Kathmandu:

Behind every successful man, there is a woman — perhaps these words have been overused and become too, clichéd. However, one cannot deny a woman’s continued and active support in a man’s life is a privilege only a few men get to enjoy. And when a man and a woman embark on any endeavour as equals and match one’s steps with the other’s, there is no saying as to how limitless the horizon of possibilities is.

And this is never more true than in the lives of Binod and Kamal Keshari Tuladhar’s.

The Tuladhars opened the Bluebird Departmental Store in 1983. As there were no other store of its kind in the country then, they were aware of the risks. Despite the doubts, they went ahead with the project which after two decades is still running successfully.

“People tell me that I am the heart of this business,” says Kamal.

Describing their professional side of life, Kamal says, “Having my husband for a boss suits me perfectly. Sometimes he fires me, sometimes I fire myself, but we always settle our differences over a cup of coffee quickly.”

Kamal got involved in the running of it after the birth of their son. “Finding children’s stuff was almost impossible. Everything had to be imported. I felt the necessity to start a children’s section in the store,” says Kamal.

A simple thought, a mother’s need and a woman’s desire saw Kamal enter her husband’s business realm and has been handling the children’s and ladies section with utmost attention.

“She has a better insight than me in that section and does it very competently,” says Binod.

And of her journey so far, she says, “It has been a smooth one because Binod and his parents have been very encouraging and supportive.”

“She has been an asset to the company. It helps to have someone who I can completely trust,” says Binod. And Kamal is quick to add, “I believe I’m his eyes and ears. People are hesitant to approach him. Everyone talks with me, and I love to socialise so I get a better insight to people’s views.”

Kamal’s other passion is social work and is associated with organisations like Bal Bhojan, ASMAN Scholarship Programme. “I am not one to just sit back and reflect on the problem. I do the necessary to make sure to get results,” she says.

Her advice to other women is: “Though I did not study much, I have been satisfied with my achievements in various fields. So, it is very important to have confidence in yourself.”

This story of lending support is repeated in the lives of Sangeeta and Chandra Tiwari, who have introduced the Capital’s denizens to the delicious cold meat variety of Nina and Hager’s. However, Sangeeta’s entry into this domain was more of a compulsion. When Chandra ventured into it, she supported his decision.

In the 16 years of running their now famous establishment and with workers to help them out, she works as hard as she did when they had just started out. Sangeeta works as hard as her husband, though he insists that “she works more”.

Running a food business is not easy. Their day starts early and ends whenever they finish their work for the day. However, Sangeeta has not let her hectic schedule hamper her household responsibilities. From workout to puja, buying vegetables to cleaning both the house and the factory, everything is included in her daily itinerary.

However, she never stopped being a mother. Daughter Nina says, “I have absolutely no complaints. Despite being super busy with the factory, she was always there for us. She even used to iron our clothes and help us with our assignments. She has been more like a friend to me,” and added, “She is the best mum.”

Chandra realised the importance of Sangeeta in his life during her absence. In 2003, she was bedridden for almost six months after an operation. Chandra says, “During that time I realised how indispensable she was to me and my business.”

Even then Sangeeta helped by attending to the phone calls and doing the labelling of products.

The wife who once ventured into the business to support her husband, now gives him ideas. “We venture into plans after both of us have approved it,” says Chandra, who has always appreciated the way she has walked with him.

“I never attend any party if they have not invited her. The business is hers as much as mine, so why not invite her as well?”

When asked to define her journey till now, she says with a smile, “I am very happy. It is our work, and I am glad that it keeps me busy.” Chandra considers himself lucky to get a perfect business partner in his wife. “ I don’t think any wife can be more supportive than the way she has been.”

Alphabets and a woman:

I am an Alphabet woman, a magician with words.

I am a Book woman, reading to stay alive.

I am a Creative woman, forming art from garbage.

I am a Dragonfly woman, flying between the worlds.

I am an Earth woman, friends with trees, flowers.

I am a Flying woman, soaring nightly in my dreams.

I am a Gardening woman, tiller of soil and soul.

I am an Herbal woman, creator of magical potions.

I am an Intuitive woman, looking beyond facades.

I am a Joyous woman, thankful to be alive.

I am a Kind woman, treating others with respect.

I am a Learning woman, hungry for knowledge.

I am a Moon woman, in tune with Lunar cycles.

I am a Nature woman, hearing the earth’s heartbeat.

I am an Ocean woman, drawn by the pull of the tides.

I am a Poet woman, midwife to little poems.

I am a Questioning woman, ever seeking mystery.

I am a Reading woman, devourer of words.

I am a Survival woman, grown stronger with every challenge.

I am a Tattooed woman, wearing my spirit on my skin.

I am an Understanding woman, full of empathy.

I am a Victorious woman, over-comer of obstacles large and small.

I am a Word woman, happiest when immersed in a book or writing.

I am an X-ray woman, seeing though life’s illusions.

I am a Yin-Yang woman, ever seeking balance.

I am a Zealous woman, passionate about truth, life and love. — Marion Lawless