“Mary…who?”—Until three years ago this would be our reaction when someone would try to talk about Mary Kom as most of us didn’t know about her, the three times World Cup Champion in boxing and the second runner up at the 2012 London Olympics among numerable other similar accolades. However, nowadays, thanks to the Olympics show (the only event that makes us aware of the athletes) and, more to the commercial biopic made on her under Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s banner that finally we have started recognizing her and give her the respect she has deserved since years now. In spite of being from a prejudiced area in India, she brought India much fame, and this list is dedicated to her. It features some of the lessons she taught us through her endless struggles and her umpteen successes—

3. Do you Still Think Women are Weaker?

Well, the notion of women as being the “weaker sex” has been counterfeited by numerous feminists through numerous books and seminars. But, Mary Kom went a bit further to actually show, through her own life and achievements, that if she’s led to do what she actually wants, and if, like the guys, she is actually listened to and helped by some well wishers, she can also ride to the zenith of success. And, being hailing from a lower middle class North eastern background, she has indeed set an example to all the girls alike, irrespective of any social divisions.

2. Do you Think Motherhood is Everything?

Well, women have been entwined with the symbol of all surrendering mother since ages and more so in India. In fact, it is a firm belief among many that women’s sole aim in life should be to give birth to generations, and once a mother, she must stop everything. But, Mary Kom has shown us the other side of it. She showed that women can actually manage motherhood and work or hobby (whatever you find it right to say) side by side and excel in both of them. To those women out there who surrender themselves completely to motherhood and other filial duties, she is indeed an idol.