If I Gave Up, I'd Be Risking Two Beautiful Lives: Rida Tharana in a Powerful Video

In Indian households, eldest daughters often take on the roles of mothers and protectors, facing challenges and traumas while standing up for themselves and their younger siblings. Rida Tharana, a motivational speaker and digital creator, has been sharing her story of breaking generational curses and finding healing. 

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rida Tharana candidly shares her powerful story of growing up in a small village, her challenges as a girl, and her remarkable journey of personal growth. Through her own words, Rida takes us on a profound exploration of her experiences, highlighting the constraints of gender roles and the determination that led her to break free and pursue her dreams.

"We never dreamt big"

Rida reflects on her humble origins, stating, "As 3 girls coming from a small village, we never dreamt big, neither were we pushed to." Growing up, the weight of gender roles overshadowed their lives, as the belief that girls could never fill the void left by a boy dominated their household. Rida vividly describes the extreme misery and lack of freedom that marked their teenage years.

Escaping the Shackles

The fear of disappointing others and the constant worry of not being accepted kept Rida and her sisters confined. Rida shares, "We didn't have the freedom to do anything, and we were scared to death to ask for it." The fear of rejection and the "what if they don't like this" mindset held them back from breaking free from their shells. However, Rida's determination led her to chart a different path through education.

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A post shared by Rida Tharana (@rida.tharanaa)

Rida reveals that she strategically planned her education to pave the way for her escape. By pushing herself to move to Bangalore, she sought a better future away from the limitations of her village. While the years from 16 to 21 were undoubtedly the most challenging, they significantly shaped Rida into the person she is today.

Transformation and Self-Construction

Rida acknowledges those years' profound impact on her life, stating, "It made and constructed me to be the person I am today." Despite the hardships, Rida's determination shone through, moulding her into a strong and empowered individual who is helping so many others through her words today!

Motivated by Sisterhood

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 Rida emotionally reveals what kept her going: "My sisters... If I gave up, I'd be risking two beautiful lives. They are talented girls, and I could not risk that." 

She continued, "Yes, I did it for myself. I did not prove it to anyone. I constantly kept doing things for myself. I constantly kept working on myself. But in the back of my head, I realized that there are two girls who need a little push, who might not rebel against things if I did not stand up and do this now. My girls will believe that they won't be able to do it too because Didi couldn't do it. And now, I have a home with me. Living in the same house, doing things that they want to do, earning their own money, splitting bills with me, paying their own rent, taking responsibility. And that's exactly what I was working for — that kept me going, and they still keep me going."

Rida's courageous act of sharing her story received an outpouring of support and admiration. One comment beautifully expressed, "I'm crying. So powerful. Generational healer."

More power to you, Rida. Keep inspiring!

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Exclusive: Rida Tharana on Overcoming Career Setbacks and Staying True to Herself