials and awards. The society which used to look at her from the point of view of a woman who is hated and not beautiful, today the same society is looking for words to appreciate her beauty. This journey of Ketki Jani is inspiring but beyond that it is tearing the veil of double vision of the society.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience his inspiring journey in Pune, to talk to her personally and to learn about the movement she has set up against alopecia. The aura in her personality impressed me more than her travels. The simplicity of her whole personality, her confidence, her ability to make feel next person comfortable in a few seconds and at the same time her ability to respond to the person in front of him fearlessly are, in my opinion, her true beauty. Once again, when I met her, I realized that the effect of a woman's personality is more beautiful than her physical beauty. I would like to thank Medha purkar & the Maitra Group for giving me the opportunity to meet and get to know a very inspiring personality like Ketki Jani on the occasion of the special invitation extended by the Maitra Group to there annual gathering. Also Ketki Jani in her few minutes conversation i felt your fight against alopecia and the urge to help people suffering from this disease. It would be a great honor for me to have the opportunity to play a role in your movement.

The story of hair is not over, but it has begun. I urge all readers not to underestimate any woman around you who suffers from alopecia. Give them a chance to get into the mainstream of society. Alopecia is a physical illness not a mental illness. But let us be aware that it is our responsibility to prevent them from becoming mentally ill. 

My best wishes for the next journey of Ketki Jani and Maitra...

Note: - The wording in this post is copyrighted.