Celebrating the Women Who Shape Us: Stories from Puri Oil Mills

As we approach International Women's Day, it's a time to reflect on the profound influence the women in our lives have on us. At Puri Oil Mills, we wanted to capture the essence of these celebrations by sharing personal stories from our employees. We asked them the following two questions:

1. Who are the important women in your life and why?

2. Does your mom cook? What's your favourite dish that your mother cooked for you?

Their answers reminded us of the deep connections, love, and respect we share for the important women in our lives and we wanted to share the same with you.

Celebrating the women who shape us

Pratibha's Pillars of Strength

Pratibha shares a touching narrative of the women who have been her backbone through life. "The most pivotal figures in my life have been my mother and elder sister. Though they are no longer with us, their teachings on kindness and humanity have profoundly shaped who I am. Whatever I am today is all because of them," Pratibha recalls with a hint of nostalgia.

But life has a way of filling voids, as Pratibha found solace in friendships that blossomed into familial bonds. "After losing my sister at a tender age, I was blessed with a friend who became the sister I needed. And later, another friend who offered both sisterly and motherly affection. These incredible women have been my steadfast support, filling my life with love and strength."

Regarding the second question, Pratibha shared "Yes. My mom used to cook very delicious food. Though she is no more but I really miss many dishes which she used to cook for me which were my favourite dishes and were very tasty - Dosa, Idli, Sambhar, Kadi, Besan Burfi, Chaulai laddoo, Ganth Gobhi vegetable, Bajra and Gud churma."

Madhu's Circle of Joy

For Madhu, the joy in her life comes from the laughter and love of her daughters and sister. "They are my favourite people, my source of happiness. It's a blessing to have such loving beings in my life."

While talking about her mother cooking, Madhu shares "Yes - my mother loved cooking. My mom's special potato-filled capsicum was my favourite. It's a recipe I now prepare for my own family to keep her memory alive and my daughters love it"

Anju's Rock

Anju's story centres on the unwavering support and influence of her mother. "My mother is the most important person in my life. She has always been there for me. My mother is one of the most influential people in my life and always will be."

While responding to the question about her mother's cooking, Anju shared, "My mother is an amazing cook. Whenever I visit her, she makes my favourite dish fish curry."

Tejasvini's Laughter-Filled Bonds

Tejasvini celebrates the women in her life who bring laughter and closeness. "One of the important women in my life is my nani. Over time not only have we become closer, but more importantly we have a good laugh together! My nani and sister especially are among the funniest people I know.”

While responding to the question about her mother cooking, Tejasvini shared "No, my mom doesn’t cook! Though in lockdown she made a few things, of which her pasta was probably the best."