The train’s rhythmic sound was like a musical beat as I found my seat, ready for the trip. Little did I know that this regular train ride would become a big adventure, changing how I see women’s journeys in our human world.
A lively girl sat beside me, bringing energy to the ordinary setting. With the train’s rhythmic movement, I delved into my book, avoiding eye contact—the classic introvert move—hoping the pages would serve as an invisible “do not disturb” sign.
Before long, the girl beside me spoke up, her voice gentle but determined. She asked about the book I was reading, effortlessly breaking through my quietness. I hesitantly told her the title, “Still I Rise,” by Maya Angelou, and surprisingly, she seemed genuinely interested. I told her about the poem and why I was enjoying it.
I got a bit curious, or maybe it was just me being polite, but either way, I finally asked her back, “So, what about you? What do you do?
She dropped a bombshell: “I’m a PoSH trainer. “Puzzled, I pondered, “What on earth is PoSH training?”. It seemed like she could read my mind, and she promptly clarified that it stands for prevention of sexual harassment.
Suddenly, a lightbulb flickered in my mind, and I thought, “Oh, I’ve heard of this before! Why didn’t I connect the dots earlier?”Anyway, she sensed my temporary lapse in knowledge and graciously filled in the gaps.
As we talked about her job, Shuchi shared with me the story of meeting her friend a year ago and how it brought purpose to her Life.
Oh, by the way, did I forget to mention Shuchi’s name before? Yep, she’s the one sitting right next to me.
Her friend confided that her senior was making comments she disliked, and despite thinking about it, she chose to ignore the situation. As obvious, Shuchi suggested her friend report these incidents.
But guess what? Her friend had zero clue where to complain or what might happen if she did. This experience motivated Shuchi to find ways to help her and women who are facing sexual harassment silently.
This quest led her to discover PoSH.
PoSH, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act of India, mandates that every organisation define its sexual harassment policies, prevention systems, procedures, and service rules for its employees.
After discovering it, she did PoSH training and became a certified PoSH trainer. Now, she goes to offices and gives training.
Her role involves educating them about the policy’s intricacies, discussing government regulations, and guiding them through the process of filing compliance annually. Shuchi has transformed from an observer to an advocate, actively contributing to creating safer and more respectful work environments.
Shuchi’s stories kept coming as the train moved along, like unwrapping a present filled with empowerment and change. The train’s rhythmic beats seemed to match the rhythm of my thoughts, making everything clearer.
The quirky tone she infused into her stories made it easier to digest the weight of the subject matter. From workplace dynamics to public spaces, the narrative painted a vivid picture of women’s daily battles.
Her stories weren’t just about training sessions and legal jargon but about empowering individuals to create a safer, more inclusive environment. She highlighted the importance of bystander intervention and fostering a culture where everyone felt responsible for upholding respect and dignity.
Finally reaching our stop, Shuchi beamed with a proud smile. “Who would have thought a simple train journey could turn into such an amazing meet?” her eyes shining with happiness.
Before we went our separate ways, Shuchi shared one piece of advice: “Life’s got lots of unexpected surprises. Stay alert, and who knows what’s around the corner!”
With the echo of train wheels fading in the distance, Shuchi disappeared into the busy station, leaving me with a heart whole of new awareness and a curious spirit for the surprises the future might hold.
That regular train journey had become a special chapter, all thanks to Shuchi, the lively girl who shared her stories of strength and advocacy.
When I returned, Maya Angelou’s poem and Shuchi’s stories of women kept playing in my head like a catchy tune.
After dinner, I sat down to write and penned a poem about my thoughts. Take a look here.
I firmly believe that the most extraordinary journeys begin with a single step into the unknown. Have you ever encountered someone unexpectedly?
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
This post is a part of Her Journey Blog Hop hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed
Some incidents or accidents stay with you for long. Some bring you grief but some bring you inspiration. Shuchi is one such incident. I’m glad you both found each other on a simple, mundane train ride.
Yes, I agree that often conversations with strangers lead to new avenues in life and we learn many things. Those thoughts stay in our mind for long unless we bring in some change in reality.
What an eye opening encounter it was Anjali… and something that remained with you forever. I’ve only mostly had the hello/hi type of interactions with people around me whenever I’ve travelled… nothing significant. Btw, PoSH is a new term for me… I didn’t know there exists a job profile like that… quite interesting and inspiring.
Such unexpected encounters make journeys especially train journeys special and worthwhile. I had never heard this term, PoSH, thanks to you and Shuchi, I got to know and learn about PoSH and now I’m keen to learn more about it.
Can I just confess that I have never had a conversation with a stranger during travel. I mean I was raised that way. But after reading this, I have a major fomo now. May be I should try it every once a while.
I think with some people you just click! I have had some interesting encounters of my own though people are more wary of small talk and sharing personal information nowadays, still, sometimes you can learn so much about the world when you see it from another’s perspective.
You have beautifully given info on a crucial topic related to women. I read your poem as well. True, we are small but strong in all ways. I agree, little encounters leave big impacts, if we are willing to learn.
Never heard of the term PoSH before even when I was working. It’s like a term that I have never known before. Talking with strangers is a thing I still feel not comfortable with and while traveling I have never done so.
I’ve never heard about a PoSH trainer, though I’ve heard of committees that work toward sexual harassment. Thanks for bringing this story to our lives. Though, I did not hear Suchi’s stories, my mind’s beginning to wonder what a change she must be bringing into companies and through it to people’s lives.
Love that thought of creating safer and more inclusive workplaces. I think we just like to whine that such things are difficult. They aren’t difficult. One just needs to take the first step – as you rightly said – and the rest follows.
What an amazing women Shuchi is. Unlike most of us, she didn’t offer just solace and support through her words. She saw a need for change and took the opportunity to bring it about herself by being part of a much-needed movement. No wonder she left a lasting impression on your mind. I wish to meet someone like that someday 🙂
That was a very nice train journey – there was a time when I loved to talking to strangers but I guess with age, that feeling went away. Posh is indeed very important for women to know, but a friend recently told me – who has gone through the process that in case of harassment – it might just be best file a criminal complaint rather go via Posh. As with everything in Indian, we might have good laws or policies but they dont always get implemented very well.
reading this post reminds me of my train journeys. true, sometimes a talk with stranger gives a new perspective to our thoughts.
Sometimes we meet strangers and they become inspiration. Your train journey is remarkable. I just smiled when I travel. POSH – I don’t know this term and glad to know about posh a mandatory for every organisation. Thank you for writing this post to educate us.
I too was thinking to get certified in POSH as it’s a need of the hour and in every organisations it has become mandatory. Very important topic and require lots of awareness.
I loved reading this. In schools too, we have a PoSH committee. It’s the need of the hour.
These chance encounters with strangers often leave a lasting impact on us. Kudos to Shuchi for taking the initiative to bring about change. Not many are aware of PoSH or even have access to the support.
People say I connect with strangers real fast but that’s my way to take the first initiative to break the ice to make the interactions easy and fruitful. Long back when I was in my MBA years returning back from Varanasi to my hometown on 31st dec my coupe was allotted in a compartment where there were only males…but I have to go and left with own choice. The man next to my seat was in mid 50’s and the rest were within 25 to 35 years. I was so scared can even sleep properly as the train will reach destination only next day 10 AM. From the conversations of the young group I understood that few will drop down in Gaya and few in Patna. I thought I need to stay awake till they get down in their respective station. The man next to me started chatting with me, asked me what I do and where I am going. To show me brave I said I am working and one of my friend will accompany me from Varanasi so that he feels I will not be alone. He started engaging with me and talked about his family and his job which kept hi so far from family. He said he had a daughter almost like me and that’s why talking to me. I was not showing my tension on face and answered to his questions with a smile. All I knew I need to travel with him. I was feeling sleepy but cant sleep and then dinner was served in train and I refused to take, because god knows if my tummy goes wrong what will I do and no female there to take care of my luggage. Seeing me not taking food he offered me his food from office canteen but I said I had meal before boarding the train. He kept watching me and said nothing. I understood he caught my stress behind the face. Finally Gaya and varanasi came and those men group deboarded. I knew I lied to the man that my friend will board from varanasi, so the moment he went to toilet I took the blanket and wrapped me well and lay down on my seat. He came back to seat and called me (by this time he knew my name as TT checked the ticket calling my name) I didnt answered and acted sleeping. I dont know when my eyes closed and I got back to sense hearing a voice calling me…. Samata… Samata… I didnt respond as I knew its his voice. He uttered ” Happy New year Samata…. I understood the clock ticked 12 and its new year. I felt his step moving out as the train stopped in some station… I more time…. Happy New Year Samata.. But didnt move. After few minutes then train started and I understood I am alone in the coupe… I removed my blanket and on the tea rack I saw an apple on a small note… ” Take care Samata… Happy New Year… U are like my daughter… I am not a bad mam. Stay blessed… The stranger man. ….. Anjali I still remember this incident … For me it was an mixed emotion and such stories become a reality in the train journeys for sure. You story remind me of that.
Yes, I have had unexpected encounters a few times during journeys. I didn’t have any idea about PoSH. Thank you for letting us know. Yes bystanders also have great responsibility.
I never knew something like POSh exist d. Likewise its always good when the train journey let’s us Meet individuals who make a difference in our life in terms of life learnings
Nice you have found happiness because of a train journey and your unexpectedly fellow traveller, life has surprises totally agree.
Wow I should look up this training, maybe I can also do something about this situation with women around the world. And your poem is also lovely. Just commented on it separately.
Wow, I just loved reading the post. I never heard about POSH and even did not know about the profession of POSH trainer. such an eye-opening post .
Train journeys can be so life changing is so true with your story. It is essential to work on these topics as it is important for safe work places.
This was surely a life-changing journey. PoSH trainer was a big step for the young woman. Change, I believe, can be brought by ourselves when we empower everyone around us. I am glad she took that first step, and I am glad she met you, so that all of us could learn from your interaction with her.
What an encounter and enlightening journey. I have not met a stranger like this but one friend; I met online, Moushmi who is 12 years younger than me, has a physically challenged son and when I was alone, family and friends abandoned me, I had gone through a spine surgery and was asked to quit my job and almost on the verge of ending my life; she came as an angel and saved my life.
Ive heard of POSCO but Not PoSH trainer but her job might be incredibly hard but again interesting and great. I went through your POEM too it was great!
Thanks to your post I know of a new term PoSH and its significance. Indeed you experienced a remarkable journey. Hope the group continues to empower many women about their workplace rights.
Shuchi is a wonderful person to encounter. Often journeys end up in ways that are so meaningful. In a world that can often be traumatic, such angels are meant to light up other people’s lives.
I loved reading the poem I am here to vocalise, a very strong poem !
And honestly even I hesitate to open up to strangers but your post highlights that some unexpected conversations can be game changers . I came to know about a new term – POSH trainers. I loved reading it.
You learn something new everyday! Didn’t think there was a specilized trainer for POSH. always thought the HR dept. was responsible for it…. Shuchi is true hero. She took action and made something out of her passion, that is truly a feat.
I too have had some wonderful encounters with people when least expecting it. Enjoyed reading your story.