International Women’s Day: Educate women with an aim, says Dr Ranjana Malik

International Women’ Day for Dr Ranjana Malik is a day to acknowledge and celebrate women, who are empowered members of the society.

An inspiring woman who dons many a hat with élan, Dr Malik is enjoying a busy week with a couple of engagements as a speaker and hostess. An Army Captain back in 60s, she later worked with Oil and Natural Gas Commission for 20 years, only to take premature retirement to join her husband, Gen VP Malik (retired), who was a Corps Commander then.

Popular as the saree queen in social circles, a fabulous cook and a wonderful host, she is known for her passion for books, obsession for gardening and immense love for travelling. Not only does she host the Retired Defence Officers’ Wives’ Association annually, but also children and domestic staff working in her lane, including maids, malis and drivers in her beautiful lawn, along with many other engagements, including the Book Reader’s Club.

A great believer in God, her calling lies in reaching out to the ones in need. Of course, that came in handy in her years as the head of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), as her husband led the country to victory in the Kargil War. Even decades on, she has stayed a beacon to women around.

Totally against calling a veer nari bechari, she emphasised on the way forward for Army wives, ensuring the sacrifice of their husbands were not forgotten and the nation stood with them. She has kept in touch with the women and their families. “Personal interactions keep me going. I believe whether one is speaking to a senior or a junior, one must have the feet firmly planted on the ground and keep the interaction positive.”

Active and agile, it’s hard to miss the joie de vivre in her voice and persona. “I wouldn’t deny that I have medical issues, but if I was to give in to them I would be worse off. So, I try to be active physically, socially and mentally too,” says Dr Malik, who is part of numerous social initiatives.

“Educate women with an aim. “Women today as empowered member of society have a great responsibility. Every woman needs to be self-reliant, only then can they contribute to the greater good of the family and society at large.”