I was the firstborn child, being a girl was disappointing for my mother and she could never form any bonding with me. My nana loved and cared for me. As a young child, I witnessed the dark side of the partition of India - the bloodshed, and molestation of women and children. My father collected us from his village and we went to Delhi where he was working in a government job. I started my schooling and remember having a copper plate as a souvenir given to every pupil in the school in August 1947. I could not enjoy the event as there was no mention of death and destruction, the price paid by humanity.

I did well at school and got a scholarship to go to the university. My parents were reluctant. I was determined and had to cross many barriers and hurdles to access university education. I got good marks in my M.A. and was offered a lectureship in a college. My parents did not allow me to sign the contract and arranged my marriage.